Donna Mae to Break the Cycle
I think Durango can struggle with talking about an action to reform something, but there is rarely a step taken to achieve anything. Donna Mae Baukat is the executive director of the Community Compassion Outreach Program of Durango. This organization has many programs that help the homeless population get off the streets and start new lives.
Q: What programs are involved in your organization?
A: The number one program we are involved in at the moment is building shelters to get the homeless off of the street. This allows the homeless to start new lives and to end their social isolation.
Q: What kind of backing have you received to accomplish said goal?
Some of our volunteers and support are coming from Durango Christian Church (of course), Unitarian Universalists, Christ the King Lutheran Church, First National Bank of Durango, Durango Homeless Youth Advocate, the Homeless population, Durango House of Prayer, private citizens and agencies (nonprofits) serving the homeless in La Plata County. From local government, I’ve provided information on homelessness to city councilors, an assistant city manager, and county commissioners. I don’t know of any other group proposing solutions for temporary housing specifically for the homeless.
Q: How did this organization originate?
A: My husband and I are senior citizens. We were living out in Orange County, CA and he lost his job. I was on disability since 91’ and we didn’t know what to do! He was quite upset because he didn’t like where he was. We had no savings, yet we had an opportunity to move out to Ignacio, CO. When we got here, we started going to this church, Durango Christian Church, and they have supported this idea ever since.
Q: Can you tell me your opinion of the overwhelming homeless population in Durango?
A: I’m appalled that there is not enough shelters or beds. I am very disappointed that there has been very little done to get political and public awareness of homelessness out there.
Q: What is your next step?
A: The next idea would to be start charging them rent, kind of like a mortgage. It would be a small amount, $200 or less. Then, after so many years if they want to leave, we would give some of that rent they have been paying back to them to possibly put towards a down-payment on their own house.
