Katie Stiel
La Puente Volunteer
What is H.O.P.E. week, you might ask? The abbreviations of four letters formulating the loving word hope, stands for Homeless Organization for Promoting Education.
The history for H.O.P.E. week formerly began by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in the early 1990s, HOPE week continues to live on in the state of Colorado only through La Puente.
La Puente’s H.O.P.E. week will provide insight and remembrance for those living in poverty or without a home. We will conclude the week in celebrating La Puente’s thirty years of service and acknowledging volunteers who have remarkably served at La Puente.
La Puente, meaning “the bridge” intertwines into several terms with in our community. La Puente provides several services to bridge an individual from homelessness to a comfortable new living situation. Whether providing immediate shelter through La Puente Home, replenishing several homes with food from the Food Bank, or receiving education on nutrition to cease causes of malnourishment from Community Gardens.
As a volunteer, La Puente provides a community of support and educational opportunities that challenge my daily life and I will continue to share stories after my time here. I highly recommend all community members of Alamosa, Colorado to further seek opportunities and ways to become involved in La Puente. Utilize La Puente as abridge for volunteerism, broadening your horizons and creating a new outlook on life.
Understandably, the subject of homelessness, at times can become difficult to engage with your fellow peers, listen to speakers, read statistics or visibly see homeless community members. La Puente welcomes you warm-heartedly with a comfortable and open-minded atmosphere to further extend your knowledge about poverty, a time of reflection and celebration of service.
We invite you to celebrate H.O.P.E. this week, Sept. 22 to 30. We welcome you, whether you attend one particular event that displays specific value and meaning for you or attend all events. Here’s a list of events for reference; we look forward to seeing you there!
H.O.P.E. Week September 22-30
Wednesday, Sept 19 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 pm ASU Cares Volunteer Recruitment Fair (Japanese Garden on the Adams State University Campus)
Meet the Volunteer Coordinators from La Puente from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Sign up sheets for upcoming La Puente service projects and candy will be provided.
Saturday, Sept 22 at 2 p.m. Mayan Journey to Alamosa
Milagros Coffee Shop (State & Main)
Come experience Guatemalan culture, music, and learn more about our local Guatemalan community.
Through the personal accounts of Guatemalans and the experiences of several professionals who work closely with the Guatemalan community, we invite you to experience the journey from a country broken by civil war to laying down roots in the San Luis Valley. This informative session will also include a round table with photographer and human rights activist, Jonas Moller, who has documented the realities of the Guatemalan Civil War. Half the proceeds from his works will go towards supporting the displaced workers of the Rakhra Mushroom Farm.
Saturday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. Sleep Out
(At the Campus Green of Adams State University campus)
On any given night in America, there is an estimated 671,859 people who are homeless. La Puente’s Sleep Out will take place on Sept. 22 at 9 p.m.. We will have a speaker, discussion, and come together to experience a night of homelessness. Please bring a sleeping bag, warm clothing, a cup for hot chocolate, and an open mind! Join us at 9 p.m. to experience a night of homelessness on the Campus Green of ASU’s campus.
Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. Candlelight Vigil (La Puente Home, 913 State)
The Candlelight Vigil will start at 7pm following 6 o’clock dinner at the shelter…
La Puente invites you as we reflect and remember those experiencing homelessness in our community. The vigil entails a one mile walk beginning at the shelter and ending at the Catholic Church. Personal stories of homelessness and poverty will be shared.
Thursday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. Homeless Immersion
(Cole Park in Alamosa)
Join La Puente for a simulated homeless experience taking place around Alamosa. Several groups will explore Alamosa, attempting to complete common tasks often facing homeless members of our community.
The immersion experience will begin in Cole Park in Alamosa at 9 a.m. and will finish at the La Puente Outreach Office on State Avenue, Alamosa at approximately 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 30 at 12 p.m. La Puente’s 30 Year Celebration Party & BBQ! (La Puente Home, 913 State)
Come celebrate 30 years with La Puente. We’ll be having an open house and BBQ at the shelter to celebrate 30 years of serving the San Luis Valley.
We’ll have live music, games, food and of course, lots of cake!
For more information on the events or how to get involved with La Puente check out our website, www.lapuente.net, find us on facebook at LaPuente Home Inc., or call our Community Education office at 587-3499. Hope to see you there!
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