Hats off to Roxy Goss for organizing such an effective grassroots response to stresses on our Gilpin/Ned community safety net, as job growth slows and possible recession looms. The Nederland Food Pantry (NFP) served 4468 individuals and families through June, up sharply from a year ago. Nederland’s OTF fund for emergency support, funded by Ned’s lodging occupation tax, is similarly being stretched thin, especially to prevent homelessness, hunger and despair.

One of our national VP candidates said today “Show generosity towards your neighbors and devote yourself to building the common good.” Both GFP and NFP are experiencing this in real-time, as we deal with post-COVID safety net cutbacks.

To cope with increased demand, NFP will be occupying their new campus on First Street this month – watch for announcements on that. GFP is working on a new home near the Gilpin Community Center – watch for news on that too. Both agencies are in discussions on how they might work more closely together on their similar missions to feed, clothe and care for those in need – on average, one in 5 of us each year.

Roxy’s “thank you” is focused on the backbone of our respective organizations… our devoted volunteer staff. Coming from a business career, the non-profit world is new to me, and deeply affirming of who we are as a “people” and a resilient mountain community. Our volunteers, donors and sponsors understand this at a deep level.

National Food Bank Day is observed the first Friday in September (9/6), and this year especially, we really are SO thankful for community support. The USDA says that about 10.5% of U.S. households are food insecure at some point during the year. This is especially true among kids in summer months. We’re so lucky here in the P2P to have such excellent organizations keeping our families housed, fed and cared for. Count your blessings, and if so inclined, come see for yourself – and help as you can.