Why We Need MIRA and Why MIRA Needs a New Bus

It’s heartwarming to know when you’ve made a difference in someone’s life when they needed it the most. In October, at Aspen Mobile Homes in Avon, a young man arrived at the MIRA Bus with worried eyes and aching feet. To protect this proud man let’s name him Miguel. His situation was dire as he had recently separated from his wife and fallen ill, suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. The MIRA team helped Miguel apply for emergency Medicaid so he could have surgery and walk without pain.

After his operation, he returned to the MIRA Bus needing assistance with physical therapy. We helped him apply for support from the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, and he qualified for a grant that covered his therapy sessions.

A year later, at the annual MIRA Health Fair event, the same man approached our staff with a joyful smile, thanking us for everything we had done. He ended with tears of gratitude, showing how we had truly made a difference in his life.

For six years, MIRA has been a vital lifeline for our neighbors in need like Miguel, connecting residents to essential health and wellness services. In times of community crises like the Lake Christine Fires and the COVID-19 pandemic, MIRA’s responsiveness and adaptability have underscored its importance. As the program evolves, the need for mobile resources has become increasingly clear.

MIRA, the Mobile Intercultural Resource Alliance, functions as a trusted mobile community center, offering crucial support to our neighbors in need. The program’s growth, evidenced by an 89% increase in service utilization in the past year, highlights the expanding demand for its services. However, the current RV is showing signs of wear and tear, limiting our ability to meet this growing need.

The Eagle Valley Community Foundation plans to purchase and retrofit a new vehicle to better serve our community. This new vehicle will be a significant upgrade, featuring:

• Intake Room: A comfortable space for staff to conduct strengths-based intake and resource navigation.
• Wellness Services Room: Equipped to allow medical, behavioral health, and dental partners to deliver direct services, making it the only unit in Eagle County capable of such care.
• Accessibility: The new vehicle will be easy to drive and service, requiring no special licensing, and will navigate tight spaces and remote areas with ease.

Thanks to the generosity of the Zimmel Family Foundation and the Shannon Family, we have already secured $150,000 for the new MIRA van. However, additional support is crucial to fully realize this project. Key components include:

• Systems ($90,000): To power the bus, provide lighting, climate control, and plumbing.
• Interior Elements ($65,000): Furnishings for intake and clinical rooms, and essential bathroom facilities.
• Graphics ($12,000): To maintain the trust and recognition that are vital to MIRA’s success.
• Connectivity ($8,000): To ensure access to online resources and critical document uploads.
• Delivery/Training ($5,000): To equip our staff with the necessary skills to operate the new vehicle efficiently.

MIRA’s role in the community cannot be overstated. It bridges gaps in healthcare access and provides a safety net for the most vulnerable among us.

Your support will help ensure that MIRA can continue to deliver these vital services effectively. Consider investing in this unique, one-time capital growth opportunity and become a part of MIRA’s legacy of care and support. Donors contributing $10,000 and above will be prominently recognized on a plaque inside the van, as well as in our newsletter, on our website, and in other communications.

Together, we can ensure that MIRA continues to be a beacon of hope and a vital resource for our community. Thank you for your support.

For more details and to read about the impact of MIRA, please visit our website at eaglevalleycf.org. 

Your contribution will make a significant difference. Together, we can ensure that MIRA continues to be a beacon of hope and a vital resource for our community.