# La Puente

> La Puente's network of programs assists individuals and families affected by poverty so they can stabilize, strengthen, heal, and ultimately thrive.

La Puente is our community's response to the effects of poverty in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Founded in 1982 as one of the oldest rural homeless shelters in the USA, La Puente now provides a safety net of services where individuals and families get what they need to stabilize, heal, strengthen, and ultimately thrive — so people can live independently, with dignity.

Contact:

- La Puente Home, PO Box 1235, Alamosa, Colorado 81101
- Phone: 719-589-5909
- Administrative office: 911 State Ave., Alamosa, Colorado

## About

- [About Us](https://www.lapuentehome.org/about-us): Meeting the needs of community members experiencing poverty, La Puente's services restore and strengthen lives so people can live independently, with dignity.
- [Our Story](https://www.lapuentehome.org/about-us/who-we-are): La Puente opened its doors in 1982 as one of the oldest rural homeless shelters in the USA. We now offer a safety net of programs that serve those in crisis.

## Programs

- [Programs Overview](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs): La Puente's network of direct-service programs addressing the effects of poverty across the San Luis Valley.
- [Community Shelter](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/community-shelter): Restoring dignity through temporary lodging and homecooked meals.
- [Food Bank Network of the SLV](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/food-bank-network-of-the-slv): Feeding our community through 15 pantries.
- [Adelante Family Resource Center](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/adelante-family-resource-center): Strengthening familial resilience through partnership.
- [Crisis Prevention](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/crisis-prevention): Stabilizing households through financial, housing, and employment services.
- [PALS Children's Program](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/pals-childrens-program): Fostering social emotional growth through mentorship and adventure.
- [Street Outreach](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/street-outreach): Helping our unhoused neighbors overcome isolation through connection.
- [VEGI](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/vegi): Empowering our community through nutrition and gardening education.
- [ReThreads](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/rethreads): Cultivating self-esteem and a sense of home without the price tag.
- [Social Enterprises](https://www.lapuentehome.org/programs/social-enterprises): Embodying La Puente's values and generating funds to support our community.

## AmeriCorps

- [AmeriCorps](https://www.lapuentehome.org/americorps): Apply now! AmeriCorps members are a critical part of La Puente's team, partaking in a meaningful year of full-time service while gaining valuable skills.
- [AmeriCorps Application](https://www.lapuentehome.org/americorps/americorps-application): Apply to serve with AmeriCorps through the Rural Alliance for Dignity (RAD). Members come from across the country to serve on the front lines of La Puente's direct-service programs — serving a full 40 hours a week, taking part in community living, and participating in professional development through trainings, retreats, and community nights.

## Get Involved

- [Volunteer & Careers](https://www.lapuentehome.org/volunteer-and-careers): Find your place in service to the San Luis Valley.
- [Careers](https://www.lapuentehome.org/volunteer-careers/la-puente-careers): La Puente is more than a social services organization — we're a community. Explore current job openings on our values-driven team.
- [Community Volunteers](https://www.lapuentehome.org/volunteer-careers/community-volunteers): Lend a helping hand! Volunteers make La Puente's work possible. We connect volunteers of all ages and abilities to their community through service.
- [Full-Time Volunteers](https://www.lapuentehome.org/volunteer-careers/full-time-volunteers): US-based and international full-time volunteers use their skills to serve 37–40 hours a week at La Puente to help fulfill our mission.

## Support

- [Support Us](https://www.lapuentehome.org/support-us): Discover how you can make a difference for families by addressing the effects of poverty in the San Luis Valley.
- [Donate](https://www.lapuentehome.org/donate): Whether $5 or $500, your gift to La Puente ensures that families affected by poverty can stabilize, strengthen, and thrive. Donations eligible for tax benefits.