A united community can deliver a beacon of hope
In Archuleta County, there lies a beacon of hope known as the Pagosa Outreach Connection (POC).
The POC is a coalition of devoted citizens from faith-based, business, and service organizations united by a common goal: to provide a safety net for residents facing unforeseen financial hardships.
The origins of the POC trace back to 2003, when three church leaders, alongside a dedicated Archuleta County Department of Human Services Family Advocate, came together to address a pressing need in their community. With a shared belief that "community is responsible for its own citizens’ well-being," they established the POC with the guiding principle of neighbor-helping-neighbor. The mission was clear: to offer quick, government-free assistance while ensuring fiscal accountability.
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs, an early and enthusiastic supporter, played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. The club’s substantial contributions helped lay the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of support for the town's most vulnerable.
The POC is dedicated to assisting residents who, despite their usual self-sufficiency, face unforeseen financial hardships. The criteria for receiving aid are clear: applicants must be Archuleta County residents who are normally able to support themselves but are now in an emergency situation. Each request for assistance can receive up to $1,500, with the understanding that this aid is a one-time support to help stabilize the individual’s situation.
The application process is designed to be straightforward and compassionate. Applicants complete a form and provide documentation of their need. A screening committee member conducts an interview, and if the criteria are met, the application is reviewed by the full POC committee. Decisions are made promptly, with funds, if approved, going directly to vendors. The entire process is typically wrapped up within a week.
In 2023, the POC awarded a total of $63,315 across 69 applications, with an average award of $918. The majority of the funds were allocated to housing (76%), followed by auto expenses (16%), utilities (7%), child care (3%), and medical or dental needs (1%). This assistance touched the lives of approximately 150 to 200 residents, demonstrating the POC’s significant return on investment.
To understand the impact of this aid, one must consider the economic reality of Archuleta County, which is the most expensive place to live in Colorado, according to a Region 9 study.
With a per capita income of $55,120—73% of the Colorado average—and a median home price of $538,000, many residents struggle to make ends meet. The livable wage for a family of four is $92,796, yet many families are making less, leading to tough choices and sacrifices. For a family with one adult and a preschooler, the livable wage is $76,092.
Heather Otter, a Data Analyst for Region 9, highlighted the stark reality: “If a family of four does not make $7,733 a month, that family goes without something vital… like food, meds, etc.”
Among the many stories that illustrate the POC’s impact are those of individuals like:
• The Exhausted Caregiver: A devoted individual struggling to balance caregiving responsibilities with financial stability, who found relief and support through the POC.
• The Single Mom with a Special Needs Daughter: A mother faced with the dual challenges of raising a child with special needs and managing unexpected expenses, who received crucial aid just in time.
• The Elderly and Disabled Man: An elderly resident who, while dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, was able to lay his father to rest without the added burden of financial strain.
• The Grateful Recipient Paying It Forward: Someone who, having received support from the POC, is now helping others in need, embodying the spirit of community and generosity.
For Rotarian Sharon Carter, serving on the POC has offered a window into the lives of those in need. Through her personal observations while serving on the POC, it has become clear that many residents live on the financial edge, grappling with stretched budgets and the lack of affordable housing. The seasonal economy and income instability further exacerbate the situation, making those on fixed incomes particularly vulnerable.
The Pagosa Outreach Connection stands as a testament to the power of community and the profound impact of neighbor-helping-neighbor. It proves that when people come together to support one another, they can create a network of care that ensures no one faces hardship alone. Through its unwavering commitment and compassionate approach, the POC continues to be a beacon of hope and a symbol of what a united community can achieve.