Weaving a Community Safety Net: Senior Resources of Broomfield and The Refuge Work for Broomfield’s Vulnerable Seniors

By Kristen Beckman

In a time when the cost of living is affecting everyone, seniors are particularly vulnerable and are often reluctant to reach out for help. That’s where Senior Resources of Broomfield (SRB), The Refuge, and other organizations across the city and county are stepping in to create a safety net for older residents.

For seniors, many on a fixed income, an unexpected medical bill or a surprise home repair can be the difference between being able to stay in their home and being forced to live in their car or on the street. In addition to connecting seniors with resources to help them find housing and remain housed, SRB helps with things like home repair emergencies, medical and dental costs, and meals on wheels funding, which can make it easier for them to remain in their homes.

Perhaps more importantly, the organizations provide a connection to combat the isolation often felt among seniors and create a sense of community that can give them hope. One program SRB offers is its Adopt-a-Senior Holiday Program, which began during the pandemic and has grown into an annual tradition that connects community members with seniors to fulfill holiday wishes. Some of the connections made last beyond the holidays.

“If we can make a difference in the life of one senior, I’m happy,” said Teryl Fabry, executive director of SRB. “But hopefully, we’re doing a lot more.”

For more than 40 years, SRB has worked to improve the quality of life for all Broomfield’s older adults through advocacy, collaboration, fundraising, volunteerism, and raising awareness about older adult issues.

The Refuge is a nonprofit hub for healing, community, social action, and creative collaboration, founded nearly two decades ago. While The Refuge serves community members of all ages, many of those it helps are seniors. It provides shared meals, a welcoming gathering space, and a relational approach to community care. Everything from on-site showers to a mobile medical clinic and monthly laundry services helps residents in need, including seniors. The Refuge also has an outreach program that frequently encounters seniors in need.

SRB and The Refuge work with several other housing-specific non-profit groups to help Broomfield’s seniors remain in their homes or to attain housing after they’ve become homeless. One such program is Sunshine Home Share, a service that matches older adults with vetted roommates to reduce housing costs. These arrangements aren’t just practical — they’re carefully thought out for safety, compatibility, and mutual benefit. Some matches involve college students or young professionals who can also help with yard work, errands, and rent, while the senior gets to stay in the home they love.

Unhoused Seniors can get help applying for Colorado’s Almost Home program at the Refuge, providing resource navigation, assistance, and guidance to those experiencing housing instability. Another way The Refuge helps Broomfield’s senior population is by providing on-site internet access and guidance on how to navigate online resources and applications, while also avoiding scams that frequently target elderly people.

SRB funding comes largely from local fundraising events like the SRB Golf Tournament and the Broomfield Days Car Show, coming in September. Every dollar circles back into the community, helping fund meals, housing aid, medical transportation, and more.

As SRB and The Refuge look to the future, they’re hoping for more visibility, more volunteers, and more voices to speak up for Broomfield’s seniors. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or simply share information with a neighbor, SRB and The Refuge welcome your involvement.

For more information or to get involved, visit www. srbbroomfield.org or therefugeonline.org