When someone who comes to us for help walks into our doors, they often carry more than a bag—they carry exhaustion, uncertainty and the weight of being overlooked.
That’s why their first impression matters so much. A clean, well-kept environment quietly communicates something powerful before a single word is spoken:
“You are valued here.”
And the people who make that feeling possible every day are our custodial team.
“I’ve been to seven shelters around the country, and this is the cleanest one.”
Tom, Shelter Guest
Myth #1: Homeless shelters are dirty
Fact: Denver Rescue Mission shelters are the gold standard
There is a misconception that shelters are unkempt or neglected. The truth couldn’t be more different at Denver Rescue Mission.
Across the Mission’s nine locations, a team of over 30 custodial staff work 365 days a year, ensuring every guest has a clean, safe and welcoming space.
Fun Fact: Every year, each custodial team member is responsible for cleaning the equivalent of 522,786 Broncos football fields— that’s 7.6 times the Denver metro area!
“EVERYONE who tours our shelters cannot help but comment on how clean they are, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment uses us as the gold standard to aim for.”
Cale Johansson, Director of Custodial Services
Our custodial staff don’t do this for appearances, but for people. They help guests feel safe, respected and supported, creating a space for them to breathe, relax and focus on their next steps.
When guests step into a clean space:
- Stress and anxiety levels drop
- Trust becomes possible
- Dignity is reinforced
- A sense of normalcy returns
“The clean environment means a lot, and it helps my mental state knowing that that’s not something I have to stress about.”
Thomas, New Life Program Participant
Myth #2: Custodial work is just about cleaning
Fact: Custodial work is mission work
“It’s more of a mission from God. We are serving in all kinds of ways. It’s not just cleaning, it’s encouraging people, it’s loving people.”
Don Dolin, Manager of Custodial Services at Lawrence Street Shelter & Community Center
For our custodial team, this work is deeply personal and mission-driven.
They understand that their role isn’t just about maintaining buildings—it’s about caring for the people who live, learn and heal inside them. That sense of purpose shows up in every hallway, every room, every shift.
Custodial staff often connect with guests through shared experiences, offering hope and inspiration:
“They’re able to connect with them, and they often share their own story or testimony: ‘I was where you’re at. Now, I have this great and stable job. I got my apartment, I have my house, you can do this, too.’”
Cale Johansson, Director of Custodial Services
Myth #3: Clean buildings can only benefit health and safety
Fact: Clean spaces support dignity, healing and hope
A clean building doesn’t just prevent illness—it helps guests feel respected and cared for, making it easier to engage with our staff and resources available to them to take steps toward stability.
“We have guests stop and thank us all the time for providing clean restrooms or clean linens, and just how that makes them feel accepted or makes them feel better.”
Cassidy Tenner, Manager of Custodial Services at 48th Avenue Center
Fun Fact: Over the span of five months at our 48th Avenue Center, our custodial team cleaned 12,922,000 square feet (about 2.3x the size of the state of Rhode Island) AND 255,000 lbs of linen!
When guests feel respected by their environment, they’re able to move from survival mode into a sense of normalcy and stability. Even small touches, like a fresh mattress or clean sheets and blankets, can transform their day.
“Some guests haven’t been on a mattress for months, some even years. So, they’re very appreciative of getting a bed and a blanket. We’ve had guests tell us about having frostbite and how they’re blessed they’re not outside.”
Cassidy Tenner, Manager of Custodial Services at 48th Avenue Center
Myth #4: Guests don’t notice or care about cleanliness
Fact: Guests notice, appreciate and feel dignity in clean spaces
Clean, safe environments help guests feel human again, giving them a foundation to rebuild their lives. Many first-time guests comment immediately on the difference they notice:
“One of the first things that anyone says when they first walk in the door to start utilizing our services, is that it doesn’t smell like a shelter, and it doesn’t look like a shelter.”
Cale Johansson, Director of Custodial Services
Myth #5: Donor support doesn’t directly impact cleanliness
Fact: Generosity fuels dignity and care
Donor support is essential. It provides resources that make custodial work more effective and enhances the experience for every guest.
Fun Fact: The turnover rate for our custodial staff is 40% (well below the cleaning industry average of 100–375%). AND 85% of our custodial leaders have been promoted internally!
“Donor support is everything. Hope starts here at the Mission, and without them, none of this would be possible.”
Cassidy Tenner, Manager of Custodial Services at 48th Avenue Center
Myth #6: Shelters are impersonal or uncaring
Fact: Every role at Denver Rescue Mission reflects care and compassion
Our custodial team’s dedication reminds us that care, respect and dignity begin at the door. Their work isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about creating environments where transformation can begin.
“We’re helping treat them with dignity and grace. They have a clean place to shower, they have an opportunity to get their clothes clean, just some of those basic human needs that we often overlook in our own lives—our guests are very appreciative of.”
Cale Johansson, Director of Custodial Services
Fun Fact: If you walked the total cleaned square footage at the Mission, it would equal a round trip from Denver to Khuzestan, Dubai, UAE!
To our custodial team: thank you for the pride, compassion and care you bring into every space you touch.
Give Dignity to Those in Need
Your support directly provides the resources to make this work possible! Donate today to provide dignity and care to our neighbors in need.
