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About Us Every year, more than 3 million people experience homelessness. Of those 3 million people, an estimated 1.3 million are children. The face of homelessness differs greatly from what is shown on movies and depicted in the media. Our homeless consist of many veterans, mentally ill individuals, women running from domestic violence, and innocent, undeserving children. Nationwide, one third of the homeless population is made up of families. The COMEA House and Resource Center strives to assist those forced into the plight of homelessness. COMEA provides safe and secure emergency shelter for homeless men, women and families; offers transitional housing for single adults; and collaborates to create opportunities for self-sufficiency. Clients at the shelter receive numerous forms of assistance: 30 days of emergency shelter; breakfast in the morning and a hot, nutritious meal in the evening; showers; access to the free clothing pantry; travel assistance in the form of food boxes, gas vouchers and bus tokens; and free medical attention at the Cheyenne Crossroads Clinic located next door. Nearly 40% of the clients obtaining a “hand up” from COMEA list their last place of residence as being in Laramie County. That means that Cheyenne’s homeless are not merely transients and abusers, but our residents, teachers, waiters, nurses, and neighbors. Stereotypes must change, biases must be forgone, and misconceptions transformed in order to lessen the number of people spinning in this vicious cycle. History COMEA was formed in the mid-1960�s as a committee of the Cheyenne Ministerial Association. Originally, it distributed travel aid funds to stranded travelers. Its name is an acronym for the Cooperative Ministry of Emergency Assistance. By 1982, the members of the committee realized the need to establish an actual shelter, and on December 2, 1982, COMEA House opened its doors to the homeless. Clients provided their own towels and bedding, and could only stay for one night. By the following year, COMEA had obtained mattresses and cots and was able to shelter up to 20 people. In 1983, COMEA became a 501(c)(iii) non-profit organization under the guidance of a board of directors, and, in 1994, moved to the current location at 1504 Stinson Avenue. COMEA House operates two programs. The Basic Emergency Shelter Services (BESS) program offers shelter to homeless adults and families as well as meals, basic supportive services, and case management. The Transitional Living Program (TLP) was opened in 2005 and offers transitional housing for persons en route to self-sufficiency, as well as case management and life skills classes. The TLP is housed in a new addition, just west of the main building, and includes twelve efficiency apartments. Additionally, The COMEA House boasts a brand-new kitchen and dining room, computer lab, day room, classroom, and an extensive clothing pantry.

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