General Assistance
If you would like to make an appointment or get more information about the following topics please call FIRC at (970) 262-3888 to make an appointment.
Emergency Assistance is Available
FIRC helps Summit County families and individuals to overcome the temporary crises and lack of sufficient resources that threaten stability and self-sufficiency.
FIRC Resources & Qualifications
Families and children have priority with regards to funding, as do seniors and people with disabilities. Other individuals are welcome to apply and will be considered based on level of need and availability of funds. To learn more about qualifications for specific services, please contact the General Assistance Program at (970)262-3888.
CHP+/Medicaid Application Assistance
FIRC can help you apply for CHP+ and Medicaid insurance for your children. FIRC is a certified application assistance and document verification site for CHP+ and Medicaid. By applying through FIRC you can avoid some of the common mistakes made on applications, as well as having to mail original documents such as birth certificates, and take full advantage of any eligible deductions form your income for certain expenses.
FIRC can also help you with any issues you encounter in the process of applying for CHP+/Medicaid, including annual re-enrollment. CHP+ Official Site
Food Bank
Families or individuals needing and unable to afford food may visit the food bank on Tuesdays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. or Thursdays from 2-5 p.m. Because of the 400 percent increase in demand, the food bank may be used once a month to ensure everyone in need can benefit. A photo ID is the only information we need from you. More Food Bank Info
Clothing
Gift Certificates to our thrift store, Summit Thrift and Treasure, available to families or individuals who need and are unable to afford clothing. Gift Certificates are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Families or individuals needing clothing can receive gift certificates two times in a year. The number of gift certificates provided is based on the size of the family and level of need.
Rental Assistance
For eligible households, rent assistance is offered in order to prevent eviction or help with the deposit/first month’s rent. FIRC can typically only provide help with a portion of a rent payment or deposit due to limited funding and can only help one time a year.
Applicants must also be in danger of eviction (i.e., late on rent), and be able to demonstrate that they have the income and resources to make future rent payments if FIRC provides help with the current month.
Utility Assistance
Assistance is offered to households who have received a utility disconnect notice or have had their utilities disconnected.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the income and resources to keep up with their utility payments in the future if FIRC provides help with the disconnection/reconnection amount.
Between November and April of each year, you must apply for the LEAP energy assistance program through Social Services before applying for utility assistance from FIRC. For more information, call Social Services at (970) 668-4100, or (866) HEAT-HELP.
Medical Advocacy
FIRC partners with the Summit Community Care Clinic to provide Health Scholarships for uninsured and underinsured individuals.
FIRC can sometimes provide one-time assistance with the cost of an urgently needed prescription, medical test, treatment, or procedure. This must be an up-front cost, not a bill for a service you have already received. In cases of medical bills you may have for services already received, FIRC can help you work with the medical provider to see if you can request a discount and/or an affordable payment plan.