Agency provides food, housing - and teeth

Some people need groceries. Some need money for rent or gas.

Rudy Pino needed new teeth.

Pino contacted the Pikes Peak Community Action Agency during 2001 with his request and now sports a gleaming set of upper dentures - the most visible sign the agency has made a difference in his life.

Although new teeth were his top priority at the time, Pino needed more than teeth. He needed food suitable for his medically prescribed low-protein diet, help covering his prescription drug co-payments and an affordable place to live.

He turned to the Pikes Peak Community Action Agency, one of 12 organizations receiving donations from The Gazette/El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund.

"They've been helping me with a lot of things," Pino said. "I was barely making it."

Monthly rent of $350 ate up the majority of his $552 monthly disability income.

"That's not much to survive on," said Barbara Peterson, emergency services counselor at the Billie Spielman Community Center, who helped Pino get into an apartment costing $156 per month.

"It frees up some money (for him) to be able to survive," she said.

She didn't stop there.

Peterson teamed with the city's redevelopment department to make the apartment accessible for Pino, who has been disabled since 1986 because of epileptic seizures.

"Not too many people go out of their way like that," Pino said.

Pino's difficulties aren't unique, Peterson said.

"There's not a lot of help in Colorado Springs for single men," she said. "Single men don't know where to go or how to ask. I try to advocate for them."

Although Peterson often helps single men, the agency offers help for all low-income individuals and families.

The agency has five locations in El Paso County and provides services including emergency food assistance, foreclosure prevention, utility help, housing and job training.

"Some you help quickly and never see again," Peterson said. "Others, it's not just a onetime thing. Like with Rudy, there are so many obstacles. And if our agency can't do it, we try to find the proper resources to help them out."

"If you need help, they're willing to help you," Pino said. "Some things take time, but they'll help. Thank God that they help me - I'm much happier now."

TO OUR READERS

Throughout the holiday season, The Gazette will feature stories about the 12 agencies that receive money through The Gazette/El Pomar Stocking Fund and about the people they serve.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Empty Stocking Fund, make a check payable to Gazette Charities Empty Stocking Fund and mail it to P.O. Box 400, Colorado Springs 80901. Or donate online at www.gazette.com or www.coloradosprings.com. Credit card donations can be made by phone, 476-1673.

Copyright 2003
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