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In 1984, the El Paso County Poor Farm closed its doors after serving local citizens with mental and physical disabilities for 84 years, The closure created an obvious need for services and programs to continue the tradition of caring for neighbors in need.

Several churches joined together to help resettle individuals and families who became homeless upon the abrupt closure. Out of the shared work and communion came the idea to create a more formal and permanent relationship. Westside CARES was established as an interfaith, nonprofit organization providing crisis human services to its west-side neighbors.

From 1984-1993, Westside CARES partnered with the Billie Speilman Center, and when the organizations separated, Bethany Baptist Church offered Westside CARES 4,200 square feet of space in its basement at modest rental costs.

Over the years, Westside CARES has become the significant distribution agency for emergency services in western El Paso County. Its team serves neighbors from Fort Carson to the Air Force Academy and 1-25 west to the county border. Westside CARES has grown from serving several hundred households a year in 1984 to over 20,000 households in 2014, through its Caring Services Programs, six food pantries and a Sunday meal.

By 2012, the organization had outgrown its basement space and began a search for a more adequate facility. In 2013, the team moved into its current location, 2808 W. Colorado Avenue, which doubled its available floor space and provided better parking and general accessibility. Westside CARES is currently engaged in a capital campaign to purchase and remodel the newer facility in order to provide services for even more neighbors.

Westside CARES staff and volunteers continue to live its mission of providing care and compassion to neighbors in need, today, tomorrow and beyond. They invite members of the community to donate needed items and time or stop in to receive services. Visit westsidecares.org or call 719-389-0759 for more information or to donate.