Westside Cares Inc

Introduction

Westside Cares Inc, a 501(c)(3) organization, is an ecumenical and interfaith nonprofit collaboration primarily serving the west side of El Paso County, Colorado. The organization is dedicated to providing care and compassion to neighbors in need, focusing on comprehensive support services for individuals experiencing homelessness and low-income residents.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Westside Cares Inc is to offer a variety of resources to individuals and families facing economic hardships, with a strong emphasis on housing solutions, health services, and hope-centered programming. The organization operates solely on private funding, leveraging donations and in-kind contributions to sustain its operations. This approach allows Westside Cares to maintain a high level of community engagement and feedback integration, which is crucial for its program development.

Programs and Services

Westside Cares offers several key programs and services, including:

• Housing Solutions: Westside Cares focuses on navigating housing challenges and providing rental assistance. As of 2024, they reported successfully housing 45 individuals and assisting 499 others through housing navigation services.
• Utilities Assistance: The organization supports households in applying for utilities assistance, with 328 households benefiting from this service in 2024.
• Document Assistance: They assist in obtaining vital documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and school records, helping individuals become more economically viable. In 2024, they facilitated the acquisition of over 700 such documents.
• Food Assistance: Westside Cares operates food pantries and provides emergency food supplies. They served 44,000 four-day food bags in 2024, reflecting a significant increase in demand for their services.

Financial Overview

In 2024, Westside Cares reported a cash operating income of $1,243,499 with expenses amounting to $949,252. Their revenue is predominantly comprised of individual donations and grants, with a notable portion coming from in-kind donations, which accounted for 63% of their income. The organization's financial model highlights the importance of community support in sustaining its operations.

Volunteer Engagement

Westside Cares is supported by a strong volunteer base, with nearly 400 volunteers contributing approximately 25,776 hours of service in 2024. This volunteer-centric approach allows the organization to maximize its impact while keeping operational costs low.

History and Impact

Established more than four decades ago, Westside Cares has become a cornerstone of social support in the region. The organization's commitment to adapting to community needs and feedback has contributed significantly to its enduring presence and effectiveness in addressing local social challenges.

[1] https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/people-experiencing-homelessness-highlight-westside-cares-in-colorado-springs [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/742354492 [3] https://www.justserve.org/westsidecares [4] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/742354492/201503139349302935/full/