Service at St. Elizabeth Shelter: Gratitude and Opportunities

Shift Supervisor, Jake Fulmer (second from right) with volunteers from Colorado College in our dining room.

For more than fifteen years, incoming freshmen at Colorado College have made an annual five-day trip to Santa Fe to serve at St. Elizabeth Shelter. On Thursday and Friday of this past week, the group of eight students stained our patio fence, pulled weeds, mulched our gardens, prepared lunch, and much, much more. They are one of many groups, whose service helps us maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our shelter’s guests.

Kat, a Colorado College senior who accompanied the freshmen, said that the service trip to Santa Fe is a microcosm of the school’s philosophy. The college encourages its students to become more aware of social issues and cultivate a motivation to volunteer. Students also learn that those in service work best when they practice self-care; and accordingly, the group set aside some time to enjoy the culture of Santa Fe, visiting the local farmer’s market and Meow Wolf.

All of the staff at St. Elizabeth are grateful for the support of our many volunteers. Without volunteers, the work of our interns, staff, and administration would not be possible. Former intern and current Shift Supervisor Jake Fulmer, who guided the freshmen during their time here, spoke highly of the students. “I’ve worked with Colorado College for several years now,” he said, “and they always bring a lot of fun and enthusiasm into the shelter. These groups help us knock out very large, important projects in a short amount of time. It’s very much appreciated by everyone at the shelter."

There are many opportunities to support our guests as they work towards stable housing and employment, receiving healthcare and benefits, and more. Creating a healthy space for our guests to achieve their goals, as our freshmen did, is one important way. The shelter thanks Colorado College’s continuous support as well as the work of all of our interns and volunteers.

Are you interested in an immersive training program

serving people experiencing homelessness?

Apply for our internship program here.

Would you like to volunteer at the shelter?

We are seeking volunteers who can provide our guests

with rides to medical and other appointments. Visit our volunteer page here.