In memory of Nick Verni-Lau, community advocate, BHS advisory group member, and friend.

We are deeply saddened at the loss of a dear friend and impactful contributor to the Larimer County community, Nick Verni-Lau.

Nick dedicated much of his life to advocating for and connecting with populations experiencing homelessness. Through his leadership, outreach initiatives, case management, and housing services, Nick worked to elevate the voices of our most vulnerable community members. 

Nick served the community as the manager of the Housing Choice Voucher department for Housing Catalyst which provides Housing Choice Vouchers for over 1600 families to residents of Larimer and Weld County in Colorado.  He also worked diligently as Program Director for Outreach Fort Collins. And prior to that for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless as a case manager and then intake coordinator. Nick also drove advocacy and outreach efforts for Urban Peak and provided support for individuals experiencing homelessness along with trauma-informed care for youth.

Additionally, he served on the Behavioral Health Services Technical Advisory Committee from 2020-2022 making meaningful contributions to work being done in the area of behavioral health with lasting impacts for addressing critical community issues.

“I speak for the entire BHS team when I say we lost a bright light in our community with the passing of Nick.  He was such a gentle soul who was dedicated to being a helper to anyone in need, especially the most marginalized of us. His smile and compassion will be remembered. We share our condolences to his family and friends and stand beside you in grief,” said Laurie Stolen, director of Behavioral Health Services.

Nick will always be remembered for his meaningful work, his advocacy for the people in our community, and his warm and easy presence which reflected his compassion and open-heartedness.