Pueblo Rescue Mission looking for new location, preparing for winter months

The Pueblo Rescue Mission and city council are working together to find a new shelter location before winter starts.

The mission stopped being fully operation last Thursday after their special permit expired. They hope their next move is their last.

When they moved into the current location on 13th Street back in December, it came with lots of work before opening and criticism from the surrounding neighborhood. Now, President of the Pueblo Rescue Mission Jackie Jaramillo says, “as we move forward, we’re going to make sure the communication, that we talk to the neighbors before we open the facility. We’re going to talk to community leaders and explain what our vision and purpose is.”

She confirmed they are already in talks with several community members about finding a new place, including Pueblo City Councilman, Mark Aliff. He says, “I think City Council is supportive of the homeless issue and we’re 100 percent committed to finding a permanent solution here pretty soon.”

“I do hope Pueblo opens their eyes and sees this is not just a, for now, thing, it’s a forever thing. It’s always going to be there,” said Bonnie Trujillo-Roybal, the former head cook who’s now losing her job while the shelter draws back services.

Jaramillo says she couldn’t disclose the possible locations for the new shelter but hopes to have an announcement soon. For now, the current location is only offering minimal services like water bottles and individual case management.