Camera quote: "It's hard to be positive on an empty stomach."

Lives are being changed at Carriage House in Boulder. Homeless people and working poor are offered hot meals, employment counseling, medical assistance, and more. Volunteers John and Mary Humke notice the progress during their shifts at Carriage House. They generally come in once a week to serve lunch, but in the two plus years the couple has been volunteering, they have found themselves engaged in a variety of tasks while reaping the benefits of "doing something useful." They might find themselves sorting donated clothing, helping a client prepare a resume, or hosting an emergency overnight shelter at the church during extreme temps.

Mary, in particular, enjoys personal interactions with favorite clients, offering a listening ear and friendly conversation. She extends her enthusiasm for helping others by supporting additional community organizations, especially those whose programs empower girls and women.

John appreciates the wonderful staff at Carriage house, and credits them for increasing his comfort level as a volunteer. Not knowing what to expect from contact with the homeless, his experiences have led him to observe that "these are nice people with real needs."

"It's fun working with the diverse individuals at Carriage House," claim the Humkes, calling these "the most rewarding hours of the week." In return, their time is greatly valued by the staff who say this about the couple, "They engage clients with excitement and passion to help change" and declare the two a joy to work with.

John and Mary Humke are aware of the social prejudice around homelessness. One of their goals in volunteering is to promote a community which is accepting and compassionate to this segment of the population.

For information about volunteering with Carriage House Homeless Community Center or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.