As a deaf woman new to homelessness, Mira felt isolated and unsure where to turn. With support from the Mission’s Complex Case team, she found safety, community and a place to call home.

When Mira first came to Colorado, she had nothing and felt completely alone. As a deaf woman who is more fluent in International Sign Language (ISL) than American Sign Language (ASL), trying to navigate a new city was difficult. And yet, she felt better off navigating the unknown than staying in her previous situation.

“Where I was staying, it wasn’t good. My son and his wife tried to control me and were always yelling,” she said. “They would hide food; I wouldn’t get to eat with the family. It was an awful experience.”

Eventually they kicked her out of their place, leaving Mira with no family support and nowhere else to go.

“Nobody wanted to help me when I needed it. I was overwhelmed, very sad and crying a lot,” she recalled. “They would see me crying and would just laugh at me.”

Coming to Colorado felt like a fresh start—but not one without its challenges. For months she stayed in shelters without a stable place to call home.

Everything began to change when Mira met Campbell Fix, Manager of Complex Case at Denver Rescue Mission. With patience, kindness and consistency, Campbell became a trusted guide for Mira.

“I’m very grateful for her. She’s a blessing from God,” Mira said. “I didn’t know if I was able to trust her or not, but she is very nice and has been helping me.”

“I remember from the very beginning she had such a joy about her. She has been through numerous difficulties and very traumatic things,” Campbell added.

“Many things were confusing to her due to the language and cultural barriers. Now, she has been housed for over a year and has that same joy and light about her. She’s very obviously at peace.”

The Mission’s Complex Case team serves individuals with high acuity needs that make it a significant challenge for them to find support anywhere else. For those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, navigating homelessness can be especially isolating.

That’s why access to communication and community has been critical for Mira.

“Now, she has been housed for over a year and has that same joy and light about her. She’s very obviously at peace.”

“I often hear guests say they feel lonely or scared to be in spaces where they cannot communicate with those around them,” Campbell explained. “Many deaf guests have learned to read lips, but I am grateful that we have access to video remote interpreting (VRI) for our guests who need ASL interpreting.”

The VRI device allowed Campbell to communicate clearly with Mira, helping her move more quickly into stable housing.

“Using VRI, we met some incredibly talented interpreters who were able to pick up on some of the nuances of ISL and help tell her story better,” Campbell said. “We also would use calendars and visual things to communicate. She and I taught each other a lot.”

Born blind, James has overcome many challenges in his life, including homelessness. Through unwavering faith and support from the Mission’s Complex Case Management team, he has found stability, housing and purpose.

READ JAMES’ STORY

Complex Case 2025 Impact

70

guests housed

With 384 combined years of homelessness

78%

showed cognitive impairment

Dementia or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

135

guests served

Receiving 4,100+ hours of individualized support

75%

age 55+

“Older adults now represent the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.” -Denver Health’s HOPE Team

LEARN HOW THE COMPLEX CASE TEAM ENDS HOMELESSNESS

Mira has now been living in an assisted living facility for over a year, where she receives care on a daily basis.

“Everybody here—I love them, and they respect me,” she said. “I get to do things. I’m not looking all messy and disheveled. I’m looking decent again. I get to shower and have nice clothes. Here I’m free. I know that I’m safe.”

With the Mission’s support, Mira not only secured housing but also gained access to medical and mental health care, clothing, toiletries, and—most importantly— connection.

She has even found a church that offers interpretive services. She looks forward to Sundays for socialization, conversation and community with other deaf individuals.

“It almost brings me to tears knowing that this is someone’s mother, friend and daughter who is now safe and not scared anymore.” – Campbell

Breaking Through Language Barriers

The Barrier

Without a shared language, deaf and hard-of-hearing guests often feel isolated, confused and unsure who to trust.

Our Response

Through video remote interpreting, visual tools and patient, consistent care, we restore connection, understanding and safety.

“I just get excited to go, and I feel so much better,” she said.

Despite ongoing challenges, Mira continues to find joy in the little things: staying active with walking, drawing, knitting, and building relationships

“I just love having conversations. It puts a smile on my face. I feel so happy,” she said. “I’m by myself here, but I’m not alone. I’m not lonely—there’s a difference.”

Mira’s story is a testament to the power of individualized support, accessible communication and consistent care. Through the Mission, she has found not only stability but also renewed hope and belonging.

“[Without the Mission], I would be poor and lost on the street,” she said. “I wouldn’t have communication—other people wouldn’t understand me. I would be very sad. I am so much better now, and it makes me feel very happy.”

Campbell added, “I am so thankful to have met her, and to see how stable housing has been inclusive to her brings me so much joy.”