PATH shelter director updates San Juan County commissioners on services, capacity and funding needs

Lisa Gomez, a representative of PATH, the local nonprofit homeless services provider, told the San Juan County Commission that the organization is continuing its core services while coping with staff reductions and operating on a reduced shelter capacity.

"We have a beautiful facility. We have 12 apartments," Gomez said, describing PATH's transitional housing and its main emergency shelter. She said PATH's emergency shelter has dorm-style rooms and family rooms, and that the organization emphasizes rules, curfews and case management rather than simply providing a bed.

Gomez said PATH’s facility includes 12 one-bedroom transitional apartments — all with weekly case-management check-ins — and an emergency shelter with dorm rooms that can house dozens. She described the shelter as program-driven and said staff require residents to participate in chores, job searches and meetings with case managers. "It's a 90 to a hundred 20 day program," she said of the emergency program, and she said the transitional apartments can house residents for up to two years.

Gomez walked commissioners through staffing and recent changes. She said PATH once had about 20 employees but had to reduce to a skeleton crew; she said the program recently dropped to roughly two employees on site at some times. She described recent program changes including adding a peer recovery support position to help residents access substance use and mental health treatment.

On operations and donations, Gomez said PATH feeds residents and community members through a daily lunch program, and relies heavily on donations and partners. She cited donations from Target and support from ECHO, and noted a long-standing weekly volunteer meal provided by CC Norris. Gomez said PATH does some purchasing for staples like butter and paper goods but that most food comes from donations.

Gomez also described barriers to moving people into permanent housing: low transition numbers despite high client counts, job loss among clients, and lack of identity documents needed to secure housing and employment. She said PATH is pursuing grants, rewriting policies, building reserves and updating technology, including a new website.

Gomez asked the commission and the public to support PATH’s fundraising: PATH will host its 15th annual Dia de los Muertos chocolate fair on Nov. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Helps Lodge; sponsor tables had been sold out as of the presentation. She also invited commissioners and others to tour the facility.

Commissioners and members of the public asked about intake procedures, donations accepted and eligibility. Gomez described PATH’s two-page prescreen and background-review process, said the program cannot serve people listed on the state sex-offender registry, and said staff assess medical and functional needs before admitting clients who require a higher level of care. She said PATH supports clients in obtaining IDs and other documents necessary for employment and housing.

Gomez said program fees for transitional apartments start at $500 per month for the first six months and increase depending on income; fees include utilities. She said having more apartments would help PATH become more self-sufficient because program rents contribute to operations.

Ending: Gomez closed by thanking commissioners, volunteers and partners, and by inviting the public to the Nov. 1 fundraiser and to schedule tours.