ALAMOSA — La Puente is hosting its annual Homeless Outreach and Prevention Education (HOPE) week, which starts this Monday, September 25th and runs through Sunday, October 1st.

The purpose of this week is to educate the community on the realities of homelessness and poverty in the San Luis Valley. It is also an opportunity to share the efforts La Puente is taking to address the root causes of homelessness, including their ongoing endeavors to provide hope within the region. All members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend any of the following events:

Monday, September 25th - ASU Food Pantry Grand Opening

Adam State University’s Food Pantry grand opening will be the start of our HOPE week. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Student life Center and conclude at ASU’s community garden with fresh veggies from local gardens. Hear the story about the collaborative effort it took between La Puente and ASU to open this pantry, learn how the students can utilize its services, tour the pantry, and enjoy some refreshments from ASU’s Community Garden before their harvest season comes to a close.

Tuesday, September 26th - Public Forum

La Puente is holding a Community Forum at 7 p.m. in McDaniel Hall 101, which is located on Adam State University’s campus. The forum will include a panel of individuals from within our community, e.g., city council, police department, public health, La Puente representatives, and a community member. Please join in the discussion about the impact of La Puente within the community.

Wednesday, September 27th - Candlelight Vigil

Partake in a night of support for the homeless. The night will begin at the La Puente Shelter at 6:30 p.m. and end at Sacred Heart Church for refreshments. Participants will walk from those two locations in solidarity while hearing stories from previous shelter guests and singing songs of hope.

Thursday, September 28th - Stone Soup

Harvest season is here and with that comes the annual Stone Soup event. This all-day event will take place at Alamosa Elementary from 8 a.m. -2:30 p.m. Please reach out to [email protected]  for information on how to get involved.

Friday, September 29th- Life off the Grid

View an informative video on community members that live “off the grid.” The video will include interviews of community members and their experience living in such an isolated area, as well as the work La Puente has done to meet their immediate needs. The showing will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Milagros Coffee House. Come out and learn more about the community members that live in the Valley.

Sunday, October 1st - Shelter Open House

HOPE week will conclude with a community barbeque at the La Puente Shelter at 11:30 a.m. There will be a live band, games, and lots of food. All members of the community are welcome to attend.

Please contact [email protected] or 719-587-3499 for additional information.