For those who may not know, Longmont has an organization called HOPE that provides services and outreach to the homeless population in our community. This is from HOPE directly:

HOPE meets people where they are. Every night of the year, street outreach teams provide basic needs support, restore dignity and build trust with people experiencing homelessness in Longmont. HOPE is often the first point of contact for people living on the margin and supports people who are falling through the cracks or are not eligible for services at other agencies. Our goal is to provide emergency street outreach for the homeless and working poor population in Longmont and offer supportive follow-through services toward self-sufficiency. HOPE attempts to eliminate barriers of access that keep homeless individuals on the streets.

HOPE also has a program to help get bicycles that have been donated, cleaned, and tuned to those on our streets, and we have enjoyed seeing that service take off.

This tends to be the season when organizations and individuals ask you to open your wallet. This is one of those instances in which you don't need to spend a dime to make a difference, but you do need to take action. Instead, please take a few seconds of your time and go here to vote for HOPE to receive a grant from First Western Trust. These funds would make a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals in our community.

HOPE has made it onto the list of finalists to possibly receive the grant, but they need YOUR votes in order to ensure their place at the top. Individuals can vote once each day through November 10 at 5PM, so please go and vote today, tomorrow and through the 10th, and help spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors. We would love to see this organization take the top spot and get the funds to help here in Longmont!