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doesn’t always cover the rent, and while rental costs continue to rise, Social Security payments do not. Without sufficient support systems, many women find themselves with nowhere to go. Hurtado said financial hardship is often compounded by what she described as “relational poverty”— a lack of close, nearby relationships. In many cases, the people they are closest to either live far away or lack the resources to help provide housing or financial support. Sherri Welch, senior project manager at Sinton Sanctuary, said many women are ashamed to tell their families they’re staying at a shelter. In most cases, their families do not know. Welch also said some women have family members living in subsidized housing, such as Section 8 apartments, where lease rules prohibit additional occupants. Allowing a parent to move in could put their housing assistance at risk. Many seniors also say they do not want to burden their children. Sometimes, when older women turn to their families for help, the family members can only afford to put them up in a motel for a night or two. After that, the women’s housing options run out. Sinton Sanctuary becomes their support system. “Being around people their own age that they have things in common with, they really build a community around each other,” Welch said. “This population, at this time in their life, they need dignity and respect.” The sanctuary uses a person-centered, individualized approach resulting in strong housing outcomes. The staff helps residents obtain lost documents or apply for services such as Social Security, Medicaid, and food stamps. “We don’t have an exit date,” Welch said. “As long as they’re working toward housing case management, they can stay there until they get a permanent place to live, or if needed, into a higher level of care.” When residents require assisted living, a nursing home, or another facility, finding placement can be one of the greatest challenges. “Getting someone into a higher level of care that needs it is so challenging,” Welch said. “There’s only so much we can do here.” Volunteers and community partners play a critical role in Sinton Sanctuary’s success. The South Street Mobile Clinic, a mobile medical unit operated by Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, visits monthly. Students from a local Catholic school have provided manicures. The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) staff visit every three months to help residents obtain a free ID or driver’s license. The shelter accepts women by referral from Denver-based agencies, including nonprofits, other shelters, and police departments. After receiving a referral, the staff conducts a phone screening. During cold weather, the shelter opens its doors to anyone who arrives seeking warmth. Adjusting to shelter life can take time, particularly for women who have lived on the streets for extended periods. “They’re afraid. They don’t like being around other people. They’re worried about people taking their belongings,” Welch said. “So, we just kind of let them relax for a few days before we even dig into a lot of things.” Residents are encouraged to establish routines. Lights snap on at 8 a.m., chores begin at 9 a.m., and residents rotate cleaning responsibilities weekly. “I like them to be up and their beds made and dressed, because it’s depressing to lie in bed all day,” Welch said. “If they want to nap, of course, they can. But I don’t think it’s good for their mental health to just lie around.” Success stories prove motivational for staff. Former residents often return to share meals or to announce they’ve secured housing. Recently, two residents who’ve been friends for 40 years got a two-bedroom at Casa de Rosal, an affordable housing community for seniors. Hurtado described a ripple effect of success, saying that when residents see others succeed, it reinforces the belief that they can achieve similar goals. Residents aspire to the successes experienced by the visiting former residents. Still, transitions can be difficult. After months in a shared environment, moving into subsidized housing — often after a yearlong wait — can mean living alone again. “It’s a psychological transition you have to prepare them for,” Hurtado said. “It’s essential to help them get connected to the community where they’ll be living.” Sinton Sanctuary staff support residents who move into VOA affordable housing by coordinating their new services and providing a smooth transition. Leaders say the model works. “We’re really proud of our outcomes for this program,” Hurtado said. “It’s one of the most successful shelters that we have in the metro area.” Welch believes similar small shelters for older adults ought to be established. “They need these little shelters scattered throughout the city for the elderly because the program works,” she said. “Just having that small, intimate environment - it changes lives for them. They won’t succeed at a larger shelter a lot of times.” FROM INTERN TO INSTITUTION: LINDI SINTON SHAPED HOMELESS SERVICES IN DENVER Story by Mariana Ortega Rivera LINDI SINTON SPENT more than four decades shaping homeless services in Denver, leaving a legacy that now bears her name. Sinton, the namesake of Sinton Sanctuary, retired in 2023 after 43 years with Volunteers of America. She began as a student intern in 1979 and was hired full-time in 1980. While working at VOA, she completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees with the organization’s support. “My career was extraordinary in that I could do what I wanted,” Sinton said. “If the need was great enough and I could convince the leadership team and the CEO at the time that it was something we needed and that it was possible, everyone would jump in and we could make it happen. That kept me here for 43 years.” Her colleagues surprised Sinton by naming the shelter after her while she was still working at the organization—an uncommon tribute typically reserved for retirees or those who have passed. She said she learned of the decision when the shelter opened after discussion about potential names suddenly went quiet. Sinton’s colleague Angel Hurtado, chief programs officer at VOA, said the name reflects Sinton’s decades of advocacy for vulnerable populations. While Sinton avoided dwelling on her extensive career, Hurtado detailed the scope of her impact. “For many years, Lindi has always been a great advocate for our most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and families,” Hurtado said. “What a fitting way for us to honor somebody who’s done this work for so long and to name a beautiful program for her that really speaks to the ability for us to save lives.” Long before coordinated homeless response systems were formalized, Hurtado said, Sinton convened area shelters and community leaders to address issues facing women and families experiencing homelessness. Sinton also helped develop VOA’s core values — accountability, integrity, respect, and service — principles Hurtado said continue to shape the agency’s culture. “With her leadership that permeates across our agency, we make sure we treat everybody with dignity and respect,” Hurtado said. Over 40 years, Sinton played a central role in launching and expanding major programs, including the Bill Daniels Veteran Services Center and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant, one of the organization’s largest funding sources. She was instrumental in establishing multiple residential and family programs and helped position VOA as one of the largest providers of veteran services in Colorado. “The majority of the programs at VOA are because of Lindi,” Hurtado said. “We’re the second-largest provider of veteran services in the state. That’s because of Lindi.” Sinton’s influence extended beyond VOA. She has served on a mayoral advisory council, supported emerging shelters, and currently chairs the board of Urban Peak. “If it wasn’t Sinton Sanctuary, it would be something else named after her,” Hurtado said. “Her work in the homeless arena is legendary. I can go anywhere, and her name is everywhere.” A few of the 25 beds at Sinton Sanctuary in Denver. DENVER VOICE MARCH 2026 5

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