Rocky Mountain Refuge, Shelter for End of Life Care, Opens in Denver

The Denver area just got a little more compassionate. Folks with a terminal illness experiencing homelessness can now go to the Rocky Mountain Refuge for End of Life Care (the Refuge), which will provide a stable, appropriate environment for hospice agencies to deliver specialized, end-of-life care to our neighbors without houses.

The Refuge will operate in rooms arranged through the Denver Rescue Mission at its facility in the Northeast Park Hill area.

A press release from the Refuge tells the story of “Jim” to reference why a shelter such as this is needed. Jim’s friends found one day that he had passed away by his cart of the side of the road not far from the overpass he camped at. Logan Robertson, pastor/director of After Hours Denver, knew Jim and say, “He died with dignity because he lived with dignity. But he deserved to die in a bed, with a blanket over his body, a roof over his head, and someone to care for his hurts and listen to his fears.”

The release carries on to say that no one should die alone and unsheltered.

“The Refuge works to give stories like Jim’s a different ending,” it reads.

Brother James Patrick Hill, the Refuge’s interim executive director, says that, prior to the opening of the Refuge, it was extremely difficult to find specialized housing for dignified, caring help for an unhoused person, with no family or who was estranged for family and friends, in their final days.

Hall clarifies that the Refuge is not a hospice agency itself, but rather, it acts as a shelter for providing custodial care to those without a home. Though, hospice agencies and other medical providers may refer those in need to the Refuge by accessing its website or emailing br.jp@lazarusgate.org.

Residents will initially be referred to the Refuge by Denver Hospice and TRU Community Care, which will provide onsite medical services. Staff and volunteers will provide personal and hygienic care and companionship for all residents, along with facility cleaning.

The Refuge launched with support from the Denver Rescue Mission, along with a grant from the Daniels Fund and support from Circle of Life  Hospice Project, Swisslog Healthcare, the Gill Foundation, St. Andrew’s Episcopal  Church, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, and Trinity United Methodist Church.

For more information, visit the Refuge website.