Catholic Charities and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Denver

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. 

Samaritan House | From Shelter Resident to Housing Navigator 

More than 20 years ago, Jade herself lived in a Catholic Charities shelter. “I might’ve been six or seven when we got there. Things were rough at home... addiction and domestic violence in the house,” Jade recalled.

For three months, Jade, along with her two siblings and mother, lived at Marisol Homes a long-term shelter for single women and children. That time made a lasting impact on her, introducing her to a sense of stability and community she hadn’t known before. “We had chores and structure. It helped me understand what community meant. I met other kids who were going through similar struggles, which made it feel less isolating.”

After their shelter stay, their caseworker helped them transition into subsidized housing, where Jade spent the rest of her childhood. But her time at the shelter never left her. Years later, Jade returned to volunteer at Samaritan House and it became clear that working at Catholic Charities as a housing navigator was the next step for her.

At 22, Jade also made a life-changing decision to break the cycle of trauma in her family by adopting her two-year-old half-brother, Josiah. “His mother had passed away from an overdose, and he’d already been through so much. I knew I couldn’t let him fall through the cracks,” she explained. 

Adopting Josiah changed her life. Though her job at the shelter is emotionally demanding, picking up her now third-grader after school reminds her why it’s all worth it. Jade’s journey has come full circle and she is now a housing navigator at Samaritan House. 

“I see women come in with nothing, unsure of how to move forward. They need support,” she said. “Recently, a woman came to me just needing someone to talk to—no solutions, just someone who would listen.”

Catholic Charities Housing | Housing Brought Bettie's Light Back

“This place is the best. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”

Bettie Johnson has called Cathedral Plaza her home for the past nine years. At 76, she makes it her mission every day to brighten the halls and can’t go too far before being stopped by her neighbors who she calls friends.

Cathedral Plaza was always at the top of her list. When she got the call that her application was accepted, she already felt happier than she had in months. And because Cathedral Plaza’s location is so convenient, Bettie didn’t have to worry about having to pay for a car or insurance.

Reflecting on those days before she got the call, Bettie says her previous living situation was a stark contrast to her current home. She moved to Denver years ago, but never expected to have to worry about where she could live.

Having found what she calls, “the best place to live” in Cathedral Plaza, a housing community managed by Catholic Charities Housing, Bettie considers it to be the greatest comfort. The transition to Cathedral Plaza marked a significant turning point for Bettie, as she found herself surrounded by a welcoming community and a brighter, more uplifting environment.

As a recipient of housing assistance, Bettie is deeply grateful for the support that has allowed her to establish a sense of security and belonging at Cathedral Plaza. She cherishes the moments spent in the communal areas, engaging in conversations with her neighbors and participating in various activities organized by the community. “This place is the best. I don’t know where I’d be without it. The staff makes us feel like we are people, not just seniors,” shared Bettie.

For Bettie, Cathedral Plaza is not just a place to reside; it’s a nurturing environment that has enriched her life in countless ways. Whether she is on a community outing or sharing stories with her peers, Bettie finds solace and contentment in her home at Cathedral Plaza.