The financial assistance that comes from the association by Mercy’s Gate with The Empty Stocking Fund is invaluable, but there are other benefits; not only does it help inform the general community about the faith-based organization, it has the potential to reach those who may be struggling.

Mercy’s Gate “serves the working poor of El Paso County,” said Jason Dilger, its executive director. The organization has already provided services to more than 31,000 people through the third quarter of 2024. This is set to surpass the 2023 number of 36,503 people, which exceeded the 29,000 number in 2022.

“The need is only growing,” Dilger said. Mercy’s Gate offers rent/mortgage assistance, a food pantry, clothing, transportation, medical services and more.

“The contributions that Empty Stocking makes is significant, not just for Mercy’s Gate but all of the 20 agencies it supports,” said Dilger. “Community awareness is so important. With Empty Stocking talking about the organizations, someone may realize ‘they can help me.’”

Referrals come from 2-1-1 Pikes Peak United Way, other nonprofits and connections through the more than 50 partner churches Mercy’s Gate is affiliated with. It’s not unusual, for example, for parishioners to know of someone in need and refer them, Dilger said.

Testimonials from those served attest to the positive impact of Mercy’s Gate. One person wrote: “I had open heart surgery when I first arrived in Colorado. Very unexpected and I couldn’t work, etc. Mercy’s Gate gave me the relief that was so needed. … By the way, God kept me going and I am now happily giving back.”

Another Mercy’s Gate statement, from an advocate in the organization, further exemplified the organization’s impact: “… is a single lady who works as a house cleaner. She became ill in February and had to take time off to recover. She has begun to work again on a part-time basis, and is steadily rebuilding her income as she also manages her health. MG helped her with rent, utilities and gas vouchers to help keep her going as she rebuilds her house cleaning service.

“This was a lady who was able to live off her savings from March to September before leaving us. She was in a situation where she is a hard worker who obviously cares for her clients, but had no safety net when a crisis came. She was well on her way to rebuilding her business and getting back to her old income, but needed a small amount of help to get through until then.”

Other examples focused on families with young children, including a single father unable to work because his children have weekly medical appointments. Again, Mercy’s Gate stepped in to offer support.

For some, the need is temporary, but Dilger, who is passionate about his mission of helping the underserved, believes more must be done to address a better understanding of poverty.

“It’s not always financial,” he said. “It’s being under-resourced, whether that’s not having viable career opportunities, affordable housing or education opportunities. Some people can’t afford life.” He also noted that physical and emotional health issues are other possible contributing factors.

Mercy’s Gate was established in 1982 as Northern Churches Care when five churches offered a food pantry for low-income individuals and families. It was renamed in 2012. Dilger started with the organization in 2008 as a volunteer and has been in his current role since 2016.

“We are so grateful and honored to be among the 20 Empty Stocking agencies,” Dilger said. “This is not something we take for granted.”