No one expects to need to rebuild their lives. Still, thousands of adults and families find themselves in need of doing just that. And for 36 years, a safe harbor in that particular storm has been the Gathering Place.
This refuge for rebuilding lives provides shelter, basic necessities and supportive programs to women, trans folx and children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. Support includes everything from resource navigation to showers and mail, prepared meals and food, a Physical and Mental Health Program, a Family Program, housing-focused Case Management, and education and job readiness services.
Shavonne found the impacts of the pandemic were more than she could navigate alone after her pandemic-related job loss. When Shavonne first came to the Gathering Place in fall of 2020, she accessed food once a week and clothing a couple of times. Since then, Shavonne has worked with a case manager to obtain a job and enroll in advanced education programs focused on IT and coding. Shavonne is set to graduate from her program in May of 2022 and is working with case managers to line-up full-time work utilizing her degrees. The 24/7 shelter, along with supportive programs and resources, have helped Shavonne move to a place of stability. She no longer relies on the Gathering Place for food or clothing as she has regained independence.
Among its other supports, the Gathering Place addresses food insecurity through the Food Program which includes two different initiatives – Betsy’s Cupboard, the food pantry, and the kitchen which provides prepared breakfast, lunch and a hearty snack in the community dining room. Culturally relevant options are always available for the community being served, and the Gathering Place never charges for goods or services.
In 2021, the kitchen and the food pantry provided 111,341 meals to women, trans folx and children who were experiencing poverty and homelessness. Food pantry distribution at TGP more than doubled in response to the pandemic, which was possible due to generous support from Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger and other funders. In that same year, the food pantry distributed 105,208 pounds of nutritious and culturally relevant food to 1,714 individuals. Adults can receive 30 pounds of food through Betsy’s Cupboard each month. Adults with children under age 18 can receive an additional 60 pounds of food each month and the pantry offers options for those who do not have access to a kitchen or a place to cook.
Community volunteers as well as those receiving services help stock the pantry and fill grocery bags each month. Individuals and local businesses often support the kitchen through donations, meal sponsorships and volunteer service.
Soon the Gathering Place will be supporting Gov. Jared Polis to launch a focused housing surge, an effort used successfully across the country and in Denver. These efforts include close coordination of partner organizations to move people quickly from experiencing homelessness to stable, affordable housing.
Refuge for rebuilding lives ensures hunger isn’t one of the challenges faced for those using its services