News Flash

Media Contact:

Samuel Landercasper - Economic Assistance Manager

970-920-5244

After issuing nearly $2.3 million in assistance to more than 3,400 Pitkin County residents since late-March, Pitkin County COVID Relief Program has been suspended effective today, Wednesday, July 1st, 2020. All applications that have been submitted prior to that date will be considered for eligibility. 

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the City of Aspen, Town of Snowmass Village, Pitkin County, local philanthropists and the utilization of state/federal dollars, Pitkin County was able to immediately stand up the Pitkin County COVID Relief program to serve as a short term financial "bridge to self-sufficiency” for those who lost work during the high resort season due to COVID,” said Pitkin County Economic Assistance Manager, Samuel Landercasper. 

This financial bridge (providing rent, food, utilities, and cash relief) allowed thousands of Pitkin residents the time and peace of mind to file unemployment claims, and it also allowed other community non-profits to begin to set up relief programs. 

“Because so many residents have received stimulus checks and unemployment benefits, the demand for the program decreased significantly in the month of June. During the month of July, we’ll be working with our local nonprofit partners to establish a plan and identify resources for the upcoming months of August through December,” Landercasper said. 

Pitkin County’s non-profit partners include Aspen Family Connections, Family Resource Center of the Roaring Fork School District, Catholic Charities, Buddy Program, ARC of the Central Mountains, Kids First, and the Aspen Community Foundation. 

Pitkin County community members still in need of assistance for the month of July, can contact the following organizations based on need. :

• Families with early childhood and/or school-aged children in the home who find themselves in imminent financial need can consult with:
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  • Aspen Family Connections: (970) 205-7025 (within Aspen School District)

  • Family Resource Centers of the Roaring Fork School District: (970) 384-9500 (within RE-1 School District)

• Individuals without dependent children in the home who find themselves in imminent  financial need can consult with Catholic Charities at (970)-384-2060

Eligibility and assistance type for these programs may be determined differently than the COVID Relief Program. 

The Pitkin County Economic Assistance department remains available to assist with applications and eligibility for Medicaid, Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps), and Adult Financial programs. For questions about these programs or for assistance applying, please contact the Economic Assistance department at (970) 920-5244 or 

pitkin-ea@pitkincounty.com.