Pueblo church that was once a safe haven for people struggling with homelessness closes
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Pueblo church known for providing a safe, warm shelter for people struggling with homelessness is closing its doors for good.
According to the owner's family, the Martin Luther King Church in Pueblo's lower east side is currently up for sale.
The nephew of the current owner, Janet Tunstall, said she's sick and currently in a health facility. Due to this, his family made the difficult decision to put the church up for sale because they couldn't afford to keep it and pay for medical expenses.
Pastor Paul Montoya told KRDO he found out about the sale last Wednesday. He said the church was a haven for many people looking for a hot meal and a safe, warm place to sleep. Now, he's unsure what will happen to the people who need help during the winter months.
Montoya said even the Pueblo Police Department would bring people to the church during cold times. According to the city, Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar would sign an ordinance in the fall months declaring that any church or synagogue could open its doors as a shelter between October and February.
"The majority of them were sleeping, and I would feed them a sandwich, can of chili beans or something, a warm meal. Let them warm up, give them some coffee and let them go to bed," said Paul Montoya.
"I'll kind of be looking around and see if they're other places I might be able to house the homeless. You know, another church or another organization that'll step up and helps because what we don't want is these homeless freezing to death in the Winter. It's cold," said Pastor Paul Montoya.
Pastor Paul Montoya said he doesn't know what the future holds, but he will still help people struggling with homelessness along Fountain Creek as much as possible.
"You know I cleared out the building, and now a part of me is gone. But you know what? God closes one door and opens up another," said Pastor Paul Montoya.
Wednesday, KRDO reached out to city officials for comment on the church's closure. They said this was the first time hearing that Martin Luther King Church was being sold. Looking ahead, they hope another place will open its doors this winter to people who need help.
