Department of Human Services Food Assistance Update

Food Assistance Update The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through February 2019 in response to the partial government shutdown. At federal direction, all states including Colorado will distribute SNAP funds for February on or before January 20. The directive for this plan came from the federal level. El Paso County Department of Human Services is taking direction from the state, and the situation is evolving. The USDA is relying on a provision in the stopgap funding measure that expired on December 21, 2018, that allows the federal government to make certain payments within 30 days of the stopgap measure expiring. The move would provide the $4.8 billion needed to cover February SNAP needs.

Food Assistance Update When the process began on Friday morning, 2,458 cases needed redetermination paperwork to be completed. All redetermination documents must be submitted no later than noon Tuesday, January 15, in order to receive Food Assistance for February. Cases that are current do not need to take action. As of closing on Monday, 1,642 cases still needed redetermination paperwork. Paperwork is being brought to the DHS main office, satellite locations, or dropped off at the Citizens Service Center traffic circle. Documents submitted via the Colorado PEAK website are being pulled by County staff on a rolling basis. At this time, there is no information available about March Food Assistance.

By the numbers About 65,000 people receive Food Assistance each month in El Paso County. Each month, DHS processes about 6,100 Food Assistance cases.

Extended Hours The Main DHS office at the Citizens Service Center was open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Hours were also extended Monday, with the office open from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. More than 70 DHS employees worked Saturday More than 100 DHS employees worked Sunday

Pikes Peak United Way Volunteers from Pikes Peak United Way visited DHS on Sunday, delivering more than 125 treat cups to staff.

Pikes Peak United Way

Media Coverage Local media has been helping to share the message TV News has run multiple stories since Saturday Print media has also run stories Radio stations also picked up the news

Social Media Posts regarding the update on SNAP were shared on County social media handles, as well as DHS partners in the region. News media also shared the news on their pages.

Redeterminations Due Today If someone’s Food Assistance case is due for redetermination for February 2019 benefits, all redetermination documents must be submitted no later than noon today (Tuesday, January 15), in order to receive Food Assistance for February. RRRs may be submitted via PEAK at http://www.colorado.gov/PEAK by fax at 719-444-5139 or 719-444-8353 or in-person at El Paso County Department of Human Services locations For those in need, Care and Share is hosting a free food distribution 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, January 18 Drive-thru pick up at 2605 Preamble Point, Colorado Springs, 80915 If you have questions, call 719-434-4683