The Denver Hospice partners with Rocky Mountain Refuge to serve the Terminal Homeless

Denver area neighbors with a terminal illness who are experiencing homelessness now have an alternative to dying on the street. The Rocky Mountain Refuge for End-of-Life Care (Refuge) has opened a shelter arranged through the Denver Rescue Mission at its facility in the Northeast Park Hill area of Denver. The Refuge will provide a stable, appropriate environment for The Denver Hospice to deliver specialized end-of-lifecare to homeless neighbors." Residents will be referred by Denver Hospice; one of two not for profit hospice organizations providing onsite hospice services." Staff and volunteers of the Refuge will provide personal and hygienic care, companionship for all residents and facility cleaning. The story of 'Jim' illustrates why a shelter like the Refuge is sorely needed '

One day, Jim's friends found he had passed away by his cart on the side of the road not far from the overpass where he camped." Logan Robertson, Pastor/Director of after Hours Denver, who knew Jim, said '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.'" No one should die alone and unsheltered." The Refuge works to give stories like Jim's a different ending.

The Denver Hospice has long cared for homeless patients in the community." Melinda Egging, President of The Denver Hospice shared, 'We are so grateful for the great work and the resource that the Rocky Mountain Refuge provides to the community." Every person deserves to die with dignity'" In addition to support from Denver Rescue Mission, the Refuge launch has been helped by a major grant from the Daniels Fund and generous 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, including volunteer and donor opportunities, visit https://rockymountainrefuge.org/