Employee Resources Toolkit

The Steamboat Springs Chamber has created this toolkit to assist the immediate needs that employees may be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Routt County Assistance Options

Routt County has compiled support resources and options for our community members. This includes unemployment, childcare, food, housing, emergency assistance and more. Learn more about what options are available and how to access them by clicking here. Please share these with your employees and networks.

Unemployment Insurance

Basic guide to unemployment: click here.

Job Attached Unemployment. “Job Attached” means that the employee is expected to return to their most recent employer after a separation of up to 16 weeks. Restaurant employees may be entitled to this benefit should their employer decide an extended closure is necessary. click here.

File for unemployment: click here.

Colorado Workforce Center offers free services to both employers and job seekers. For job seekers, it is a one-stop location for job training and placement assistance. Their resource center offers Internet access, resume preparation assistance, training, local resources, and more.

Critical Resources

If you or someone you know are in need, please call 970.875.3630. The Northwest Colorado Health Partnership is standing by to help individuals navigate available resources. NCHP Care Coordinators can help connect you to emergency assistance funds, food assistance, transportation assistance and mental health resources. See below more details on available resources.

Lift Up Routt County

LiftUp Routt County has three foodbanks located in Steamboat, Hayden and Oak Creek providing food assistance. If you are in need of assistance your first step is to fill out this application.

Parents, be sure to access food support for your children available through the Steamboat Springs School District. A free “brown bag” lunch and next day breakfast starts March 18, 2020 and will continue, excluding Saturdays and Sundays, until further notice. View distribution centers here.

LiftUp encourages Routt county residents at an income level of 300% or lower of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to shop in our Food Banks to save money on food that you can then allocate toward other bills. You can find the applications (in English and Spanish) and more info on LiftUp’s website: Financial Assistance - LiftUp Routt County (liftuprc.org)

Many people are surprised to learn that they qualify for this service. The column on the right below shows the monthly income level at which LiftUp serves folks. The left-hand column shows family size. So, for example, if you have 2 people in your household, and you earn $4,577.50 per month or less, you qualify. Once you are all registered, you can shop once per month for food, and twice per month for fresh produce. Given the price of groceries right now, that can be a substantial savings from the grocery store. If you have an income of 200% or lower of Federal Poverty Level (shown below where it says “TEFAP COMMODITIES”) you also qualify for a USDA program called TEFAP, and can receive an extra box of food staples each month. If you are a senior and earn an income of 130% or lower of Federal Poverty Level (shown below under where it says “CSFP Senior Box”) you can receive another, additional box of food staples per month.

LiftUp also has a Grab N Go section in the front of our Food Banks, where anyone can walk in and grab food every day when they’re open, and leave without registering for services. LiftUp also offers emergency financial assistance with rent, mortgage, utility, medical and other expenses, as well as clothing assistance and a scholarship program. And, of course, an awesome Thrift Store and Donation Center! Please check out the website to learn more.

Housing Assistance

Emergency Housing Assistance Fund - If property owners or tenants have been unable to pay rent due to financial hardship caused by COVID-19, you may be eligible for rental assistance from the state. The Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can help renters as far back as April 2020. Help can include past due, current, and two additional months of expected rent costs.

Colorado COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project - The COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project is a collaborative, community legal project. Our mission is to provide Coloradoans who are unable to pay their rent during the COVID-19 crisis with information and support.

LiftUp Routt County has emergency funds to help Routt County residents stay in their homes during times of financial distress. This is short-term, one-time help based on financial needs. Email: casemanager@liftuprc.org. Phone: 970.870.8804

Utility Assistance

Energy Outreach Colorado – Providing bill payment assistance, heating system repair/replacement, efficiency upgrades, and energy education.

LiftUp Routt County, working with Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) and internal funding, offers help for Routt County residents who are struggling to pay for water and energy bills during times of financial distress. This assistance is limited to short-term, one-time based on financial needs. Email:  casemanager@liftuprc.org. Phone: 970.870.8804

Love INC of the Yampa Valley provides referrals for utility assistance. Call 970.824.4400

Mt. Werner Water has made adjustments for both residential and commercial customers due to COVID-19.

Visit our Utilities page for more information. 

