September 25, 2024

DPS Foundation Takes the Lead on My Spark Denver to Expand Access to Youth Enrichment Programs

Announced a new collaboration to improve access to essential services for Denver residents

Today, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Human Services (DHS), and Gary Community Ventures announced a new collaboration to improve access to essential services for Denver residents through a transformative online tool called MyFriendBen. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and making vital services more accessible to everyone in Denver.

MyFriendBen is a single website designed to reduce the confusion many residents face when seeking assistance. It allows users to quickly input their information and easily understand which government benefits, programs, and tax credits they may qualify for. The new program screens for more than 50 public benefits, including the Denver Recycling and Trash Rebate, Denver Preschool Program, Denver Property Tax Program, MySpark Denver, SNAP to Success, Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance, health insurance and healthcare, discounts on public transit, and more. Through this program, Denver has the opportunity to distribute millions of additional dollars to support our residents without increasing the city budget.  

“One in three Denverites utilize public benefits, from trash rebates to food assistance to health care and more,” said Mayor Johnston. “But we know that actually accessing those benefits can be incredibly complicated and time-consuming, leaving hundreds of millions of dollars in public support on the table each year. In Denver, we’re committed to delivering great government for our residents, and this innovative new partnership will simplify and unify the application process to ensure residents know exactly which support programs they’re entitled to and exponentially increase the benefits they can access.”