Today many in our community find themselves homeless and in need. Homelessness impacts all communities and is the result of poverty. Within homelessness there are many stigmas and the public response to individuals in crisis often experience a lack of compassion. People find themselves in need for many reasons, whether it’s because of addiction, mental health, or domestic violence, anyone can find themselves without shelter or other basic needs. Regardless of their situation, we seek to be a home, willing and able to support people get back on their feet.

Emergency Housing
The shelter meets community need by offering people a safe place to stay as they work to get back on their feet. Within five days of entering the shelter doors, guests are assigned a case manager who works with guests on their development of a 30-day plan that fits with the goal of getting our guests closer to independent living. Depending on their needs, a case manager helps connect guests with employment navigation and readiness services, housing navigation, or assists with referrals to other programs in the community for further support. Guests engage in development their personal plan to transition out of the shelter.  Annually, the facility provides over 10,000 nights of provisional lodging as well as community outreach services including hygiene kits, shower facilities, clothing, shoes, diapers, and other necessities that many in our community are without.

Community Meals
Over 50,000 meals are served on an annual basis. Each meal is prepared by shelter staff members, community volunteers, or workgroups. The food used for each meal is donated by the generosity of others. La Puente’s shelter serves three meals a day, which are open to the community as well as the guests residing at the shelter. 

Breakfast: 6 AM | Lunch: 12 PM | Dinner: 6 PM

Donate food: Food donations are appreciated. Canned goods are especially appreciated for feeding large groups of people through our community meals. 

Donate hygiene items: We provide hygiene kits for guests and community members in need. These kits include basic needs items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, feminine hygiene products, razors, washcloths, etc.

Donate your time: The shelter serves three meals a day. We welcome anyone who wants to prepare and serve a meal at the shelter. For more information on how to volunteer at the shelter, please call La Puente’s Volunteer Coordination office at 719-587-3499.