Posted January 26, 2023
| Attention: SNAP benefits are changing after February 2023 All Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits will see a reduction in their monthly benefit amount after February 2023. The temporary additional benefit amounts, called emergency allotments, were approved by Congress during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These additional benefits are now ending due to the result of recent congressional action. Benefit amounts are calculated based on the individual household circumstances. A few helpful tips:Roll over EBT benefits to the next month, if you are able to. This may help cushion the impact of the reduction in benefits.Stock up on non-perishable items now, while you have the additional benefits. (View tips on stocking your pantry in English or Spanish.)Stretch food ingredients and plan to use them in more than one meal. This helps to save money and reduce food waste. (View tips on stretching ingredients in English or Spanish.)Consider freezing produce to make fruit and vegetables last longer. (View tips on freezing food in English or Spanish.)Look at unit prices to compare similar products at the grocery store. (View tips on comparing prices in English or Spanish.)This is a change enacted by Congress and is not appealable. Please review and share the following Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) SNAP-End Emergency Assistance SNAP Information marketing materials pertaining to these changes. View our recent special edition newsletter on this topic to stay informed and find resources throughout this change. If you subscribe to Community Digest now, you will receive future special edition newsletters. |
| Food Bank of the Rockies and DHS mobile food pantries We’ve partnered with Food Bank of the Rockies to bring their mobile food pantry to both the Denver Human Services East Office and Raices Brewing Company once a month. The food pantry will be in the parking lot of our East Office (3815 Steele St.) on the third Friday of every month from 9 – 11:30 a.m. (or until food runs out) and in the parking lot of Raices Brewing Company on the fourth Monday of every month from 9 – 11:30 a.m. (or until food runs out). See below for the next two mobile food pantries.Friday, Feb. 17: Food Bank of the Rockies Mobile Food Pantry (DHS East Office) Location: 3815 Steele Street, Denver, 80205Monday, Feb. 27: Food Bank of the Rockies Mobile Food Pantry (Raices Brewing Co.) Location: 2060 W Colfax Ave, Denver, 80204 |
Public Health Emergency: COVID-19 continuous coverage unwind update  Status: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra formally extended the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on Jan 11, 2023. The PHE can be extended for up to 90 days at a time. HHS has confirmed that they will provide 60 days advance notice before an end to the PHE. If the PHE will end on April 11, 2023, we expect to receive 60 days advance notice by Feb. 10, 2023. Head to the Public Health Emergency Planning webpage for more info.COVID-19 continuous coverage unwind update The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will be starting the return to normal medical assistance eligibility renewal processes, with renewals due in May and noticing beginning in March. This COVID-19 Continuous Coverage Unwind update is based on the recent federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which included language that ends the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement, and federal guidance issued on Jan. 5, 2023. Colorado has focused its unwind planning in partnership with you on achieving three key operational goals: 1. Maximize member continuity of coverage 2. Focus on the member experience and smooth transitions in coverage 3. Minimize impact to county and eligibility workforceThe Department will take the entire time allowed (12 months, 14 months including noticing), leveraging the member’s annual renewal date and modernized, member-centric processes. Returning to normal renewal processes will include disenrollments where appropriate. With continuity of coverage a primary goal, handoffs to Connect for Health Colorado is a critical strategy to ensure those eligible for marketplace health plans are made aware of their coverage options, as well as the availability of financial subsidies that make coverage more affordable. For more information, join the Jan. 25 Community Partner webinar or visit the Public Health Emergency Planning webpage. What can members do now to prepare for the end of the continuous coverage requirement?Update their contact info and communication preferences in PEAKWatch for and respond timely to official notices from the stateCheck the member renewal resources page at Health First Colorado: hfcgo.com/renewals |
| Supporting migrant sheltering efforts Volunteers are still needed to help staff emergency migrant shelters. Those interested in volunteering can sign up online at covolunteers.state.co.us/. All volunteers must pass a background check to be eligible. Thank you in advance for your support. Help is also needed from faith-based and non-profit communities, as well as the private sector. Organizations that are able to support in providing resources can contact EOC_Liaison2@denvergov.org. Denver Office of Emergency Management has established two locations for physical donation drop off. In-person/physical donations can be dropped off at Temple Emanuel at 51 Grape St., Denver, CO 80220 until January 30. During the month of January, Temple Emanuel Denver is ONLY accepting PHYSICAL donations on Mondays from 5-8 p.m. Donations are also accepted at the West Side Donation Site at 1011 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219. Drop-off times at this location are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m. Please only bring items that are listed below (the most needed items are in bold). Hygiene items donated must be new and unopened. Used items will not be accepted or used. Toothpaste Toothbrushes Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner SoapNew or very gently used men’s winter clothes (Small/Medium only)New socks, underwear/boxers, jackets, hats, gloves, and sweatpants (hot item)Backpacks – and/or medium size duffel bags (highest demand item)Large and XL size men’s beltsMen’s’ shoes and work boots size 7-10Shower sandalsA complete list of items, how to make a financial donation and directions to Temple Emanuel are on the Office of Emergency Management’s webpage under the ‘Donations’ tab. Migrant Resettlement Resources Head to the Information and Resources for Migrants Arriving in Denver page to view the following:Immigration, food, medical and other support/resourcesDaily updates for migrants Shelter and Hotel RulesJoining friends/family in the USThings to do during shelter cleaning daysFor national and local resources to assist those coming to America, use and share the National Resource Guide. |
| Welcome CORPS The State Department announced a pilot program that will allow groups of private American citizens and permanent residents to financially sponsor the resettlement of refugees fleeing war and violence across the world. The Biden administration initiative, called Welcome Corps, is modeled after a long-standing system in Canada, where groups of at least five U.S.-based individuals could have the opportunity to sponsor refugees if they raise $2,275 per refugee, pass background checks and submit a plan about how they will assist the newcomers. |
| U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans Department of Homeland Security has announced processes through which nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, and their immediate family members, may request to come to the United States in a safe and orderly way. Qualified beneficiaries who are outside the United States and lack U.S. entry documents may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for advanced authorization to travel and a temporary period of parole for up to two years for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. To participate, eligible beneficiaries must:Have a supporter in the United StatesUndergo and clear robust security vetting |