When you open your hands and hearts you join us in opening doors for the most vulnerable in our community. Blessings!
Many times over the years, we have heard the words, "I don't know what I would have done without the assistance given to me by Catholic Outreach". These words come from the young mother newly homeless and desperate for diapers and formula for her baby. They come from the 85 year old woman who had never had to request assistance before, but had no food, so she came and tearfully requested an emergency food box. They come from a harried mother of four just as school was ready to start and she needed suitable clothes for her children - she visited the free Clothing Bank and the children all looked great for the start of the new school year.
Each day 90-120 individuals who are literally homeless living on the street come to the Day Center for a shower, to do laundry, check mail, see a physician or therapist and just be for a short time in a safe place.
Our Annual report is entitled "The Last Resort" and each day when the doors open at 9:00 am the line is often very long with many who have come as their last resort.
"To proclaim the dignity and worth of each person and respond to human needs while striving to show the compassion of Christ"
Building upon services offered since 1970, Grand Valley Catholic Outreach was formally incorporated as a legal nonprofit in 1988. Since that time over fifty churches have joined in this effort to provide basic needs services to those who are vulnerable rather than duplicate services. The organization uses 'catholic 'in the universal sense and is supported broadly by individuals and organizations who wish to help fulfill its mission either as volunteers or as donors. Initially a Soup Kitchen and Clothing Bank were opened. During the next decade, in response to growing and unmet needs in the community, financial aid, emergency food and shelter programs were added. 'Almost Home' (a housing locator), and a Day Center providing laundry, shower and medical services for homeless adults were opened. The Book-in-Hand program to promote literacy among young children was added in the late nineties. Transitional Supportive housing for persons, Permanent Supportive Housing for chronically homeless who suffer physical and mental impairments, and Rapid Rehousing have been added in the last decade. St Benedict Place and St Martin Place are housing complexes built by Catholic Outreach that give 62 formerly homeless a place to call home.
Organization name
Grand Valley Catholic Outreach
other names
GVCO
1988
Tax id (EIN)
20-0064007
Category
Housing & Shelter
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
Grand Valley Catholic Outreach 245 S. 1st StreetMesa County, CO, US