Home. It’s always been my safe spot, my happy place. As cooler weather brings its brisk air and brilliant colors, I find myself settling into the cozy warmth of our home after the breathless pace of summer. Just the word “home” evokes peaceful, happy memories of love and security throughout my childhood.

For some, this is not the case. “Home” holds emotions of fear, anxiety, and dread. And for an increasing number of children across the nation, home situations have grown toxic as studies show an uptick in substance abuse and depression associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As the number of children entering the foster care system increases, there has also been an alarming decrease of available foster homes due in part to economic hardship or uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  This means many children are left in less-than ideal situations that could pose a greater risk of abuse, trauma, and neglect. Stuck in the cycle without a safe place to go, where will they find hope? 

As we enter the season of fun family holidays and a more home-centered pace, let’s not forget about these vulnerable children. Due to a lack of foster homes, many of them will miss out on the safe, nurturing environment a foster home can provide. The alternative is disturbing and the impact far-reaching. Yet even one loving, stable family who chooses to open their home to a needy child, will make a lasting impact. This impact will not only give the child warm, happy memories; space to heal; and hope for their future but will also immeasurably bless the family whose hearts and doors are open.

If your heart is open but becoming a foster care provider seems daunting, Hope and Home, a nondenominational Christian charity based in Colorado Springs and covering the San Luis Valley, is here to offer invaluable training and support through the entire process. You can offer a child hope for a brighter future—and a warm, loving, secure place along the way to call “home.”

There is a need for caring foster parents in the San Luis Valley. Becoming a licensed foster parent helps make sure kids in foster care don’t have to leave our community. If you are interested in doing this important work, contact Hope & Home to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

Hope & Home is hosting a foster parent info night on Saturday, October 23, 2021, for anyone interested in fostering or supporting people who are. This event is free and open to the community. The event will be held at Hope & Home, 605 3rd Street, Alamosa, CO 81101 from 6:30pm-8:30pm and light refreshments will be served. If you’ve considered fostering, please join us – there are children who need you!

You can call Hope & Home at 719-575-9887 or email [email protected]