Laurel House is officially open!
Laurel House is a large apartment building that houses some of our community’s most vulnerable youth. The program features 34 one-bedroom apartments with a lot of beautiful common space. Youth can stay in their apartments for as long as needed.
Laurel House is the epitome of a home. It is a place designed to house and care for the most needy youth in our community for a very long time.
Services & Staffing
Laurel House Apartments offer:
• Crisis Assessment
• Case Management (Employment Assistance, Housing Planning, Referrals, Support)
• Therapy
• Community Groups
Laurel House is staffed by our Program Coordinator, Case Managers, Therapist, Activities Director, and Advocates.
What Makes Laurel House Unique
One of Few
This is one of America’s only shared housing, permanent supportive housing program for youth.
Services from our partners
Services here are provided by Mind Springs Health and Rocky Mountain Health Plans
EAGLE AWARD
In 2021, the building was nominated for an Eagle Award from the Colorado Housing Organization.
PERMANENT HOUSING
Youth at the Laurel House Apartments are housed permanently, so long as they abide by the lease.
Evaluation
We track HOME outcomes, however, since the sample size is so small, we do report out on these.
About Laurel House
“The Laurel House apartments will bring hope to our most vulnerable youth before they face a lifetime of homelessness.”
— David Scanga, Karis Board Chair
Last year, there were more than 250 youth in our community without homes or guardians. We all want better for them.
Many of these youth find hope in the house’s short-term programs, but others are at risk for sexual exploitation, long-term homelessness, or even death on the streets.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers at Laurel House help with community groups, cook meals, and serve as mentors. If you are interested in volunteering with our Street Outreach Program, please fill out our preliminary volunteer application to get started.
"You guys saved my life."
— Tyler, House youth, 2019
Laurel House Updates
Laurel House Grand Opening
The Laurel House Grand Opening weekend was a success! We want to thank each of our sponsors and all who supported the event online or in person. We are eager to see this space transform the lives of the youth in our community who need it most by providing safety,...
Former House Youth Helps Build Karis Apartments
"I was very excited to be a part of building this. I wouldn’t have been here without The House." Stephen Scheer spent a good portion of his formative years at The House. A 15 year-old juvenile delinquent when he began our program, Stephen is now a plumbing apprentice...
Karis Apartments Building Progress Amid The Pandemic
We are so thrilled at the progress being made on the Karis Apartments! This past week the team started framing the exterior wall for the management office and finished second floor framing. Coming up in the next week our builder will: Start installing the roof...
Help Bring These Youth Home
Together we provide homeless, unaccompanied youth on the Western Slope with safety, warmth and hope for a new day.
Online
One-Time or Recurring Options Available
KARIS, Inc. PO Box 2837
Grand Jct, CO 81502
Pledge
Make a pledge toward keeping our youth safe. You can divide the remainder into multiple payments over the next TWO or THREE years.
Please see these documents if you are interested in naming/dedication opportunities. We are grateful for your consideration.
Special Thanks To Our Partners + Sponsors
Without their generous support, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Thank you.
