January 5, 2024
New online tool helps Coloradans quickly determine which public benefits they might be eligible for
MyFriendBen, created by philanthropy nonprofit Gary Community Ventures, works to increase access to basic necessities such as food and heat.
Colorado Sun: Tatiana Flowers
Awoman who called 211 Colorado last month said she had already applied for help through two food assistance programs and inquired about other public benefits she could qualify for.
“She was a single mom who was pregnant and needed financial assistance for her baby,” said Abigail Jimenez, the 211 operator at Mile High United Way who answered the woman’s call.
Jimenez told the mother about MyFriendBen, a new online tool that could help her find other social services she may be eligible for.
The new tool, recently launched by Gary Community Ventures, a nonprofit philanthropy group, aims to ensure Coloradans in need can better access some of the most basic necessities such as food and heat through existing public benefits programs.
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