Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver (also known as Catholic Charities of Denver) is a Catholic nonprofit organization that provides social services in Northern Colorado. Founded in 1927, it operates programs including homeless shelter and supportive services, affordable housing, early childhood education, counseling, and assistance for families and immigrants. Catholic Charities of Denver is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and serves communities across the Archdiocese of Denver. The organization’s centennial anniversary is scheduled for 2027.[1]
History
Founding and early years (1927–1930s)
Catholic Charities of Denver was established in 1927 as a coordinated charitable agency for the Archdiocese of Denver. Early operations were organized from a small office in downtown Denver and focused on emergency assistance such as food, clothing, and aid for families experiencing poverty and unemployment.[1]
Expansion of services (mid-20th century)
During the mid-20th century, Catholic Charities expanded into a broader range of social-service functions, including child and family services and community-based assistance. By the early 21st century it had developed multiple program areas across the Denver metropolitan area and Northern Colorado.[1]
Samaritan House and homelessness services (1980s–present)
In 1986, Catholic Charities opened Samaritan House in downtown Denver. Catholic Charities describes the facility as the first building in the United States designed specifically to function as a homeless shelter (as opposed to a repurposed building).[2][3] Samaritan House continues to operate as a shelter and support-services site, with additional Samaritan House locations established in the Denver area and Northern Colorado.[4]
2010s–2020s developments
Catholic Charities reports expanded programming in women’s and family services, including the creation of the Marisol Services network and related medical and supportive programs.[1] In 2018, Darren A. Walsh was appointed president and chief executive officer.[5] In 2025, Centro San Juan Diego—a ministry focused on education and support for Denver’s Hispanic community—was formally integrated into Catholic Charities of Denver, according to the organization.[6]
Programs and services
Catholic Charities of Denver provides services through multiple programs, including:
- Homeless shelter and supportive services (including Samaritan House programs)[4]
- Senior Services (including Mulroy Day Center and Catholic Charities Housing)
- Affordable housing through Catholic Charities Housing (an affiliated housing provider)[1]
- Women and family services (including the Marisol Services network)[1]
- Counseling services (including St. Raphael Counseling)[1]
- Early childhood education programs[1]
- Community assistance such as food and emergency support[1]
Leadership and organization
Catholic Charities of Denver is led by a president and CEO. Darren Walsh has served as president and CEO since 2018.[5][7]
Centennial
The organization is scheduled to mark its 100th anniversary in 2027.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 "Catholic Charities of Denver 2020 Annual Report" (PDF). Catholic Charities of Denver. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ↑ "40 Years of Hope: Samaritan House 1986–2026". Catholic Charities of Denver. January 16, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ↑ . National Catholic Register. Missing or empty
|title=(help); Missing or empty|url=(help) - ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Samaritan House Downtown". Catholic Charities of Denver. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "New CEO named for Catholic Charities of Denver". The Denver Catholic. July 25, 2018. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ↑ "Centro San Juan Diego Officially Joins Catholic Charities". Catholic Charities of Denver. July 14, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ↑ "About – Catholic Charities of Denver". Catholic Charities of Denver. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
External links
Category:Catholic charities Category:Organizations established in 1927 Category:Non-profit organizations based in Colorado Category:Social welfare charities based in the United States Category:Archdiocese of Denver
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