Mission
Our mission is motivated by the call to Christian charity: As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, and inspired by God's love and compassion, Catholic Charities extends the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need.
Our Work
At Catholic Charities we see the face of Jesus Christ in everyone who comes to our door in search of safety, security, and hope. We welcome them with love and compassion. "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me ... Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." Mt. 25: 37-40
We recognize the intrinsic human dignity of everyone we encounter. At Catholic Charities we serve along a "Continuum of Care," addressing each family or individual's unique needs. We operate with a "hand-up" rather than a "hand-out" approach, helping people out of poverty and providing services that foster long-term goals and encourage independence.
Here are just a few stories of the life-changing impact our agency has on the people we serve thanks to generous donors like you.
Marisol Homes | A support system forever
Monique arrived at Marisol Homes in 2019 when her oldest son, Malakai was just a year old. As a young single mother who lacked resources, she felt like she was out of options and insecure about her next move. A life-changing call led her to Marisol Homes, and she relied on the long-term Catholic Charities’ shelter for single women and their children to help her get back on her feet. She and Malakai moved into transitional housing, with the help of her caseworker in 2019 and then moved into a friend’s house shortly after where a steady job sustained her. It wasn’t until a health scare this year that she would rely on Marisol Homes to help get her back on her feet again.
Monique gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Mateo, in January of 2022. Being a single mother to now two young boys was a challenge, but one that Marisol Homes and the motherhood experience helped her to power through. It wasn’t until a doctor’s check-up with Mateo a year later when their situation required a helping hand. When Mateo turned one, doctors grew concerned that Mateo was not developing at the rate they expected. Expensive hospital stays and sleepless nights piled on. They placed a feeding tube in Mateo, adding an extra level of care on to Monique that required 24/7 supervision.
Her experience with near homelessness in 2019 was a reminder to get back in connection with Marisol Homes again. From the moment they arrived, Monique and her boys felt welcomed back. The shelter provides them with a roof over their heads, a steady supply of nutritious food and access to resources they had never heard of before. They were introduced to a social worker and on-staff healthcare coordinator who could help with medical bills and financial assistance, and Mateo was able to receive the specialized care he needed.
As she talks to her social case worker about housing opportunities on the horizon, she is confident that with the help and connections she has made at Marisol Homes, everything will be okay.
Catholic Charities Housing | Community is everything
When Twan moved into her affordable unit at Marian Plaza in downtown Denver in March of 1991, she never imagined the joy and sense of community she would find there. 32 years later, she smiles with a flower in her hair as she is celebrated along with other residents, for a monumental anniversary of over 30 years of residence. This past month, Catholic Charities Housing staff put on an anniversary luncheon, to highlight Twan and other residents, who have been committed to keeping the spirit of community living after a pandemic.
“(Marian Plaza) has been a huge blessing to me. I’ve learned so much from those who have gone before me, and from those friends who’ve lived with me for a decade,” shared Twan.
Marian Plaza and other Catholic Charities Housing complexes are some of the few affordable housing options available to seniors in Colorado these days. Census surveys have shown for more than a fifth of all Colorado renters, no matter their age, are unsure if they can make their next rent payment.
Another resident at the luncheon, John, shared that he had been in Denver for over 25 years and never thought he would have to worry about paying his basic bills. “It makes me feel safe knowing that there are people like me, that have lived a lot of their years here and will continue to,” shared John. “It’s a great comfort to me.”
The camaraderie and support of all the residents, some of whom may have otherwise experienced loneliness, is a heartwarming part of the human experience. As the luncheon went on, residents who attended, including Twan, made sure that those who were not able to come down for health or other reasons, had a plate of food delivered to them.