WHAT IF
WE COULD CHANGE
EVERYTHING
FOR WOMEN IN RECOVERY?
A PLACE FOR WOMEN TO CALL HOME
Fort Collins has NO fully staffed, no-time-limit, supportive recovery home for women—yet the need has never been greater.
Women in recovery are facing serious challenges.
- Opioid overdose deaths in Colorado have increased by more than 600% since 2000, with women making up a growing share of these fatalities.
- In Fort Collins, an Estimated 38-40% of individuals experiencing homelessness are women.
- In Colorado, 40–60% of individuals with serious mental illness also have a substance use disorder—rates are especially high among women in recovery.
LIGHTHOUSE IS READY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
We are raising funds to open Northern Colorado’s MOST AFFORDABLE, no‑time‑limit, supportive women’s recovery home.
. . . and we have great news! Our goal is to open earlier than expected: during November 2025.
This summer, an amazing house became available! Thanks to two generous donors who want us to begin serving women now, we’ve secured this house under a lease for one year. Their gifts offset the leasing cost for a year so we can start operations immediately while we work to raise funds to purchase the property.
Until then, we rely on gathering support from monthly donors to cover staffing, furnishing, supplies, and startup costs. These costs don’t end when we open—they continue as we build ongoing support.
When you give,
here’s exactly
what you’re building:
1. A Home Designed for Recovery
- 8 – 12 beds in a single‑family residence
- Two staff positions, including onsite house manager
- Furnishings and supplies for excellent resident quality-of-life
- Vehicle for supply runs and resident outings
- A home that’s not just a program—it’s a place of unconditional love, where women are welcomed into a family-style community that walks with them for the long haul.
2. A Proven Program, Adapted for Women
For 14 years, Lighthouse’s men’s program has helped over 1,600 men re‑enter life sober and stable. Among our male residents in recent years:
- Over 80 % arrived directly from homelessness
- Approximately 45 % were justice‑involved
- Approximately 30 % battled opioid use disorder
We’re bringing the same evidence‑based structure to women, continuing our emphasis on healing relationships, trusted support, and a deeply rooted community culture that’s hard to find in traditional programs.
3. No Time Limit, Ever
Women can stay as long as it takes to secure income, stable housing, and lasting sobriety—ending the cycle of homelessness.
Our no-time-limit approach makes space for slow, steady healing and long-term relationship-building that simply isn’t possible in time-bound shelters or transitional programs.
4. Everything for Daily Living
Your gift covers every essential so residents can focus on healing:
- Toiletries & linens
- Food & stocked kitchen
- Utilities including Wi‑Fi & computer access for job searches and tele‑health
5. Wrap‑Around Support & Case Management
- Comprehensive needs assessment within the first week
- In-House Groups & Life‑skills classes
- Peer Support and recreational activities
- Structure & support
6. Community Partnerships That Multiply Impact
We will connect women to resources tailored to their specific needs:
- Mental‑health counseling
- Help applying for replacement IDs Medicaid
- MAT & primary care clinics
- Employment agencies
WHAT SETS LIGHTHOUSE APART?
The atmosphere of unwavering care and belonging—not just services, but connection. Residents find strong staff support, genuine friendships, lasting mentorship, and a network of community partners committed to walking with them far beyond their time in the house.
New Funding Goal & Budget
Our main goal this year is to raise $710,000 before the lease is up by September 1st, 2026, so we can purchase the property. This support is vital for Lighthouse to continue to offer women’s services.
Since leasing the property and gathering donations from our amazing Northern Colorado community, we have been able to update our expected budget based on current needs:
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Property Purchase (to own the house debt-free) | $710,000 |
| First year of staffing (2 positions: House Manager & Office Support) | $100,000 |
| Furniture | $5,000 |
| Property Security Camera System | $5,000 |
| Vehicle for Resident Transportation | $25,000 |
| Total | $845,000 |
We at Lighthouse are committed to remain mission-driven, not profit-driven.
Our goal to purchase the house debt-free will allow us keep resident program fees lower than any other women’s recovery option in Northern Colorado—and protect affordability for decades.
How you can help
Your support helps us open the door for women in need.
1) Join the Safe Haven Team!
The Safe Haven Team is our group of donors who give monthly donations of $10 or more to help Lighthouse with operating costs. Building monthly support is the #1 way we are able to maintain and expand the services we offer. To join the team, click the donation portal below, select the “monthly” frequency, and choose the “Women’s house” donation option.
2) Become a Founding Donor of the Women’s House
Learn more about our vision, the property, impact, and giving options.
3) Spread the Word
Follow us on social media, share our events, and invite us to speak at your church, business, or community group.
Questions?
Want to tour our men’s program or talk impact numbers?
Contact Crissy Sell, Executive Director crissy@lighthouseftc.org
Curious about our men’s program?
For nearly 15 years, Lighthouse’s men’s program has been shining a light in the Fort Collins community. Find out what it’s all about!