SPOTLIGHT: FOOD TRUCKS AGAINST HOMELESSNESS

Name: ERIN GITTLEMAN
Telephone: 719-208-3094

Power Connectors
Jun 2
3 min read

An Interview with Tracey Porter

Some organizations make a big fancy splash.

Others quietly show up every week for years.

Food Trucks Against Homelessness falls firmly into the second category.

A year ago, we highlighted the work Tracey Porter and her team were doing throughout Colorado Springs. Since then, they've continued doing what they've always done: show up.

Every Monday, outside Westside CARES, people gather for a hot meal. But if you spend any time there, it becomes obvious that food is only part of the story.

You'll find volunteers handing out socks, gloves, underwear, and hygiene supplies. You'll find bikes being repaired. You'll find haircuts being given. You'll find conversations happening between people who know each other's names.

And you'll find Tracey.

When Food Trucks Against Homelessness launched in 2021, the goal was simple: connect local businesses, volunteers, and community members with houseless neighbors in a practical, direct way.

What Tracey discovered surprised her.

"At first, I thought it was the hot meal that people really cared about," she shared. "But it's actually the relationships. The opportunity to connect with someone who shows up for you week after week."

That simple act of showing up has led to some incredible results.

Since its founding, Food Trucks Against Homelessness has served more than 24,000 hot meals throughout our community. In 2024 alone, the organization distributed:

• 974 new boxer briefs

• 1,154 new pairs of women's underwear

• 3,999 gloves

• 1,244 hand warmers

• 2,288 pairs of socks

• 1,622 shampoo kits

• 1,564 toothbrush kits

• 1,880 body wipes

The numbers are impressive.

The stories are even better.

Tracey recalled one neighbor who, after a long and difficult journey, finally secured housing.

"It was like winning gold," she said. "They were so excited to get their keys. They even invited me to come see their new home. It was one of the best feelings in the world."

Moments like that are what keep the work moving forward.

That, and a belief that helping people shouldn't be complicated.

"Humans should just help each other," Tracey said. "The impact of what we're doing is, honestly, immeasurable."

Despite growing demand and ongoing fundraising challenges, Food Trucks Against Homelessness continues to expand its reach. Beginning in July, they'll partner with First Friday Art Walk events at Cultivate Studios in Old Colorado City, where participating food trucks will donate 10% of sales back to the organization.

It's another creative way to bring people together while supporting a mission that has become a meaningful part of our community.

This year, they also became an Honorary Advocate Sponsor of Power Connectors. We wanted to help shine a brighter light on the work they're already doing and support an organization that embodies what community connection looks like in action.

If you'd like to support Food Trucks Against Homelessness, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Donate. Volunteer. Share their mission. Attend an event.

Or simply take a page from Tracey's playbook and look for opportunities to help the people around you.

Sometimes changing a community starts with a big plan.

Sometimes it starts with a food truck, a folding table, and someone willing to come back next Monday.

To learn more or get involved, contact Tracey Porter at 719-888-9155 or tracey@ftahcos.com.

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