Boulder County is facing a critical moment as local nonprofits raise alarms over a growing crisis in safety net services. With demand surging and funding declining, community leaders are calling for immediate support to ensure essential services remain available for vulnerable families.
Key Takeaways
- Nonprofits report a significant increase in demand for services amid funding cuts.
- Boulder County plans to reduce safety net funding by 36% in the upcoming year.
- Community leaders emphasize the need for immediate action to support vulnerable families.
Rising Demand For Services
The Boulder County Family Resource Network (FRN), a coalition of local nonprofits, school districts, and government leaders, convened in Lafayette on October 31 to address the urgent need for community involvement. Marc Cowell, chair of the FRN Regional Council, emphasized, "It’s a call to action: We need you again. This is one of those times, it’s just not as evident as the pandemic was."
Nonprofit leaders have drawn parallels between the current situation and previous crises, such as the Marshall Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, when community support was vital.
Funding Cuts And Their Impact
Boulder County has announced plans to cut millions from safety net funding, citing a decrease in federal and state COVID stimulus funds and a growing budget deficit. The Community Partnership Grant program, which allocated $12.3 million to nonprofits in 2024, will see its budget slashed to $7.9 million next year.
This reduction will severely impact essential services, including:
- Emergency shelter
- Mental health care
- Rental assistance
Local government officials have expressed concern over these cuts, particularly as they affect programs like All Roads, Boulder’s largest homeless shelter, and the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA).
Challenges Ahead
The situation is further complicated by Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), which limits state spending on tax revenue. In recent fiscal years, the state returned approximately $3.5 billion in excess revenue to taxpayers, further straining available funds for safety net services.
Personal Stories Highlighting The Crisis
Several nonprofit leaders shared poignant stories illustrating the dire circumstances faced by families in Boulder County:
- Tom Mahowald, from the Nederland Food Pantry, reported that they ran out of milk for the first time, highlighting the ripple effect of funding cuts on food supply chains.
- Suzanne Crawford of the Sister Carmen Community Center recounted a family facing eviction after the father lost his job during the pandemic.
- Ana Karina Casas from El Centro AMISTAD shared the heartbreaking story of a mother who had to send her daughter to live in Mexico due to the lack of affordable housing.
Call To Action
In light of these challenges, the FRN is urging community members to:
- Donate to local nonprofits
- Volunteer time and resources
- Spread awareness about the ongoing crisis
As the demand for safety net services continues to rise, the call for community support has never been more critical. Nonprofit leaders emphasize that without immediate action, many families may face dire consequences as essential services become increasingly inaccessible.
