Arapahoe County officials highlight urgent funding needs for community service programs

Arapahoe County officials are prioritizing the stabilization of critical community services as they face potential funding shortfalls in the upcoming budget cycle. During a recent study session, the Arapahoe Board of County Commissioners discussed the urgent need to secure ongoing funding for essential programs, particularly those serving veterans, the homeless, and seniors.

The county's Veteran Service Office, which has seen a threefold increase in demand since the implementation of the PACT Act in 2022, is at risk of losing two grant-funded positions by the end of 2026 if stable funding is not secured. This could lead to wait times for veterans seeking services increasing to 16 weeks, significantly impacting their access to necessary support.

In the realm of housing and homeless services, the county's Community Development, Housing, and Homeless Services Division is also facing challenges. Currently reliant on federal and state grants, the division lacks sufficient funding to maintain its five full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. Proposed federal budget cuts could eliminate vital Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership funds, jeopardizing ongoing programs that have become essential for the community.

Judicial services are similarly affected, with a projected increase in caseloads due to changes in domestic violence case handling. The department has requested additional staffing to manage this anticipated rise, emphasizing the importance of pretrial services in diverting individuals from incarceration and ensuring community safety.

Senior resources, funded through a combination of grants and general funds, are also at risk. The potential elimination of key funding sources could severely impact the county's ability to provide services that help seniors live independently, a goal that currently sees 95% of participants successfully remaining in their homes.

The county's workforce development program, Arapahoe Douglas Works, reported serving nearly 25,000 individuals last year, the highest in the state. However, concerns about potential funding reductions loom, particularly with proposed changes to federal workforce funding that could lead to a significant decrease in resources.

As the county navigates these challenges, officials are emphasizing the need for stable funding to maintain existing service levels and meet the growing demands of the community. The discussions highlight a critical juncture for Arapahoe County, where the decisions made in the coming months will have lasting implications for its residents.