Financial Empowerment
Financial Empowerment
Financial Empowerment
FIRC’s Financial Empowerment team focuses on working intentionally with people to overcome the challenges of high Rent To Income (RTI) ratios in Summit County. The purpose of our program is to assist with goal setting, reviewing participant’s finances, and establishing connections to community resources. Our programs include the Housing Justice Scholarship (HJS) program, Little Smiles, and Utility Assistance.
- The Housing Justice Scholarship (HJS) Program – a 5 month case management program. To apply, see the application link below.
- Little Smiles – a 3-5 visit case management program for families with children under the age of 18 living in the home. Call the front desk to schedule an appointment.
- Utility Assistance – can assist with paying past due electricity or gas bills. Call the front desk to schedule an appointment.
To engage in any of our programs call (970) 262-3888 to schedule an appointment or submit the referral form below and we will reach out.
How Financial Empowerment Appointments Work
Call FIRC
Intake coordinators assess client needs and make referral to program
Case management
If accepted into the scholarship the client will receive notice through email, and receive intensive case management for six months. For utility appointments the client will meet with the case manager in person
Scholarship Clients
Clients in the Housing Justice Scholarships will have responsibilities they need to fulfill to stay in the program
Follow-Up
A case manager will follow-up on your progress and determine next steps with you
The Workforce Rental Assistance (WRA) Application
If you are an active member of the Summit County, CO workforce and would like to request rental assistance, please complete the application below to be considered for a one-time rental assistance stipend. Priority is given to those that have never received assistance before.
Please note, your application will not be reviewed until you present a physical photo ID in-person at the Silverthorne office during business hours. After your ID verification is complete we will send your application to the committee for review. Note the application review process is complicated as we receive many requests and must coordinate with landlords, etc. We will communicate about your application status via email so please ensure to check your email regularly and to also check your spam/junk folder just in case. Thank you!
Housing Justice Scholarship Program
FIRC’s Housing Justice Scholarship (HJS) is a program created to better the lives of people living and working in Summit County and with dependent children under the age of 18 in the home. The HJS program is intended to stabilize households by engaging participants in a case management framework that will empower them to set and achieve goals, build skills and establish connections to community resources. Scholarship participants must agree to work with a Financial Empowerment Caseworker over the course of five months. Participants must also sign and abide by the HJS Program Agreement which includes participating in minimally 2 appointments each month.
The HJS program is subject to availability of grant funding each year. Once we reach our maximum caseload the application link will be removed and paused until further notice as we do not maintain a waitlist for this program.
Little Smiles Program
Little Smiles is a 3-5 visit empowerment program designed for families who live or work in Summit County, CO and have dependent children in the home under the age of 18. Little Smiles is a lighter service for families experiencing a temporary hardship but that does not require intensive case management or does not qualify for the Housing Justice Scholarship program. This program can provide financial assistance to help families achieve their goal and overcome their temporary hardship. Please call the front desk to schedule an appointment.
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.
Internet Connectivity Resources:
There are various programs through internet providers to assist low-income households with getting connected to the internet at more affordable rates. Please research your local internet provider for resources.
Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) – 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. Click here to learn more.
Other 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.
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