Ali Alderman (she/her) is a former Loretto Volunteer who worked with youth experiencing homelessness as an outreach case manager with Urban Peak in Denver, Colorado. As well as a writer, she is a visual artist, an avid reader of books spanning all genres, and her favorite days are mornings she can spend on her kayak with a big cup of coffee. 

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My backyard graduation with my brother, Jake, and sister, Avery. It was a day full of many mixed feelings, being at home and wanting to be at another, but still full of joy and gratitude. (Provided photo)

Making it home

Dec 9, 2020

Notes from the Field - What makes home "home?" Even though having a home seems like the most natural of human desires, I've witnessed how housing can be difficult for our youth after they have made the streets their home.

The Little Free Pantry in front of the Denver Loretto Volunteer House is stocked with dry food products and personal hygiene products like deodorant, menstrual care items, toothpaste and wipes. (Ali Alderman)

The gift of small works in the face of big issues

Nov 18, 2020

Notes from the Field - After just a short while as a Loretto Volunteer, I slip into bouts of deep disillusionment with helping. Why bother with these itty-bitty Band-Aids when the wounds are so deep and so wide?