We are collecting financial donations!

Announcement of a new Espanola Valley Homelessness Fund

The Interfaith Coalition on Homelessness (ICOH) is very pleased to announce a new tax-deductible fund which will financially support local efforts to address homelessness in Española. Just created by the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, the "Española Valley Homelessness Fund" supports a long-term mission of the church. The fund’s stated purpose is to “reduce homelessness in the Española Valley, and to address in impactful ways the many factors that contribute to that problem.”

 

Donations to the new fund will support the Coalition in meeting its five goals:

●      Reduce homelessness and its underlying causes in the Española Valley.

●      Work with existing very impactful frontline organizations in the Valley.

●      Be humble and interested in continuously learning about the complex issues involved.

●      Build a strong interfaith organization focused on our shared core spiritual values.

●      Build bridges between Los Alamos County and the Española Valley, which may have long-term benefits we can't foresee. 

 

In the last 17 months, ICOH has created good partnerships with many frontline organizations in the Valley and has carried out 10 supporting projects with them. From supplies at the Española Pathways Shelter, to cell phones for patients in treatment for addictions, to clothes and foods for the McCurdy Family Resource Center, to finding financial support for Inside Out Recovery Center, ICOH is truly diving in to help. We’ve been deploying generous community donations and countless volunteer hours directly to these causes.

Española Valley communities continue to face painfully high rates of homelessness, addiction disorders, premature deaths, and parentless children. And yet positive winds are also blowing on many fronts there. The capacity to treat addictions has skyrocketed this year. A new Family Resources Center and a sober living facility have opened. Promising alliances are forming.

For those wanting to tangibly support these interfaith volunteer efforts in the Valley, please consider donating to the new Española Valley Homelessness Fund. Community support for ICOH has been amazing and steadily growing, and now there's a tax-deductible way for individuals to financially contribute directly to the Coalition's work. (Our negligible overhead is being covered by supporters and participating congregations). To donate, send checks or qualified charitable distributions to:

 

The Unitarian Church of Los Alamos

1738 N. Sage Loop

Los Alamos, NM

87544

Important: On the memo line, add either "EVHF" or "Homelessness Fund".

 

The following local congregations are collecting cold weather items for our partners, Española Pathways Shelter and Inside Out Recovery:

 

White Rock Presbyterian Church

LDS Los Alamos Ward

Valley View Methodist Church

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

First United Methodist Church Los Alamos (beginning in January)

 

Items:  Warm socks, New underwear (men and women), Warm gloves, Beanies, Emergency blankets, Winter sleeping bags, Sweaters/sweatshirts, Handwarmers, Jackets, Sturdy and closed-toe shoes

 

Items can also be purchased here.

 

The following local congregations are collecting food and toiletry items for our partner, McCurdy Ministries's Family Resource Center:

 

Los Alamos Jewish Center

White Rock Baptist Church

Unitarian Church of Los Alamos

LDS Pajarito Ward (Los Alamos)

 

Items:  Shelf-stable milk, Shelf-stable non-dairy milk, Canned meats, Canned soups, Cup of noodles, Cooking oil, Baby formula (sensitive type), Granola bars, Cereals, Cheez-Its, Toilet paper, Paper towels, Dish soap, Laundry detergent, Cleaning supplies

 

The collection drive will run from November 29th to February 1st!