From Homelessness To Self-Sufficiency
Colorado Homeless Families (CHF) is a non-profit transitional housing program. CHF serves families with children who are classified as "New Poor" (families who are homeless for the first time) or "Working Poor" (families who earn low wages and cannot keep up with the rising cost of living, including housing).
CHF houses families for 18 months to 2 years, during which time the adults must be attending school and/or working in a position that will allow their families to become self-sufficient by the end of the program. A variety of programs have been established to aid families in reaching this goal.
CHF serves approximately 47 - 72 families annually, with a daily residential population of approximately 240 - 360 individuals daily.
CHF is now a member of the Better Business Bureau.
Connie Zimmerman - Arvada's Woman of the Year
Connie Zimmerman, Colorado Homeless Families' Executive Director and Founder, has been selected as Arvada's Woman of the Year. Connie was selected for this honor by a committee of past award winners on the basis of her extraordinary contributions to the Arvada Community for over 25 years. They notes that her "selflessness, leadership, and dedication to the Arvada Community is truly commendable and worthy of special praise."
The Woman of the Year Award will be presented to Connie on March 28, 2013, from 11:30-1:00 at the Arvada Center. We invite you to support CHF in honoring the tremendous work done by Connie by attending this special luncheon, or showing your support through a gift made in Connie's honor. For tickets, you may call the Arvada Chamber Office at 303-424-0313.
Get To Know Our Families
When Kendra was just 16 years old, she and some friend were driving home from a youth concert. Suddenly the car veered and hit the guard rail on Interstate 25 traveling at 70 miles per hour. The vehicle flew 20 feet in the air and rolled three times. Kendra's neck was broken in the accident and she was even pronounced dead at one point. The other young people in the car were not injured. Kendra remained in a coma for 3 months with a very weak, sporadic heartbeat. The doctors said that she would most likely never wake up, and if she did, she would never be fully functioning again. Her parents decided to keep her on life support because they believed that God had a different plan for Kendra.
Miraculously, after 3 months, Kendra awoke. She began a long, difficult path to recovery. She had to relearn everything she had learned, including how to walk and how to talk. It was a great trial, but Kendra believed that her life meant something. She worked hard in physical therapy and persevered to prove to her self and her doctors that God had a plan for her life. In fact, just 18 months after the accident, Kendra enrolled in college and after 4 years, earned her BA degree in Christian Education.
The road to recovery was not easy for Kendra. There were many days she wanted to give up; to simply stay in bed and not even get up to face the day. Kendra believed deep in her heart the Scripture that she had memorized: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." She truly believed that God keeps his promises and she was grateful to be alive. Kendra has goals and dreams for her life. She wants to help and bless other people.
Now in her early thirties, Kendra is only partially disabled, and her left hand is permanently paralyzed. While living in the CHF transitional housing program. Kendra will benefit from a community that is focused on succeeding. She is able to live in a safe, affordable home with other women in similar situations as herself. She meets with a counselor and receives case management weekly. Kendra is in the process of writing a book about her trials and triumphs. She wants to become a motivational speaker and inspire others to never give up. She believes that with God's help, we can all be over comers. We are proud of Kendra and are excited to see her thrive while living at CHF.
Kendra is a shining example of the people you help by donating to Colorado Homeless Families. Without the assistance of individuals and organizations in our community, women like Kendra and countless other families, would not have the same opportunities given to them as they do while living at CHF. Your contribution helps individuals and families in our program reach self-sufficiency, and we are so grateful.
Did you know...?
-30% of the people that come to CHF are single moms.
-95% of these mom are the sole supporters of their family, usually living on minimum wage.
Videos About us
CHF Interview Video - Select from on of the following options
-Colorado Homeless Families interview video - about 15-20 minutes
to download
-Interview Video for Quick Time Player - audio only
-Streaming video - audio/visual; about 5 minutes to download
Heroes of Hope
CHF children are given their very own bicycles.
-Bike Giveaway - Powerpoint Presentation
CHF Family Christmas Party 2009
Making Headlines...
CHF benefited from the generous donation of 1200 pounds from those in the community. Read more about it here: Arvada West Students donate food to CHF.
Members of the Arvada community came together to ensure families benefiting from Colorado Homeless Families’ (CHF) programs experience a happy and memorable holiday this year. To continue reading this article online, click here.
Colorado NAHRO award granted to CHF in 2011. Read more about the NAHRO Award 2011 Newspaper Article.
Colorado Homeless Families is currently researching ways to make heating more affordable for families, some of which are paying more for their heating/light bills than they are for their rent. Read more about Solar Panel PR.
May, 2007, CHF received a grant from the Daniels Fund. Read more about the CHF Grant From Daniels Fund.
In September 2004, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition contacted CHF with an offer to include the building of the last duplex by Home Aid Colorado, complete the recreational area and remodel the main floor of the Family Educational and Resource Center for Colorado Homeless Families as an episode on the show.
(Read here)
Metro Denver area (7 counties) and to help them become self-sufficient within 18 months to two years.