The Security Supervisor Working at Haven of Hope in Denver is Truly a Savior of Lives
DENVER — It’s a role that demands strength, patience, and bravery, but most importantly, compassion.
As the security overseer at Haven of Hope, a homeless shelter in Denver, Josie Jimenez has witnessed her fair share of confrontations while serving the homeless community. Nevertheless, her attitude toward the individuals she refers to as her visitors remains consistent.
“Our visitors are remarkable,” she stated. “Occasionally, you know, behavioral issues arise, but we all have our off days.”
Haven of Hope has been aiding those in need for a quarter-century. They offer meals, showers, and attire to all who enter their doors, with the greater objective of assisting people in transitioning out of homelessness through counseling, rehabilitation, and the promise of a brighter future.
Derrick Vaughns, a veteran and minister, heads the operational side.
“Our motto posted outside the building is centered on service, not judgment,” he explained. “Hence, everyone is welcome. Our intention is to help individuals escape life on the streets. We’ll meet you where you are and guide you to the other side.”
Providing roughly 12,000 meals monthly with a team of 14 members comes with its share of challenges. However, volunteers like Jimenez uphold the establishment’s accessibility and safety.
Tawnya Trahan, the executive director, nominated Jimenez as a Denver 7 Everyday Hero after witnessing her and her team spring into action, ultimately saving an unconscious man situated outside their premises.
“It took around five to seven minutes for her to tend to this individual before paramedics arrived,” Vaughns recounted.
Jimenez swiftly administered Narcan and conducted CPR on the man.
“He would breathe erratically and not respond,” she recalled. “So, I continued tirelessly. I was terrified. I told him, ‘Please, sir, don’t leave on my watch. You’re not going to pass away while I’m here.'”
The man in question eventually took a deep breath once the paramedics reached the scene.
“I was drained, but his revival was a huge relief,” Jimenez expressed.
That individual is alive today.
Trahan pointed out that this was just one of several instances where she’d observed Jimenez going above and beyond.
“Such occurrences arise daily, and she’s consistently present,” Trahan noted. “No matter what’s needed, whether it’s cleaning up a spill or sorting mail, she’s always there to help. When we announced her selection for Everyday Heroes in the dining area, more than one person stated, ‘Well, she saved my life. She saved my life.'”
Jimenez’s colleagues describe her as a source of joy, a comforting presence, and a bedrock of support for her community. It takes a distinct kind of individual to fulfill her responsibilities, and it’s evident that she derives purpose and contentment from her position at Haven of Hope.
“Observing someone in pain, either physically or emotionally—I’m compelled to assist,” she asserted. “They require aid, and someone needs to offer it.”
Besides her role, Jimenez is a mother of four and considers the Haven of Hope staff and visitors to be part of her extended family.
For these reasons, Denver7 and Westshore Home have recognized her as this week’s Denver7 Everyday Hero.
Each week, Denver7 features a new Everyday Hero. To nominate a hero in your life, visit this link.
Security Supervisor at Denver’s Haven of Hope Emerges as a Lifesaver
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