Founded in 1982 by local residents addressing domestic violence and sexual assault, the Advocates of Lake County provides 24/7 crisis intervention and continues expanding services through initiatives like the Latina Outreach Program, empowering community leaders to deliver bilingual, culturally responsive advocacy and education throughout Lake County.

CAR Foundation funding (2023) made it possible for Advocates of Lake County (ALC) to expand critical homelessness services through its Bridge Program. The grant supported the implementation of coordinated entry and street outreach in Lake County which are the key systems connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with food, clothing, emergency shelter, and long-term housing options. Within this framework, ALC served 46 clients and launched transitional housing that helped residents secure stable homes after years without permanent shelter.

The funding also helped lay the groundwork for Bridge Haven, a forthcoming emergency shelter designed to replace costly hotel stays and provide lifesaving refuge during Lake County’s harsh winters. The program’s early success inspired collaboration among local partners, including law enforcement, human services, and other nonprofits, fostering a coordinated community response to homelessness. These partnerships strengthened care delivery, reduced duplication of efforts, and ensured that limited resources reached those most in need.

CAR Foundation’s investment not only advanced ALC’s immediate capacity to serve vulnerable residents but also accelerated long-term planning for permanent supportive housing. By funding essential leadership and infrastructure, the Foundation helped transform community-level coordination, improve outcomes for individuals in crisis, and demonstrate how targeted philanthropy can create lasting systems of stability, safety, and hope across rural Colorado.