Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Western Slope, Catholic Charities operates a unique ministry that extends Jesus Christ’s healing ministry to the poor and those in need across Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties.
From their main office in Glenwood Springs, housed in the historic St. Stephen’s Church, the team also serves out of satellite offices in Avon and Eagle, where they work diligently to support a region defined by its extremes. Home to renowned ski resorts like Vail and Aspen, the Western Slope’s wealth contrasts starkly with the financial struggles of working-class families, many of whom juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
Despite their small size, the Western Slope team embodies the spirit of compassion and resilience. They are a tight-knit group of staff members who offer a broad range of services, from emergency assistance to homeless prevention, while also running housing programs and community integration initiatives.
A Region of Contrasts
Marian McDonough, who has dedicated 16 years to Catholic Charities, painted a vivid picture of the area’s diverse socioeconomic landscape.
“You have the ultra-wealthy with their second, third or fourth homes up here, but we also see families crammed together—three or four households in a single two- or three-bedroom unit,” she explained.
This economic disparity drives much of Catholic Charities’ work on the Western Slope, where high living costs make finding affordable housing a near-impossible task for many. The region’s geography and lack of public transportation exacerbate the housing shortage.
“People might work in Glenwood Springs but live 40 miles away in Parachute,” said Kathy Fitzgerald, a Catholic Charities’ homeless prevention case manager. “And with minimal public transit, the commute can make holding down a job incredibly difficult.”
The shortage of affordable housing close to employment opportunities is a constant challenge, as is the limited availability of rental units overall.
Despite these obstacles, the team has made significant strides. Over the past year, Fitzgerald and her colleague, Jenny Del Cid, have helped 30 families secure stable housing, providing critical rent assistance while families wait long periods—sometimes up to 16 months—for a housing voucher.
“We’ve also housed 14 dogs and seven cats,” Fitzgerald added with a smile, emphasizing that pets are part of the family and just as important to keep together.
Supporting Families in Crisis
One of the many success stories from the past year came through the support of a single mother with an eight-year-old son who had undergone multiple surgeries, Del Cid shared.
“She had to take time off work and reduce her hours, putting them at risk of losing their home,” she recounted.
Thanks to our Homeless Prevention Program, which provides up to six months of rent assistance, they were able to stay in their home. By August, the son had fully recovered, and the mother was back at work full-time.
“It’s these kinds of moments that show how vital our programs are,” Del Cid said.
The team’s emergency assistance programs provide a wide array of support, from rent and utility payments to bus tickets, for clients needing to access shelters in Grand Junction or Denver, given the region’s lack of overnight shelters.
“We help around 30 clients a month,” said Genesys Balcastro, who coordinates the emergency assistance program, emphasizing the program’s life-changing impact, though the numbers may seem small.
Addressing Wage Theft and Empowering Workers
Wage theft is one of the most pressing issues on the Western Slope, particularly in the hospitality and construction sectors. Many seasonal workers, often immigrants with limited English skills, are vulnerable to exploitation.
Pam Sailer, a community advocate, described how Catholic Charities steps in to mediate disputes between workers and employers.
“We’ve helped recover tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages,” she said, attributing the success largely to the agency’s reputation and its ability to offer mediation and translation services. “When an employer realizes we’re involved, most of the time, they pay up.”
In many cases, the workers need to be made aware of their rights under Colorado labor laws.
“We help them read their timesheets, explain that they’re entitled to breaks, and make sure they understand their rights,” Sailer explained. “When they return to the workforce, they’re more empowered because they know how things work.”
Looking to the Future
As the Western Slope team continues to grow and evolve, they have several goals for the coming year. High on their list is expanding awareness of the homeless prevention program, particularly with the opening of the St. Benedict project—a much-needed affordable housing development from Catholic Charities Housing.
McDonough is also focused on onboarding new staff to help meet the rising demand for services. “Supporting this team and our community is our top priority,” she said.
Word of mouth is crucial in the smaller communities they serve, particularly for the Latino population, she added.
“We’ve built a reputation of being trustworthy,” McDonough noted. “Once people know we can help, they reach out, and it becomes a ripple effect.”
Despite the challenges—whether it’s the lack of affordable housing, the long commutes or the lack of shelters—the Western Slope team remains steadfast.
“We’re a small but mighty team,” she said proudly. “And we’re doing incredible work up here.”
From Glenwood Springs to Eagle, the team at Catholic Charities is making a profound difference, providing hope and tangible support to those who need it most in the beautiful yet complex region they call home.
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