Homelessness

Sometimes you have to walk a mile in someone’s shoes to understand.That was the consensus as more than a dozen local social-service providers literally walked a mile in their clients’ shoes on...

A man who is homeless was nipped by a black bear Wednesday morning while sleeping on public lands east of the Manna Soup Kitchen in Durango.The man, who would identify himself only as Gary, said he...

Some sad stories have happy endings. But six months ago, single father of four Butch Lawrence would never have guessed that his story would be one of them.“I was upset at the world and couldn’t get...

Even before the recession began hammering family finances, researchers say, many of Colorado's working families were falling fast into poverty. The economic downturn continues to compound the...

Nicole Pearson came to town six years ago ready to take on the world. Or at least a degree from Fort Lewis College.If only it had worked out so simply.She met someone. Then came two children....

It's a predicament many Durangoans know well: multiple jobs but still not enough money to pay all the bills. Earnings too high for assistance but too low to really make it.It's hanging onto the...

As a single mother with a 3-year-old boy, Diana Williams faces tough decisions every day.Like what to cut when the grocery bill is the only thing left.“I could maybe get by eating ramen noodles and...

As more La Plata County parents slip from security to poverty, educators and social service providers say the hardship inevitably trickles down to their children.“The impact on these kids is almost...

One-time help won't cut it this time.As the new reality in poverty's changing statistics takes hold, local families' financial hardships have gone from “crisis to chronic” through no fault of their...

Butch Lawrence started over three times last year. He's lived in the woods more than once. There was a time when “home” was his car, parked at a local gas station. Lawrence has four children...