By Stephany Nellessen
Saturday, July 30, approx-imately 8 p.m. I finally made it to Colorado and although I am just approaching Denver I have an alluring view of the sun setting over the mountains. The sky is dark with a hint of orange and that bright ball of fiery light hardly revealing itself behind the peaks. It begins to set into my mind that this is my new home. I’m excited but anxious. Every emotion I can imagine comes to me, every doubt that I have ignored, every breath inside my chest becomes noticeable. I have a few more hours south to wander before I reach my destination. The mountains, which presently look like the backdrop in a diorama, almost appearing unreal, will steadily grow as I ascend into their height.
Arriving in Alamosa was definitely comforting. I had slept in a car for two nights and I was ready for permanence. The city is smaller than from where I am from. The climate is different and the streets are unfamiliar. Yet so many welcoming faces prevent me from feeling as a stranger. This is La Puente—this is why I’m here. When I researched La Puente online from my home in Wisconsin I was already impressed with the organization’s wide scope of support for the community and those in need. However, after arriving in Alamosa and touring the various programs with the director I was astounded by the multitude of responsibilities that a few permanent employees and volunteers take on year-round. La Puente started simply as a soup kitchen in 1982 in response to the growing need for assistance to under-served populations. The program expanded for the next two decades and had doubled its size by the year 2000. The organization became much more comprehensive in its efforts to combat homelessness and hunger and to advocate for awareness of these issues.
Today, La Puente is made up of several programs that endeavor to empower people to live independently, with dignity, and to work together as a community. The local emergency shelter provides refuge for over 1,000 people annually—making room for up to 140 guests during migrant season, which is currently upon us.
Over 40,000 meals are served at the shelter every year by volunteers from the community and all over the nation. The Adelante program has been running since 1991; their aim is to assist the transition of families out of homelessness and into self-sustainability. Prevention of homelessness occurs through our Outreach program which assists more than 1,400 households a year with utility, rental, and medical assistance.
There are 13 food pantries throughout the San Luis Valley that are a part of La Puente’s Food Bank Network serving families around the valley who are experiencing food insecurity. The PALS (Positive Actions Lead to Success) Children’s program promotes healthy living habits and positive relationships among at-risk children, age five through nine, in the community. La Puente also runs a few enterprises whose profits directly support the organization, including the Milagros Coffeehouse and the Rainbow’s End thrift stores in Alamosa and Monte Vista.
So, what can you do to be involved with La Puente other than drinking mochas and finding outfits for theme parties at the thrift store? Let me start by welcoming you back to Adams State. It feels strange for me not to be preparing for another academic year—buying books, digging out my backpack, planning which organizations I can attend. I was very involved on my campus and in my community throughout my college years and I am excited to be able to continue my involvement here in Alamosa.
I know that college students are always looking for volunteer opportunities, whether it is for a club, team, class, or just for the experience (trust me, volunteering looks great on a resume). La Puente is a great place to start your search for those opportunities. We invite students and community members to get involved with our various programs and can tailor your experience to fit your area of interest. Volunteers are able to work directly with our clients cooking dinner at the shelter, working with our PALS kids, or serving at the food bank, or behind the scenes completing vital projects for the organization.
Getting involved with La Puente is easy—just stop by our Volunteer Coordination and Community Education office to fill out a quick application.
There are other ways to start a relationship with La Puente and the community. Come to our local events; volunteer a few hours or just show up for the festivities. HOPE (Homeless Organizations for Public Education) Week will be happening at the end of September.
There will be a candlelight vigil held on Wednesday, September 28, and many other activities throughout the week, to be announced on our website and facebook page. Make a meal or bake a dessert at home and deliver it to the shelter to be used during a meal time. We are currently in need of hygiene products to supply to the migrant workers currently arriving in Alamosa for the harvest. Migrant worker kits are always a necessity and consist of travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, and deodorant, razors, towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products for women.You can also donate old clothing to the Rainbow’s End Thrift Store, canned goods to the Food Bank, and I would definitely not discourage you from continuing to indulge in espresso and baked goods at Milagros!
Be proactive in your own lives and the lives of others. Whether you share Gandhi’s belief that you should “be the change you want to see in this world,” have close friends or family affected by hunger or homelessness, or if you just want to boost your resume, come spend some time with La Puente and get to know the people in your community. You would be surprised at how much there is to learn about the city you live in. Wisdom comes through experience and you must educate yourself before you can educate others.
To hear more about La Puente or to get involved call the Community Education and Volunteer Coordination office at 587-3499, email us at volunteers.lapuente@gmail.com, or stop by our office, 317 State Avenue. You can also check out La Puente’s website at www.lapuent.net or on our facebook page, LaPuente Home Inc.
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