Pictured: Sue (right) with DRM Philanthropy Officer, Sarah Waite (left)
Sue Hartman
Sue has been involved with the Mission since 2018 as a donor and volunteer and was on the initial Steering Committee for the More Than… capital campaign for our new homeless resolution center in Fort Collins.
What inspired you to get involved with the Mission?
I found Denver Rescue Mission and resonated quite strongly with what they were trying to accomplish. I also became aligned with Sarah Waite.
Her passion then became my passion. Sarah and I volunteer at 48th to serve lunch, and even though it’s maybe once a month, I feel like I’m part of the organization, and that’s really important to me.
Why is it important to you to support the More Than… campaign?
I was very honored when I was asked to be on the Steering Committee. All you have to do is walk into Fort Collins Rescue Mission to understand clearly that we need a better solution, not only from a capacity perspective, but also from a capability perspective. Homelessness is not a Denver problem; it’s not a Fort Collins problem; it’s a Colorado problem. I don’t really care, as a Denver donor, whether my dollars go to the Farm or go to the center up in Fort Collins, or whether they go to Lawrence Street.
What matters to me is that we address this homeless situation in a more effective way. And in the current environment, you’ve got to step back and say, “How can I help?” With organizations like this, we’re going to have to step up more than we have historically.
I don’t really care, as a Denver donor, whether my dollars go to the Farm or go to the center up in Fort Collins, or whether they go to Lawrence Street. What matters to me is that we address this homeless situation in a more effective way.
Sue Hartman
How has your involvement personally impacted you?
Every time I serve, the fact that there are people who have next to nothing, and the guys say, “Thank you so much for being here. We really appreciate what you’re doing for us,”—it really demonstrates that what we are doing makes a difference. Whether it’s scooping out mac and cheese, writing a check or showing up at an event, the opportunity to give back just makes me feel very thankful for everything that I have, and motivates me to help those who aren’t as fortunate.
This post is part of June’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing how we’re helping men experiencing homelessness in Wellington and Fort Collins in: Our Impact Beyond Denver.
