There are a large number of homeless people In Colorado Springs, including the eastern plains. Jerry Finch of Black Forest, an Exchange Club member and owner of Landscape Designs, wanted to know how the Exchange Club could help. Tom and Nola Lang presented information about the homeless at the last meeting of the Exchange Club of Falcon.The homeless people are comprised of substance abusers, the mentally ill and the unemployed. Many reject help, yet others like many of the homeless veterans want help, but the resources are limited.The Langs distributed a list of organizations that currently aid the homeless and the poor. Because these organizations are familiar with the homeless, they suggest that all donations be made through the established agencies, rather than donating directly to the homeless individual.Agencies that help the homeless:
- Catholic Charities: James Dixon manages the soup kitchen. They are getting doctors and dentists at the facility as well.
- Interfaith Hospitality Network is a coalition of churches that houses families in a church setting. They rotate weekly among the different churches.
- Peak Vista provides community health centers.
- The Justice and Peace commission organizes tours of homeless areas.
- The Salvation Army now administers the R. J. Montgomery Center.
- Springs Rescue Mission is Christian based.
