June 27, 2024
MyFriendBen: Breaking Down Barriers to Aid for Colorado Families
Just six minutes of time could make a huge difference for Colorado households in need.
Imagine this: just six minutes of your time could unlock a world of much-needed support and resources. No more jumping around different public benefits websites or calling endless help hotlines. Just input a few details about yourself and your family and quickly get the answers you need. It’s fast. It’s simple. It’s anonymous.
That’s what MyFriendBen is all about. Recently featured on the Denver Public Schools’ EDUCA podcast, MyFriendBen is a Gary Community Ventures’ program that’s already making a significant difference — and all with just a few minutes of people’s time.
What is MyFriendBen?
Millions of dollars in government aid go unclaimed each year in Colorado.The whole process is overly complex, confusing and honestly frustrating, causing many families to leave money on the table. As Elise Henson, executive director of MyFriendBen, shared on the EDUCA podcast, “We heard over and over from families, ‘I don’t even know whether it’s worth my time to do the research, much less to apply.’”
MyFriendBen increases access to public benefits by reducing the friction and frustrations that often prevent families from accessing the support they need. “Ben,” short for “benefits,” reflects the tool’s intention to act as a friendly resource, helping families make a plan to apply for more than 40 different federal, state and local benefits programs.
Here’s how it works: Individuals answer a few basic questions about their household and receive a personalized report, detailing the programs they qualify for, the cash value of each benefit and how long it might take to apply. In this way, people in Colorado can make more informed decisions about which benefits to pursue based on what makes the most sense for their situation.
For each program, MyFriendBen either provides a direct link, so folks can go ahead and apply directly for the program, or connects them to a navigator organization. These navigators will sit down with people either in person or over the phone and walk them through actually applying for public benefits.
A Lifeline for Families in Transition
Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, navigating job loss or recovering from an injury, MyFriendBen is there for you as your family navigates major life changes.
Families welcoming a new child might discover they’re eligible for child care assistance or universal preschool programs, helping to cover the high cost of child care. Those who have recently lost a job or are facing temporary disability can find rental assistance, utilities support and food programs to help bridge the gap during tough times. MyFriendBen is designed to help families adapt to these pivotal moments, extending a friendly hand when it’s needed most.
For instance, consider a family where a primary breadwinner loses their job unexpectedly. Navigating the sudden loss of income can be overwhelming, but with MyFriendBen, this family can quickly identify and apply for unemployment benefits, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and rental assistance.
But even after applying for public benefits, there can be a lengthy wait – weeks, or months even. That’s why MyFriendBen helps folks with more immediate needs by providing access to food banks, diaper banks and other resources.
By providing clear, actionable information, MyFriendBen helps families stabilize their finances, and focus on recovering and planning their next steps.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Since its launch, MyFriendBen has helped more than 14,000 Colorado households determine their eligibility for public benefits and tax credits. Hundreds of folks are visiting the site every week.
On average, users find they qualify for $2,500 per month in benefits. A staggering 80% of people who we speak to say that they found a new benefit by using MyFriendBen, including people who have been accessing other benefits for years.
“We know that the cost of living in Colorado is rising all the time,” said Elise. “It’s really hard for families to pay their bills. A lot of these programs can help offset some of that stress by giving a little extra cash every month.”
Join Us in Spreading the Word
At Gary Community Ventures, we partner with our community to reshape the arc of opportunity for Colorado kids and families. Help us spread awareness about MyFriendBen – tell your friends and neighbors that it takes just six minutes to discover what benefits and tax credits might be available.
If you’re part of a community organization, consider partnering with us to help even more families access these essential resources by putting up flyers, linking to MyFriendBen on your website or referring clients to the tool.
Together, we can ensure that every family in Colorado gets the support they deserve.
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