La Puente Home

What La Puente Home does

La Puente Home, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization headquartered in Alamosa, Colorado, founded in 1982 by Sister Mary Angelo Lobato after two community members froze to death unsheltered in 1978. It operates as a comprehensive safety-net provider across Colorado's San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties), serving 12,000+ individuals annually through nine core programs: Community Shelter (10,000+ lodging nights and 50,000+ meals per year), Food Bank Network of the SLV (15 pantries across 8,000 square miles), Adelante Family Resource Center (27 supportive housing units), Crisis Prevention, PALS Children's Program, VEGI (nutrition and gardening education), Street Outreach, ReThreads (free community resource bank), and a Social Enterprises division. Approximately 25% of unsheltered clients engaged by Street Outreach are helped into housing annually, and Crisis Prevention reduced shelter intakes by 50% following its 1994 launch.

La Puente operates a multi-channel funding model with no fees charged to beneficiaries. Revenue derives from individual and corporate donations, foundation grants (Caring for Colorado, Sam S. Bloom Foundation, The Colorado Trust), state agency contracts (Colorado HCPF, Colorado Department of Early Childhood), federal AmeriCorps funding under the Rural Alliance for Dignity (RAD) program, volunteer services (5,951 documented hours annually plus AmeriCorps pipeline), Colorado state tax credit incentives (HCTC 30%, CCTC 50%), and four wholly-owned social enterprises — Milagros Coffee House and three Rainbow's End Thrift Stores across Alamosa, Monte Vista, and Center — with 100% of net profits funding client services. Go-to-market is community-based: organic social media, a quarterly newsletter, Colorado Gives platform, City Market Community Rewards, and word-of-mouth referrals. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and led by CEO William Bullock and Executive Director of Housing Lance Cheslock (with the organization since 1989), supported by 13+ program directors.

La Puente is privately funded as a 501(c)(3) with no parent company, no equity structure, no public funding rounds disclosed, and no subsidiaries outside its two social enterprise brands. Its core operational technology is service-delivery infrastructure (shelter facilities, food warehouses including a 2024-relocated hub at 802 State Ave, distribution pantries, a Grow Dome for year-round produce, and retail storefronts) rather than software or digital platforms. The asset base is principally programmatic capacity, volunteer infrastructure, and 44 years of accumulated community trust within a defined rural service territory.

Name

La Puente Home

Legal name

La Puente Home, Inc.

Website

https://lapuentehome.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

La Puente Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1982 that operates an integrated safety net of emergency shelter, food assistance, family housing, youth programs, and street outreach for 12,000+ residents annually across Colorado's six-county San Luis Valley, funded through donations, grants, and four social enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Services

NAICS

Temporary Shelters (624221), Community Housing Services (62422), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Emergency shelter services
• Food bank assistance
• Homelessness prevention
• Family support services
• Social services nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Alamosa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual and Corporate Donations: La Puente relies on monetary donations from individuals and corporations to fund shelter operations, food access, youth programs, crisis intervention, and community outreach across the San Luis Valley.
2. Social Enterprises: Four social enterprises (Milagros Coffee House and three Rainbow's End Thrift Stores) generate revenue through the sale of coffee, food, beverages, and second-hand goods. 100% of net profits support La Puente's client services.
3. AmeriCorps Grant Funding: Federal AmeriCorps grant funding through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) supports the Rural Alliance for Dignity (RAD) program, Grant No. 24AFDC00010017.
4. Foundation and Corporate Grants: Grants from foundations including Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, Caring for Colorado Foundation, Sam S. Bloom Foundation, Colorado Department of Early Childhood, The Colorado Trust, and others.
5. Volunteer Services: Thousands of hours of volunteerism provided by community members, AmeriCorps members, work groups, and full-time volunteers supporting all programs.
6. Colorado Tax Credit Donations: Colorado taxpayers can benefit from Homeless Contribution Tax Credit (HCTC) at 30% and Child Care Tax Credit (CCTC) at 50%, making donations more attractive to Colorado residents.

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

La Puente Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing an integrated safety net of social services across Colorado's San Luis Valley. Its core offerings include emergency shelter and meals, food bank distribution through 15 pantries, supportive housing, family resource services, crisis prevention assistance, youth development programs, and street outreach for unsheltered individuals. Revenue is generated through individual and corporate donations, foundation grants, AmeriCorps federal funding, and four social enterprises (Milagros Coffee House and three Rainbow's End Thrift Stores) whose net profits support client services.

Product overview

La Puente Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating as a multi-program social services agency rather than a technology product company. The organization offers nine core programs forming an integrated safety net: Community Shelter (emergency lodging and meals), Food Bank Network of the SLV (15 pantries), Adelante Family Resource Center (family housing and support), Crisis Prevention (financial/housing assistance), PALS Children's Program (youth development), Street Outreach (unsheltered outreach), VEGI (nutrition education/gardens), ReThreads (free goods distribution), and Social Enterprises (Milagros Coffee House and Rainbow's End Thrift Stores that generate funding for services). These programs work together to address poverty effects from emergency intervention through long-term stabilization, serving 12,000+ individuals annually across Colorado's San Luis Valley.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Community Shelter: Emergency shelter providing temporary lodging, home-cooked meals, case management, hygiene facilities, and community day services for individuals and families in crisis.
• Food Bank Network of the SLV
• Adelante Family Resource Center
• Crisis Prevention
• PALS Children's Program
• Street Outreach
• VEGI (Valley Educational Gardens Initiative)
• ReThreads
• Social Enterprises

