LETTER: What's Going On At El Puente?

To the editor:

This letter is prompted by my concern regarding the current status of Socorro's El Puente, the local organization that used to be extremely helpful for battered and abused persons and their families.
In the past, El Puente, in addition to providing trained and experienced counselors and assistance in obtaining restraining orders, had a "safe house."
My recollection as a former Board member, is that the safe house was purchased with a grant from United Parcel Service. It was a staffed four bedroom two bath facility. Does it still exist? Is it currently being used? By whom? For El Puente purposes? Is it maintained and staffed? Why then are local ministers reputed to be trying to raise money to send their needy contacts into local motels?
I believe El Puente used to benefit from public funding. Is this still true? Has there ever been an audit? What is the total source of their funds? Where and to whom is the money going? And where in the past has it gone?

Yours very truly,
Elaine Spencer Marr
Socorro

LETTER: What's Going On At El Puente?