A Face I Never Forgot

I’m Tracey Porter, founder of Food Trucks Against Homelessness, and my passion for this work comes from something much deeper than simply wanting to feed people.

I grew up in the Detroit area, where I would often see a woman named Stella in Greektown. She was unhoused and became a familiar face in the community. I didn’t know her story or what had brought her there, but there was something about her that stayed with me. I thought about her often, even long after I stopped seeing her.

Years later, I learned more about Stella’s life. By then, I understood something I couldn’t fully appreciate when I was younger: how easy it is to pass someone on the street, recognize their face, and still know nothing about the person behind it.

Stella taught me something I carry into this work every day. No one should be defined by their circumstances. Everyone has a name, a story, and a life that matters.

That belief is at the heart of Food Trucks Against Homelessness and the way I try to show up for our neighbors today.

You can read more about Stella and her story HERE.

From an Idea to a Community

In January 2021, as economic uncertainty continued to affect people throughout Colorado Springs, I saw how deeply our unhoused neighbors were being impacted.

I also knew what it meant to go through difficult times and have people in my life who showed up when I needed them. Reaching a place of stability made me want to offer that same kind of support to others.

That desire became Food Trucks Against Homelessness. The idea was simple: bring together local food trucks, businesses, individuals, and community organizations to provide meals and essential resources to people experiencing homelessness. But from the beginning, I wanted it to be about more than food.

More Than a Meal

Through FTAH, I’ve had the privilege of building real relationships with our unhoused neighbors.

For me, it isn’t just about a meal, a haircut, or a repaired bike. It’s about learning someone’s name. Earning their trust. Listening to their story. And being willing to show up when they need someone in their corner.

Sometimes that means providing a meal. Sometimes it means helping someone navigate a difficult situation, advocating for them, connecting them with resources, or simply sitting beside them when life gets hard.

Human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

A Community Helping a Community

Food Trucks Against Homelessness brings people together in a way that benefits the entire community.

Local food trucks generously contribute their time, supplies, and food. Businesses and individuals provide financial support and resources. Community partners help us connect people with services that extend far beyond what we can provide on our own.

Together, we are able to offer food, resources, and something equally important: dignity, choice, and human connection.

We’re proud to partner with Westside CARES, where every Monday we come together to provide meals, resources, and support to approximately 125–150 of our neighbors.

Our Vision

My vision for FTAH is to continue building a community where our unhoused neighbors are seen as people first.

A community where people are treated with dignity. Where they have choices. Where someone knows their name. And where meaningful relationships, practical resources, and consistent support can help create pathways from surviving to greater stability and self-sufficiency.

I don’t believe we change lives by simply handing someone a resource and walking away. We create change by showing up, building trust, and refusing to look away.

That is the work I am committed to today—and the community I want Food Trucks Against Homelessness to continue building.