A Move With A Purpose: Denver Rescue Mission Transitions Into New 48th Avenue Shelter

450— that’s the number of lives Denver Rescue Mission is able to change on a daily basis at our new 48th Avenue Center shelter location. The Mission transitioned into the building located at 4600 East 48th Avenue on Thursday, June 24.

This location is just two doors down the street from the original 48th Avenue location that the Mission had been operating for the past several years alongside the City of Denver. Collaborative efforts between the City of Denver, the Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and the Mission made for a smooth and successful transition into the new building. Catholic Charities is now operating the previous 48th Avenue shelter and will provide services for women experiencing homelessness.

The New 48th Avenue Center at a Glance

This 24/7 shelter’s ample space provides more room for our front-line staff to do what they do best—and that is to change lives. The shelter provides three meals a day, a designated bed for each guest, storage, laundry, showers, access to case manager and services, access to medical services through Stout Street Clinic, phone charging stations and more.

When the pandemic hit last year, the Mission fast tracked 24/7 sheltering. Now guests are getting more sleep, showing up for necessary appointments, connecting with case management, accessing healthcare and transitioning out of homelessness. 24/7 sheltering has proven to work.

Celebrating the Opening of of the New Shelter

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, The City of Denver, HOST and the Mission were able to celebrate the transition into this new shelter through a press conference on Wednesday, June 30. The celebration acknowledged the importance of working together to help those experiencing homelessness in Denver. It also emphasized the true value of 24/7 sheltering and how its model helps to better serve the guests needs.

The Mission is honored to be running this facility and partnering with the City of Denver and HOST. We especially look forward to the future and look forward to continuing to change lives together.