What is Pagosa Outreach Connection?

We are a collaborative multi-agency effort aimed at providing normally a one time, emergency “last resort” assistance to individuals or families facing near term financial crisis.

Who is Pagosa Outreach Connection?

Funding agencies include the United Way of Southwest Colorado, the Archuleta County Department of Social Services, the La Plata Electric Round-up Foundation, the Salvation Army Archuleta County, Pagosa Bible Church, Methodist Church, St. Patrick’s Episcopal, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Rotary Club, AM Rotary, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Grace Evangelical Free Church, Congregation Kadima Yisreal, Centerpoint Church, Mtn. Heights Baptist Church, Restoration Fellowship In-kind donation of advocacy & administration services is provided by The Archuleta County Department of Human Services. Other agencies and organizations are invited to participate within the existing framework.

Purpose:

The goal of POC is to change a person or family from being dependent to being independent. In doing so, a one time assistance might be needed to help with an extraordinary situation. At other times, a longer, more controlled situation might be needed for a person or family to move toward independence. POC is willing to offer assistance.

Function:

Applications are referred by any agencies and are screened and their data verified by the staff of Archuleta County Department of Human Services. Representatives of participating organizations meet weekly to consider applications and to determine type and amount of assistance to be provided – if any. Applicants are advised of funding decisions immediately following that meeting.

Financial:

Payments are made directly to the service provider, never to the applicant. Pagosa Outreach Connection makes the payments and maintains the checkbook while United Way of Southwest Colorado acts as the fiscal agent.

Restrictions:

Individual funding agency restrictions are honored, i.e. Round-up Foundation cannot pay electric bills, Salvation Army can only be accessed once a year etc. An individual is limited to a one-time assistance from Pagosa Outreach Connection. Rental and utility deposits are not funded.

Applicant Eligibilty:

To receive assistance the individual is expected to be free from any illegal substances; this individual may be subjected to drug testing.

Confidentiality:

Confidentiality of applicant is maintained, however a “release of information” must be signed so that details may be verified. Occasional releases for publicity purposes may be requested but are not required.

Assistance Levels:

No per applicant dollar limits are specified, however practical considerations based on available funding generally limit grants, with the majority ranging between $150 and $600.

For More Information Please Contact:

Department of Human Services
551 Hot Springs Blvd.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970‐264‐2182