Heart Mind Haven is an atmosphere of sacredness to be one’s self. A place to plant your branches and give someone a space to grow in. Everyday I’m reminded of a kindness that doesn’t have to be earned, but is freely given. People who come through the door whether working or living here have endured life’s hardships and shine their light through and onto others.

It’s a special place to feel connected again, inspired again and simply human again. A world exists outside where queer people are often misconstrued, marginalized and displaced, but here I wake up feeling a sense of belonging; an energy of empathy enveloped around me that I can wear, to be adorned in courage for the day. It is a reminder of inner strength fortified through the goodness of others that is restorative and potentiating to one’s self development to simply be.

- M.M.

I don’t know where I’d be without Heart Mind Haven. The resources they have connected me with have helped so much coming out of the hospital. I feel completely safe and loved here. The activities and the empathetic listeners are a wonderful thing for me. I was homeless in Colorado Springs, and I had lost all hope and tried to commit suicide.

When I got out of the hospital I came here and never thought I’d find a LGBTQ place like this. I feel 110% better about myself. I’m finally getting the help I need to make my life better and to live happy, and not in the horrible place I was before. I can’t begin to explain the gratitude I have for Maree and the staff here. If it wasn’t for this house I honestly don’t know where I’d be.

- B.R.

Before coming to HMH I was coming out of the hospital, and had been homeless and at risk of becoming homeless again. HMH gave me a safe space where I could be myself. Having the comfort of good people and a roof over my head during a rough time in my life was extremely important. HMH was full of excellent, comforting people.

Starr lended a friendly ear and Camryn was also amazing in providing extra support when I needed it. They understand at HMH what it means to LGBTQIA and also what it has felt like to deal with trauma. HMH is a comfortable and open place that allows you to be yourself without judgement. The staff understood a lot of what I, as a trans woman, dealt with and helped me with resources to grow and flourish.

-E.H.

I have been elated with the staff and the HMH sanctuary. I find it a very beneficial place and opportunity to better myself as a trans woman with the proper support and recognition that HMH provides. I was in fear of being a homeless trans woman which is a very scary thought. I am ever so grateful that this community and home exists for anyone on the LGBTQIA spectrum.

I find the wall affirmations very enlightening - even when I feel down these positive affirmations throughout the home help me. Starr and Maree have been so great and I truly believe the world needs more people like the ones that operate this house. It would make the world a better place for everyone, not just the queer community. I cannot express in words enough how truly grateful I am. I feel I have more than I ever have had after being at the HMH sanctuary.

- J.F.

I came here seeking recovery support. Having a place with people that wake up at the same time and have the same goals, a place to clear my head… to wake up with others and have coffee and have people who are doing the same thing is one of the best parts. It’s a community.

To those thinking of accessing the services here, just do it! This is a a place that won’t judge you and a place that will take care of you. Not the symptom, but will take care of you.

I came here like a crash landing and I landed in a place that was finally not filled with sharks.

The staff here is wonderful, routine check ins that are non-judgmental. Again, I think it’s just a place where you can be safe and get healthy and the more time you have in the place, the more you will get out in figuring out yourself. I have a head on my shoulders that I didn’t have before.

- S.V.

I came to HMH from a disturbingly discriminative environment and it was great and full of love. HMH staff Maree and John were great to me. It was a good and safe space away from the stressful environment I was in prior to coming here. Just a great place to be me.

-T.A.

Being brought into an environment that has given me the type of comfort and reassurance that I always sought; HMH has been an amazing blessing for me. From the first time I talked with Maree we connected on a level where I could tell she knew the pain I felt, and I felt seen. And that has helped meet see me too, for not just my identity of someone with cyclical depressive bouts and substance use, but somebody who could grow from that type of experience and not let it define me.

There’s something about being here and getting to see all the inspirational people involved here on a regular basis. It’s great to be seen and Heart Mind Haven does that really well. They see people.

-A.H.

When I first came to Heart Mind Haven I was in a really bad place. I felt lonely, I felt afraid. I was participating in illegal drug use or at least I was trying to get drugs, I was turning into an alcoholic, drinking heavily and felt very distraught over my present situation. I was getting kicked out and basically had no one to really support or guide me. When I first found Maree at Heart Mind Haven it was like a godsend. I was able to speak with her over the phone, I had been drinking that night, and she was so kind to me and so welcoming.

I immediately felt that kinship that you sometimes feel for a stranger that helps you out. So I decided to take a chance and come and stay at Heart Mind Haven, and the way I’ve been treated exceeded every expectation that I had presented for myself. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about the hospitality and generosity I’ve encountered. The warmth from others has been amazing.

The change that I have been through in just a few short weeks has been astounding. I’m clean and sober and I love it. I have newfound energy that I never felt before and it’s really been a turning point for me; that gumption to follow my dreams. I’ve only been here three weeks and I’ve already found an apartment - before I was facing homelessness due to an erratic home situation. For lack of better words I’ve found new family here. I’m well fed, I’ve been invited for the holidays and I highly recommend HMH to anyone in need of comfort.

The great thing about it is that I had also been stifling with my own sexuality for many years and couldn’t find love anywhere, so being in an LGBTQ community accepting of my differences is just amazing and I’m able to finally be myself and that has been the most rewarding consequence of it all.

-R.C.

HMH provided me a safe and inclusive home that spared me from homelessness. I really enjoy the friendships I made there and the connections I will share for the rest of my life.

-S.R.

I appreciate SO much all that Heart Mind Haven has done for me. The sanctuary was exactly what I needed getting out of treatment. Being able to start being independent has been crucial in my recovery, especially around people who are like me. Thank you for providing that space and creating a safe environment to be exactly the person my heart knows I am. It really brought peace to my life getting to live with other trans and non-binary people. I think that's the thing I will take most with me, that special feeling of finally belonging.

-L.C.