Financial Empowerment
Financial Empowerment focuses on helping people overcome the challenges caused by the high cost of living in Summit County. The purpose of our programs is to assist you with setting goals, support your financial journey, and establishing connections to community resources. Our program covers rental assistance, financial wholeness planning, utility assistance, and medical assistance. Furthermore, we provide education and support to ensure your family’s basic needs are met to help you thrive. To engage on any of our programs call at (970) 262-3888 and schedule an appointment or utilize our referral form and we will contact you.
Financial Empowerment Referral Form
Common Reasons For Support Requests
Loss of Job or Hours at Work
Accident or Injury
Divorce or Separation
Housing Challenges
Unexpected Emergencies
Pandemics Like COVID-19
Rental and Mortgage Assistance
We support housing stability through rental assistance and financial education.
Clients must:
- Live or work in Summit County, AND
- Provide proof of a financial hardship
Clients must also meet at least 1 of the following criteria:
- Have dependent children (under the age of 18) LIVING in the household, or
- Senior residents over the age of 60 (DOB 1963), or
- At least one family member has an ongoing, chronic physical/mental health condition/disability
Documentation required: Photo ID, Proof of income, current lease agreement. Other documentation can be required in the appointment as needed.
*We also assist with housing applications, waiting lists, and lotteries; however we are unable to assist people search for available housing/rental units.
Energy and Utility Assistance
LEAP (Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program): Eligible participants experiencing a heat emergency, such as running out of propane, natural gas shut offs or failing heating systems may be eligible for expedited processing of their application. Apply online or call 1-866-432-8435 for more information.
Affordable Connectivity Program: Provides discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Apply Now
Energy Outreach Colorado (ECO) – Bill Payment Assistance: Provide bill payment assistance to households who are behind on their energy bills and are at risk of not having home energy. Payments are made directly to a local utility or fuel company.
EOC – Community Solar Gardens: This program connects limited-income renters and homeowners with community solar gardens to receive credits towards their energy bill. To qualify, the household income must be at or below 80% of your county’s area median income.
Medical Assistance
FIRC can help those experiencing financial hardship by providing a one-time payment for medications, medical supplies, preventive medical procedure, or to access needed care. The assistance will not pay medical bills already accrued or past due.
To qualify for a medical assistance, a client must meet these requirements:
- Live or work in Summit County
- Provide proof of financial hardship
- Provide an estimate of the expense being requested
- Explain why the medical need is urgent or necessary care
Resources
FIRC partners with nonprofits, local and state government programs and other organizations and businesses. If there is a need for a service that FIRC does not provide, we will do our best to help you locate assistance elsewhere through referral and advocacy. For assistance, call our front desk at: 970-262-3888.
One Degree
Through one degree, you can now find all the resources you need to meet your basic needs — from childcare to mental health to food — by text and online on your phones or computers.
Click here to find everything you need in Summit County or text 844-833-1334 with what you need (e.g. “food” or “housing”).
Download the onedegree app now!