Transportation

Steamboat Springs Transit Public Transportation Services provides daily fixed route transit throughout the City of Steamboat Springs and curb to curb para-transit service. Starting Sunday, March 29, the free local schedule will be identical to summer service operated last year.  Regional Service will not change. 970.879.3717

LiftUp of Routt County provides gas vouchers for qualifying individuals and families needing to relocate out of Routt County. 970.870.8804

Routt County Veterans Affairs Veterans Assistance provides transportation for veterans to medical appointments in Grand Junction and Denver. 970.870.5469 136 6th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Routt County Council on Aging Senior Ride Program provides transportation for senior citizens of Routt County to and from meal sites, medical appointments, shopping, banking, and the post office.  970.879.0633

PeopleCare West provides transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and errands to all private pay customers. 970.874.0136

Medical

Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) is public health insurance for Coloradans who qualify. Health First Colorado is funded jointly by a federal-state partnership and is administered by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center-provides 24/7 emergency medical services. 970.870.1163 1024 Central Park Dr, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 

UCHealth Virtual Urgent Care Visit with an expert local provider on your computer, tablet or smartphone. No drive time, no waiting room, no need to leave home. They will bill your insurance or you can elect a flat fee of $49.

Northwest Colorado Health provides primary care at Community Health Centers in Steamboat Springs and Craig. They serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Most insurance accepted including Medicaid. Discounts are available for those without insurance. On-site interpretation and telehealth appointments available. (970) 879-1632 

The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division issued the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requiring certain employers to provide employees with two to twelve weeks of paid sick leave or expanded family medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19 at two thirds to full pay. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020. Review the Employee Paid Leave Rights information and FAQ page. 

Mental Health/Crisis Services

State Crisis Line- provides suicide prevention and immediate crisis intervention services. 1.844.493.8255/text TALK to 38255

Advocates of Routt County provides a safe and confidential safehouse for victims of domestic or sexual violence and their families. Basic needs, such as food and clothing, are provided while at the safehouse. All residents also have access to advocacy services that include goal setting, navigating the criminal justice system, locating long-term housing, accessing financial assistance or public benefits, etc. Hotline: 24/7 970.879.8888 Office: 970.879.2034

Routt County Department of Human Services 970.870.5253

Mind Springs Health delivers and facilitates quality, cost-effective mental health and substance abuse services and provides evaluation and assistance for admission to mental hospitals on a voluntary and involuntary basis.

Steamboat Springs Outpatient Clinic Client Crisis Line: 1.877.866.8192

Connect with Colorado Spirit - Mind Springs Health is a proud partner of Colorado Spirit.  If you are stressed or other-wise impacted because of the pandemic, help is available. Colorado Spirit is a FEMA-funded recovery program to provide disaster survivors with community-based outreach, stress and resilience education, and connection to mental health and other community resources free of charge. Ver en español

Integrated Community assists with limited English-speaking clients in accessing resources. 970.871.4599 443 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

REPS - Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide - 970-846-8182 To talk to a mental health professional. Offering free services. 

Northwest Colorado Health provides integrated Behavioral Health care in their Community Health Centers and Dental Clinics, and sees all patients, regardless of ability to pay. Virtual appointments are available through secure video chat or phone consultation. (970) 879-1632

Routt County Covid-19 Travel Recommendations

One of the risks for community transmission is traveling. Whether you are visiting Routt County, or you are a resident embarking on a trip out of town, please consider these recommendations as a way to keep you, your family, your workplace, and our community safe.

ROUTT COUNTY COVID-19 HELP LINE

Routt County has established a COVID-19 Help Line to provide information and resources available to county residents: 970-871-8444 every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This line is for non-medical needs. Routt County has also set up a website to provide more information to the public. 

Another Round, Another Rally Hospitality Relief Grants

Another Round, Another Rally is offering $500 relief grants for hospitality workers who lost their jobs or had their hours slashed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. They are also collecting donations from community members willing to help their hospitality-industry friends and neighbors stay afloat in this time of uncertainty.

Contact 

The Steamboat Chamber is dedicated to supporting your business and employees through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. We are here to help.

• Kara Stoller - CEO  
• Sarah Leonard - Community Development Director. Contact Sarah for employee resources.  
• Laura Soard - Marketing Director. Contact Laura for visitor information, and website or social media.
• Angelica Salinas - Membership Manager. Contact Angelica for employer resources.
• John Bristol - Economic Development Director (RCEDP). Contact John for questions about State-level policies and programs that can assist businesses.