County continues to connect public with needed services

General emergency assistance ended July 20; disaster TANF available

PRESS RELEASE
July 24, 2020

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – The Garfield County Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to provide essential services for people seeking assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic Though the county’s emergency general assistance has now ended, disaster temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) is still available for individuals who are eligible.

DHS has distributed $381,639 in emergency assistance and $501,890 through all county emergency assistance programs this year. Through July 20, the county received 596 applications, including 456 for emergency general assistance.

“Emergency assistance will continue to be available through our other programs,” said DHS Director Sharon Longhurst-Pritt. “Disaster TANF is still open and those who qualify can still apply for that assistance.”

“The county’s general emergency assistance was above and beyond the other assistance programs offered to help anyone who didn’t qualify,” added Commissioner John Martin.

Families that qualify for TANF benefits must earn less than $75,000 annually; have a child living in the home under the age of 18; be legal residents of the U.S.; be screened for all program areas; and have all information verified.

Information on disaster TANF and other assistance programs is available at garfield-county.com/human-services.

The DHS offices in Glenwood Springs and Rifle are now open to in-person business. The Glenwood Springs location operates Tuesday-Friday, from 9-11 a.m., and the Rifle office Monday-Friday, from 9-11 a.m.

For more information please visit Garfield County Human Services.