Paula is a longtime Fort Collins volunteer, donor and advocate who has been involved in efforts to address homelessness for about 10 years, including supporting FCRM and the new Homeless Resolution Center.
What has stood out to you about Fort Collins Rescue Mission?
I think we all want to do better for our community, and there are different ways to do it. I like being part of community organizations and meeting people. At FCRM, it’s the people and how they express themselves and how they talk in the community. I trust the people at the Mission. I’ve also been impressed with how forward-thinking the Mission is. They’re thinking five or 10 years ahead.
What are you looking forward to about the new Homeless Resolution Center?
It’s state of the art. It’s not just, “Let’s build a shelter.” They’re designing it with architects who understand the mental, emotional and social needs related to helping a person get back on their feet.
What would you say to someone who wants to get involved?
It’s okay to start small. I think tours are important so people can come and really see the place. Any way that you can help people who are homeless—interact. I don’t think people should hesitate to give. There are a lot of ways but I think it helps to hear people who have been involved say it’s easy.
This post is part of November’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing Wayne’s story of how a Thanksgiving meal became more than food in: A Place at the Table
