Social Services

Mission of the Social Services Department

The mission of the Saguache County Department of Social Services is to strengthen and preserve families by providing financial assistance and services to residents of Saguache County in accordance with state and federal regulations and laws. SCDSS is dedicated to providing quality service and maintaining the dignity and respect of those we serve.

Commodities Schedule

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Foster care is very much needed in our community, please check this out.

CO4Kids This link will give you information on Foster Care & Adoption along with all other ways to help children not just through Foster care but reporting child abuse and so much more information on how you and we keep children safe.

co4kids.org

Saguache County Department of Social Services - Revised Office Access

Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak, Center and Saguache Social Service offices are open to the public only to the front window. All programs continue to be processed within normal timelines.

Applications can be emailed, faxed or done on PEAK website., or dropped off at the front window of either office.

Current and potential clients for Food Assistance, Adult Financial programs will be interview by phone and verifications by accepted by fax, email, or through the front window of either office. Crestone hours are suspended until further notice. Any business can be conducted by phone and/or email. Pictures of documents are accepted also.

EBT cards can be issued through the mail or at either office front window.

Food banks will be open 8-4pm, Mon thru Friday in both Center and in Saguache. Commodities will be distributed at all locations as previous; clients are encouraged to remain in their vehicles so no one should be in line. We will bring your items to your car.

TANF emergency funding can be utilized for people who are laid off or are staying at home with children, or are otherwise off work. Includes help with rent, utilities or other necessities. Come to apply at the Center or Saguache office.

Getting Health Care Coverage

The economic downturn caused by the COVID19 pandemic is having a significant impact on many Coloradans. Many have lost their jobs — and along with that — their employer-sponsored health benefits. During this pandemic — which is creating both health risk and increased stress and anxiety — it is especially important for all Coloradans to have health care coverage. When it comes to health coverage, the State may be able to help. Specifically, you may be eligible for health coverage options available through the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing or Connect for Health Colorado, the State’s individual marketplace exchange.

Click here to download the Full PDF for more information

Covid-19 Updated Information and Resources

This article offers helpful links and resources for:

Updated Information for Coronavirus or COVID-19

Economic Stimulus Payments

Tax Filing Assistance

Unemployment

Covid-19 Food Distribution Information

Information on applying for Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP),

and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Colorado Food Assistance and Covid-19 Information

There are many options available to you to apply for Food Assistance benefits. Try to provide as much information as you can on the application to make the process faster.

Click here to download the full PDF document

Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline

Everyone in the community plays a role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Colorado has one toll-free phone number to report child abuse and neglect 24/7, 365 days a year. Please call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437) to report concerns about a child's safety and well-being. All calls are confidential and will be routed to the county where a child resides. If it is an emergency or you are witnessing a child in a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately.