During this unprecedented government shutdown, citizens all over our state are supporting one another. Let me tell you one of those stories.

Today will mark a special celebration for around 100 people – a small group of citizens who recently made some big moves to help the homeless in the Colorado Springs community.

This group is coming together to present a $50,000 check to the Salvation Army. Over the past few months, these individuals have worked diligently to raise funds as members of The Rotary Club of Colorado Springs. As a chapter of an international service-oriented organization, the Rotary Club is devoted to making a difference in local, national, and international communities.

During this season, the community pays special attention to ensuring that residents experiencing homelessness have access to the resources they need. However, families are often the hardest group to serve. The current financial climate—with rising mortgage costs and increasing rents—makes it difficult for families to keep a roof over their heads. Even those with housing vouchers or steady employment struggle to find affordable housing.

Additionally, there is a critical shortage of shelter space that can accommodate whole families. Facilities designed for individuals must turn away dozens of families each month due to space limitations.

The Salvation Army operates a shelter called the Family Hope Center, but even this facility is sometimes forced to turn away families because there are not enough rooms available. The challenges of 2025 have brought unprecedented surges in need, rising expenses, and reductions in government funding, resulting in a $1 million budget shortfall for the organization.

In August, the Salvation Army made the difficult decision to reduce the Family Hope Center’s capacity by half, closing 15 of its 31 family rooms and laying off about ten staff members.

Maj. Stephen Ball, El Paso County coordinator said of the downsizing, “That this is happening at the time we’re seeing the Point in Time, giving us indication we need more beds is very sad, but it’s just a reality.”

Recognizing the urgent need, the Colorado Springs Rotary Club acted to support the Family Hope Center. Club President Trevor Dierdorff called upon members and the broader community to help, emphasizing the urgency as the Center was already forced to turn away families each week. Rotarians quickly organized regular volunteer shifts at the Family Hope Center, freeing up paid staff to focus on direct support for residents.

Through these initiatives, the first Rotary Club initially secured a small $5,000 grant and began preparing to match further donations from both the community and club members. After this the Rotary members organized tours of the Center for additional potential donors, increasing awareness of the Center’s impact and encouraging more community involvement.

These efforts have yielded noteworthy results. To date, the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs has raised $50,000 for the Salvation Army Family Hope Center. Rotary Club member Donna Dell Olio said, “We hope to inspire other people to donate.”

Prophetic words. The Rotary Club gift (combined with the donations of many more in the community) will enable The Salvation Army to announce the reopening of 5 rooms within R.J. Montgomery. As soon as they have staff trained – they will accept additional families in.

Maj. Stephen Ball, El Paso County coordinator says of this effort, “It’s a blessing to see members of the community step in and fill these gaps. This is the way forward for now.”

The celebration where the check will be awarded is scheduled for today, at 1:00 p.m., with lunch served at noon. The event will take place at The Antlers Hotel, located at 4 S. Cascade Ave. All local citizens and media are invited to attend.

Connecting with one another voluntarily to help populations in need improves individual well-being and builds communities. It also fosters a greater sense of shared purpose and civic engagement.

No taxes required.

It’s ironic. A local organization – Rotary Club – has shown us how to create a more equitable society by giving marginalized individuals access to resources and a voice in decision-making.

Service, not politics, is how we unite people.

Rachel Stovall is an event manager, entertainer and community advocate.