BY TYLER TAYLOR
Interfaith Coalition on Homelessness

Last June, dreamers from four Los Alamos houses of worship asked ourselves, “If we could interest 10 or more congregations and thought big, could we collectively actually help to reduce the very high levels of homelessness in Española, a community of neighbors only 15 miles away? As outsiders, with limited knowledge, who would we first need to learn from? Are there effective groups in the Valley we could partner with? Would they accept us?”

Now, after nine months, a groundswell of enthusiasm and hope has developed.

As a result:

• Thirteen congregations, including three in Española, have come together as the Interfaith Coalition on Homelessness;
• Almost $19,000 was raised in three months for the Espanola Pathways Shelter;
• About 35 frontline people (most in Española) have been interviewed, greatly expanding our understanding of many issues around homelessness and addictions;
• Our interest, concerns, and determination have been met with open arms and appreciation by everyone we’ve spoken with;
• Regular follow-up discussions are happening with about 10 Valley organizations that directly help the unhoused population;
• Trust in friendships across faiths and county lines are growing steadily; and
• Coalition meetings have been continuing every 1-2 months, and about 30 people have attended at least one.

Harnessing all this energy and potential has meant that an effective leadership structure was needed. To that end, recently a Steering Committee has been formed, +3 teams with specific areas of responsibility.

Additionally, a step-by-step process was followed to narrow down options and decide which long-term tasks for us to pursue. The result?

For the next 1 to 2 years, we will:

• Assist 3 separate clinics in providing cellphones to patients getting treatment for addiction disorders. 30 days of phone service will get added each time a patient keeps their monthly follow up appointment.
• Create a very user-friendly means of volunteering at frontline Valley organizations who do great work. This will be online, and changeable in real time.
• Explore ways to assist in the development of a dedicated, free shuttle service for Española residents who need transportation to or from medical care, counseling and pharmacies.
• Look for a means of covering the cost of first prescriptions for medications to treat addiction disorders, for low-income people whose coverage by Medicaid or NM DOH is pending.

So, the dream of last June is happening in a big way! It’s been deeply gratifying for us to watch the blossoming of both the compassion and the readiness to help among scores of LA County people of faith.

Any individuals or congregations wanting to join this exciting work are encouraged to contact us at tylerinnm@aol.com.