The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“Not a lot of money for a year of services”
By Adam Broderick
County commissioners signed a contract with the state of Colorado Department of Local Affairs this year to support the Community Services Block Grant, which will provide $26,000 to assist low-income families most vulnerable to becoming homeless in emergency situations. The funds are to be used before September 30, 2016.
Carol Worrall, public health director for Gunnison County, listed services provided with the grant dollars, all for use in an emergency: food, past-due utility payments, past-due rent/mortgage payments, car or home repair, shelter, medical care, protection from violence, transportation, gas, childcare, and more.
“In 2014, 124 individual families (56 households) in the county were served,” Worrall said.
To qualify for grant benefits, a person must be at 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This figure is issued annually by the Department of Health and Human Services. For 2015, the FPL is $11,770 for individuals, $15,930 for a family of two, $20,090 for a family of three, and $24,250 for a family of four.
According to county commissioner Paula Swenson, “This grant is not a lot of money for a year of services for individuals and families.”
For more information or to see if you qualify for emergency services, contact Human Services at (970) 641-3244.
