La Puente's Lance Cheslock requests city support for AmeriCorps amid funding cuts

In the heart of Alamosa, the City Council meeting on May 7, 2025, unfolded with a palpable sense of urgency as community members voiced their concerns about pressing local issues. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as speakers took to the podium, sharing personal stories that highlighted the challenges faced by the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Lance Cheslock, representing La Puente Home, opened the public comment segment with a heartfelt plea regarding the recent cessation of AmeriCorps funding, which has left the San Luis Valley reeling from a loss of $400 million in grants. Cheslock emphasized the critical role AmeriCorps members play in the community, noting that 18 members from La Puente alone would be affected. He urged the council to write a letter to Congressman Jeff Hurd, advocating for the program's continuation, stressing that the loss would significantly diminish the quality and quantity of services provided to over 12,000 individuals annually.

Following Cheslock, Philip Perry, a local resident known as "the bear," passionately argued against the potential closure of Saint Benedict's, a vital resource for the homeless. Drawing from his own experiences, Perry highlighted the importance of community support and urged the council to consider alternative solutions to address the issues surrounding homelessness and substance abuse. His call for collaboration resonated with many, as he offered to share strategies that have worked in other communities.

Daniel Roche, another speaker, echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the need for improved behavioral health services in Alamosa. He shared his personal journey of loss and recovery, emphasizing that many individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues feel abandoned by the system. Roche called for a more proactive approach to mental health care, particularly for the homeless population, and praised the ongoing efforts at Saint Benedict's.

As the meeting progressed, the voices of the community painted a vivid picture of the challenges facing Alamosa. Residents expressed frustration over perceived police misconduct and systemic issues that have plagued the city for years. Bradley Bennett, a lifelong resident, shared his own harrowing experiences with the justice system, calling for accountability and reform.

The council listened intently, acknowledging the gravity of the concerns raised. As the meeting drew to a close, it was clear that the discussions would have lasting implications for the community. The call for support for AmeriCorps, the plea to keep Saint Benedict's open, and the demand for better mental health services underscored a collective desire for change and a commitment to uplift the most vulnerable members of Alamosa.

With the public hearing on Saint Benedict's scheduled later in the meeting, the council's next steps will be crucial in addressing these pressing issues. The community's voices have been heard, and the path forward will require collaboration, compassion, and a renewed focus on the needs of all residents.