Local hotels and housing developments that regularly step up to provide temporary shelter to the homeless population were honored Wednesday at a Pitkin County health and human services luncheon.
 
The St. Moritz Lodge, the Mountain Chalet, Truscott Place and Aspen Skiing Co. housing were recognized as places that are ready and willing to house on short notice homeless clients of the Pitkin County “day center” during cold spells when they have no place else to go for the night.
 
The situation can become critical in late fall when temperatures dip, before the overnight shelter at St. Mary’s Church opens on Dec. 1.
 
“It can be a matter of life or death for some of our clients,” said Laura Drexel of the Aspen Homeless Shelter and Valley Information and Assistance. “Admittedly, some of them can be difficult cases when they’re dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues but these gentleman have helped us more than once.”
 
Other community members honored at the event were doctors Amy Cecil, O.D. and Kim Levin, M.D., M.P.H. who have contributed their services to the needy and work hand-in-hand with case managers to provide the best comprehensive care for individuals and families.

 
The local nonprofit Powder to the People is hosting its annual Pow Party fundraiser on Saturday, which supports its mission of free backcountry awareness programs.
 
From 4 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Aspen, guests will enjoy a silent auction featuring ski and snowboard gear and other goods and services from local businesses.
 
The annual Pow Party helps to fund Powder to the People’s backcountry speaker series, the free-to-the-public beacon park at Aspen Highlands, and continuing educational and collaborative efforts toward equal public access to public lands, backcountry safety and etiquette.
 
The recommended donation is $15 per person, and includes a complimentary beer, wine, or soda, followed by an affordable cash bar. RSVP to rsvp@powdertothepeople.org [1], or by phone to 970 372-2754. Credit card payments are accepted via Paypal to donate@powdertothepeople.org [2].