The History of BeyondHome.

1986

An act of kindness.

Connie Zimmerman's testimony, how BeyondHome started

  • Connie Zimmerman, our founder, was working at an assisted living facility when she discovered a coworker had lost his home. She raised money to provide steady housing for her coworker's family and discovered her passion in the process. That one act of kindness was the impetus for the development of Colorado Homeless Families whose goal was to assist working families in their pursuit of stable housing. In the following 29 years, more than 500 families were housed.

1987

A dream quickly becomes a reality.

Connie Zimmerman stands with BeyondHome youth

  • Connie Zimmerman founded Colorado Homeless Families (CHF) - a 501c3 non-profit organization that helped families find housing and a career that allowed them to stay housed

2016

A new Executive Director.

Karen Allen, BeyondHome Executive Director attending a BeyondHome resident's graduation

  • As a former Licensed Social Worker, Karen utilized her social services expertise to implement a fresh holistic approach.

    In addition to housing and job readiness, Karen revamped required group night classes into small group short courses, ranging from parenting skills and emotional intelligence to financial literacy. Perhaps of greatest importance was the added element of trauma-informed private therapy for all of CHF residents, adults, and children alike.

2020

Refining the brand.

Logo for Colorado Homeless Families organization with the tagline 'From Homelessness to Self-Sufficiency Because Everyone Needs a Home'.
Beyond Home logo with a house and tree outline, the text 'BEYOND HOME' and the tagline 'Restoring Hope. Providing Resources.'

  • CHF rebranded and became BeyondHome. BeyondHome continues to assist working families who are experiencing homelessness or who are on the verge of becoming homeless by providing the opportunity for them to achieve self-sufficiency for life.

2022

BeyondHome is expanding!

BeyondHome Arvada North housing expansion, Arvada North Transitional Housing

  • BeyondHome purchased two acres of land. In addition to 37 Homes in South Arvada, BeyondHome is grateful to own land near 80th and Allison as of June 2022, which will serve as the future site of at least 20 more BeyondHome townhomes

Over the last 36 years, BeyondHome has discovered that compassion and accountability working in tandem makes sustainable change. When vulnerable families are equipped with their basic needs AND empowered to pursue their health, education, and careers, they thrive in newfound self-sufficiency.