Pitkin County assistance programs.

Those in need of help in Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley, or Pitkin County can turn to St. Mary Catholic church for aid. They established the Charity Assistance Fund for local families and individuals.

St. Mary’s provides tens of thousands of dollars in aid every year. The money is raised from donations from local businesses and individuals. during the past year, St. Mary Parish has given out a wide variety of assistance, including food vouchers, rent help, and more.

Emergency Aid

They have partnered with Western Slope charities to provide grants and emergency help to almost 400 families. They have handed out free food, distributed money for rental assistance, helped pay heating bills and utilities, offered health, medical and dental care, distributed prescriptions and transportation expenses, among other things.

In addition to this charity program, St. Mary also runs a night shelter program. This can help people who have just been evicted from their apartment or home, and it can also help the valley’s transient and homeless population. The shelter is open every year from Dec. 1 through March 31 and houses about 10-14 individuals each night. While people stay there they can also use other services which can help them get back on their feet. Overall the church provides a warm, safe place to sleep in addition to breakfast and a sack lunch to people who need help.