Pat Zietz, development director for the Inn Between of Longmont, thinks her organization might be the best-kept secret in Longmont.

Now, she and the board of the shelter think it's time to share that secret with the public.

The Inn Between and New Frontier Bank will present Sweet Taste of Longmont from 6 to 9 p.m. April 18 at Xilinx, 3100 Logic Drive, Longmont.

During the event, local restaurants and businesses, including fusions Food and Spirit, Belvedere Belgian Chocolate Shop, Cooking with Jazz and Food Stuff Etc., will be offering up their wares.

There will also be a silent auction during the event. Items to be auctioned off include a $500 dollar pearl necklace donated by Pearl Paradise, paintings from local artists Diane Goldenstein and Don Gallegos, a family four pack from the Longmont Theater Company, restaurant gift certificates and more.

Taking a cue from the Longmont Chamber of Commerce, the board of the Inn Between decided to take their turn to raise funds.

"Our board came up with a strategic plan and decided we needed a benefit," Zietz said.

Since opening in 1993, the Inn Between has "provided transitional housing to help people get self-sufficient," according to Zietz.

Helping people in the program get self-sufficient isn't just talk. They provide many forms of services to the tenants, including classes on anger management, financial issues and even parenting.

"Everyone that comes here and is a parent has to take a parenting class," Zietz said.

Zietz also said giving people the assurance of a permanent residence also helps them get their lives together so they can focus on more important matters.

"While people are here, they at least know they have a roof over their heads," Zietz said.

People who live at the complex, which is technically considered a homeless shelter, can stay for up to two years. Zietz said that all tenants pay rent based on their income.

Inn Between of Longmont has three housing locations: one at 250 Kimbark St., next to the police station and two at the intersection of 19 th Avenue and Terry Street.

The benefit will help provide funding for Inn Between's programs, including a student program that allows kids ages 15 to 19 to live in their housing free as long as they are attending school and involved in an extra-curricular activity.

"We really promote education," Zietz said. "That's the key to ending homelessness."

Zietz said the benefit should help ensure that the Inn Between can continue to work to end that homelessness in Longmont and beyond.

"We've been here a long time," Zietz said. "We're not going anywhere."