Products and services

• Community Shelter Emergency shelter providing temporary lodging, home-cooked meals, case management, hygiene facilities, and community day services for individuals and families in crisis. Operates 24/7/365 with intake hours twice daily, providing 10,000+ nights of lodging and 50,000+ meals annually.
• Food Bank Network of the SLV Coalition of 15 food pantries across the San Luis Valley providing nutritious emergency food, fresh produce, and monthly commodity distributions (TEFAP and CSFP) to address food insecurity. Approximately 1 in 4 SLV residents utilize the Food Bank Network annually.
• Adelante Family Resource Center Family empowerment program offering supportive housing across 27 units, case management, housing assistance, referral services, and family development support to help families achieve long-term stability.
• Crisis Prevention Financial and housing assistance program providing rent/utility support, employment readiness services, veteran support, housing navigation, and energy assistance to prevent homelessness and stabilize households.
• PALS Children's Program Licensed, referral-based after-school and summer program for K-5 children with high social-emotional needs, offering mentorship, therapeutic activities, field trips, and family support using evidence-based practices.
• Street Outreach Mobile outreach program engaging unsheltered homeless individuals, providing survival supplies, case management, housing applications, benefit navigation, and building trusting relationships to connect vulnerable populations with resources.
• VEGI (Valley Educational Gardens Initiative) Nutrition education and gardening program teaching food life cycles through teaching gardens, community garden nights, and partnerships with schools. The Grow Dome provides fresh vegetables year-round for the Shelter (80-100 meals daily), reaching 450+ students annually.
• ReThreads Free community resource bank providing clothing, shoes, household goods, personal hygiene items, and infant supplies to individuals and families on limited incomes without eligibility requirements or intake process.
• Milagros Coffee House Full-service organic coffee shop in downtown Alamosa offering coffee, fresh food, and locally crafted goods. 100% of net profits support La Puente client services, with a Pay-It-Forward program for neighbors in need.
• Rainbow's End Thrift Stores Three thrift store locations in Alamosa, Monte Vista, and Center, selling second-hand goods with 100% of net profits supporting La Puente client services, providing affordable essentials and job training opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12,000+ community members receive services annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides funding and support for family resource center programs and services. Part of Colorado state government support for healthcare and social services.
• Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState department providing funding and support for early childhood programs including family support services.
• Feeding AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational food bank network partnership providing surplus commodities through TEFAP program to supplement food distribution in San Luis Valley.
• Care and Share (Colorado Springs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional food bank that supplies surplus commodities from Feeding America for distribution through La Puente's Food Bank Network.
• Serve ColoradocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerColorado state service commission that partners with AmeriCorps programs throughout the state, supporting the Rural Alliance for Dignity.
• Boys and Girls Club of The High RockiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps host site partner providing service opportunities in rural Colorado communities.
• Boys and Girls Club of Chaffee CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps host site partner in rural Colorado service network.
• Town of CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps host site partner serving rural Colorado communities.
• City of Monte VistaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps host site partner in rural Colorado service network.
• Mancos Conservation DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps host site partner supporting conservation and community service in rural Colorado.
• Rio Grande Farm ParkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner supporting VEGI programming and community gardening initiatives in the San Luis Valley.
• Local Foods CoalitionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional coalition supporting local food systems and nutrition education partnerships.
• Alamosa Elementary SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for VEGI teaching gardens and nutrition education programming for students.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for VEGI nutrition education and gardening programs with youth organizations.
• Alamosa County Department of Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner agency providing referrals to PALS Children's Program and collaborating on family support services.
• Adams State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional university where La Puente staff have served as panelists at Advocacy Panels and engaged with students.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves15 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Mercy Housing: National nonprofit affordable housing developer and operator with supportive services for low-income families. Comparable to La Puente's Adelante Family Resource Center supportive housing model (27 units with case management), though operating nationally rather than regionally.
• Denver Rescue Mission: Colorado faith-rooted nonprofit providing emergency shelter, meals, food assistance, and transitional programs. Comparable to La Puente as a multi-program safety-net organization, though operating at urban scale in Denver metro.
• Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: Colorado-based nonprofit operating shelter, housing, health, and outreach services for people experiencing homelessness. Directly comparable to La Puente in mission and program stack, though concentrated in Denver rather than rural Colorado.
• Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona: Regional food bank operating a network of pantries and food distribution across a large rural/suburban service area. Comparable to La Puente's Food Bank Network of the SLV (15 pantries across 8,000 sq mi) in distribution-network scale and rural service model.

Others

• Feeding America: National hunger-relief organization that supplies surplus food to a network of regional food banks. La Puente is an existing TEFAP/commodities partner via this umbrella organization, making it a funder/ecosystem peer rather than a direct competitor.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness: National policy and advocacy organization focused on preventing and ending homelessness. Adjacent to La Puente's mission and useful as a funder/policy peer, though not a direct service provider.

Broad incumbents

• Salvation Army: Large international nonprofit operating emergency shelter, food assistance, and family support programs. Comparable to La Puente's shelter + food + family services model, but with vastly broader geographic and programmatic scale.
• Catholic Charities of Colorado: Faith-based statewide social services nonprofit providing shelter, food, refugee support, and family stabilization. Comparable to La Puente as a faith-rooted, multi-county safety-net operator offering integrated shelter/housing/food services in Colorado.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit operating housing, shelter, food, and behavioral health programs across rural and urban America. Comparable to La Puente's integrated service delivery model including supportive housing and reentry services, though at national scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lapuentehome
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5b20mh0CWrHUleOYj3YSGQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/lapuentehome
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lapuentehome
• Instagraminstagram.com/lapuentehome

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about La Puente Home