Colorado’s 2024 Pulse Poll: Why EVCF’s Programs Matter More Than Ever

Using fresh statewide data to spotlight the work of The Community Market, MIRA, and Elevar.

1. Food Costs & Insecurity — The Community Market

• One-third of Coloradans (33%) are worried they won’t always be able to afford enough food in the next year; hunger itself is rated an extremely/very serious problem by 42% of residents.
• Our response: The Community Market turns worry into nourishment by rescuing 600,000+ pounds of surplus food annually and distributing free, fresh groceries to 4,000 neighbors each week. Bilingual nutrition classes help families stretch every dollar and prevent chronic disease.

Bottom line: When a statewide poll shows families skipping meals, our Market ensures Eagle County parents never have to choose between paying rent and putting dinner on the table.

2. Health-Care Affordability & Access — MIRA (Mobile Intercultural Resource Alliance)

• 68% of Coloradans say the cost of health care is an “extremely” or “very” serious problem.
• Our response: MIRA brings free screenings, insurance enrollment, and community-paramedic clinics directly to mobile-home parks, farms, and job sites—meeting people where they are and eliminating transportation and cost barriers.

Impact: Every time the MIRA bus parks in a neighborhood, hundreds of residents get preventive care and navigation support—no co-pays, no missed work shifts, no paperwork nightmares.

3. Economic Stress & Opportunity — Elevar

• Two in five Coloradans (39%) say they’re worse off financially than a year ago, and 57% rank “jobs and the economy” as a top problem.
• Our response: Elevar supplies capital, community, and curriculum for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Cohort alumni have already generated new revenue—turning side hustles into main-street businesses that pay living wages.

Why it matters: When statewide data shows shrinking savings and rising anxiety, Elevar helps Eagle County families build wealth and create jobs—one business plan at a time.

Together, these programs free up household dollars, improve health, and generate new income—key levers for stability when 89% of residents call housing costs “very serious.”

Call to Action

Colorado’s 2024 Pulse Poll is a wake-up call—but also a roadmap. By donating, volunteering, or partnering with Eagle Valley Community Foundation, you will:

1. Stock The Community Market’s shelves so no family goes hungry.
2. Fuel the MIRA bus so cost never keeps a neighbor from preventive care.
3. Invest in Elevar founders so more home-grown businesses can thrive.

Let’s transform statewide challenges into local solutions—one meal, one screening, one business at a time.