FTAH w/ PiZetta Media
Tracey is interviewed by PiZetta Media: Content with a Cause
Video
FTAH feeds local people in need
Thank you to KOAA for doing this piece on us.
As times are tough for many, a local nonprofit organization is helping feed people in need in the Colorado Springs community. It’s a partnership between Food Trucks Against Homelessness and Westside Cares.
Every Monday morning, a group of volunteers park in the parking lot of Westside Cares, and they gave away food, winter clothing and other personal items to up to 100 people. If a food truck is available, the truck and staff will show up to provide a meal instead.
Tracey Porter and her wife founded Food Trucks Against Homelessness in early 2021. It was a time during the pandemic when the economy was impacting everyone, especially the homeless community.
“It’s so difficult, their stories are challenging,” said Porter. “When we connect with those that are on our streets, then we can offer connections, so that they feel worthy and that they can work to get off the streets.”
Since the effort started, they have served more than 6,300 meals to people in need, and on Monday, they served a little more than 80 people. With inflation, and the high prices of food and items right now, the need continues nearly two years later.
“We’re seeing new faces definitely all the time, and then we see some of the same faces,” said Porter. “We need to be out there, and we need to connect with all human beings so that we can all help each other.”
For many, a little help goes a long way especially during hard times like the holidays.
“They give you blankets, they give you shoes, and they’re just good people,” said Lance Reede, who’s been receiving food for a few months now. “I’m still trying to find my way and trying to do what I can do. They help a lot and I really appreciate them.”
Porter said she enjoyed giving back to her community, and forming connections with people who are houseless.
“They give me the opportunity to give back to my community and to make a difference, and that is the most important,” said Porter.
Volunteers from Food Trucks Against Homelessness will be at Westside Cares from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday. They are also accepting cash donations and other forms of donations including winter gear, like sweaters and sweatshirts, coats, hats, socks, hand warmers and gloves.
The organization is also looking for more food trucks to participate at Westside cares in Old Colorado City.
Food Trucks Against Homelessness feeds those in need in Colorado Springs
Thank you to the KOAA News5 for doing this piece on us.
Many organizations feed people in need during the holidays, but a local non-profit is helping year round. Earlier today, they helped feed dozens of homeless people in Colorado Springs.
It’s a partnership between Food Trucks Against Homelessness and Westside Cares. Every Monday morning, the group brings a food truck to Westside Cares. The food truck volunteers their time and supplies to serve meals to dozens of people in need.
Food Trucks Against Homelessness is an effort that began about a year ago because they simply wanted to help feed the homeless. Tracey Porter and her wife founded it, and since then, the effort has only gotten bigger.
“In the beginning, it was about 80 to 100 people, but now we’re seeing about 100 to 130 people. It’s grown. It cost us $200 to reimburse food trucks for their food and supplies, and the supplies we get, is probably between $500 and $800,” said Porter, the program facilitator.
Thanks to the partnership, food trucks like Phat Frankies are parked outside of Westside Cares for two hours every Monday morning serving meals to those in need. When a food truck isn’t available the organization brings food from a local business, like they did on Monday morning.
“They have good food. Today is burritos. Other times they have macaroni and cheese and things like that. It’s a wonderful program,” said Valentine Pineda, who’s been receiving food and items since the effort got underway. “I really appreciated it when they came the day before Thanksgiving. They gave out clothes and everything matched.”
They also bring donated clothes, socks, gloves and even hand warmers to give to people who also got a meal.
“They help everybody because people are just, they’re needy, ya know. They’re not working and they need food, they need clothes, they need everything,” said Judy Astry, who also picked up a meal and items. “I think it’s wonderful. I hope they continue to do it.”
And as Porter was gathering items to bring to people on Monday morning, she says she became emotional because she knows her work is making a difference in the community.
“I was literally in tears, and that’s only because I’m so grateful that I’m able to do this, that we’re able to do this,” said Porter. “These neighbors are so excited to see me, and they’re so grateful because I’ve gotten to know them, and that’s the beauty of all this.”
When News5 asked Porter why she does it, she said, “I just feel that we as human beings, have to help another human being. I think that’s what we’re put on this earth for. It doesn’t matter what day it is, but it’s necessary to be here and it’s necessary, in my opinion, to help them.”
Right now, the organization is looking for more food trucks to volunteer their time. They do give $200 to food truck owners who help out, plus a donation letter so they can write it off on their taxes. They organization also needs donations like socks, gloves, hand warmers, masks, clothes and monetary donations.
The food is served every Monday morning from 11-1.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Food Trucks Against Homelessness in need of donations
Thank you to the KRDO for doing this piece on us.
Every Monday, Food Trucks Against Homelessness brings a different food truck to Westside Cares in Colorado Springs to help feed those in need.
It’s a partnership that started in January with the goal to help feed people regardless of their situation. At that time, the organizers say they would feed between 80 and 100 people, but now that number is between 100 and 130. Organizers say the pandemic is a big contributor to the growing numbers.
“I would have to say that we probably spend, between helping the food truck if the food truck wants that reimbursement, we probably spend between $500-$800 a week between supplies and food and supplies to be able to serve that hot meal,” said Tracey Porter with Food Trucks Against Homelessness.
Tracey says they see a lot of familiar faces, that includes Mary Sand. Sand has been homeless for four years and says getting these meals guarantees her something to eat at least once a week.
“At least once a week I know I’m going to eat. I’m in fourth stage, so it’s important that I try to get my nutrition and keep it going, [but it] doesn’t always happen that way. It’s nice to know that somebody cares,” said Sand.
Food Trucks Against Homelessness offers up to $200 for the food trucks to come out. On Monday, Mischef food truck served homemade meals to 105 people. After three years, the pandemic is forcing the truck to close, the owners chose to make serving the homeless their last gig.
“As a chef, it’s food integrity. I know that they don’t always eat well when they’re in the streets. It’s scraps and things like that, and I think people don’t always serve them well. To me it’s really important that they eat well and eat food that I would eat and share with everyone that would come to the truck,” said Albert Bolz, the owner.
Food Trucks Against Homelessness also gives out essentials like socks, hats, gloves, and underwear. Right now they are in need of those donations. They accept monetary and physical donations. If you would like to donate you can visit their Facebook page.