A group including DHS and Peak Vista staff celebrate the opening of a new location on Jetwing Drive on Sept. 23, 2020.
Residents in the Southern part of El Paso County have a new option and fewer miles to travel to reach economic assistance help, especially when they need Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card services.
The El Paso County Department of Human Services recently opened a new satellite location at the Peak Vista Health Center on Jetwing Drive. Families in need can visit Colorado.gov/PEAK to start their process to apply for economic assistance programs. The office at Jet Wing is open to accept paperwork and documentation, and staff can share some basic information regarding benefits an individual or family may be eligible to receive. DHS is still conducting interviews by phone for benefit programs and staff at this location can assist with scheduling. The office is also able to process Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, the third location in the County where such services are available.
“This additional EBT and DHS site is an important resource to help families in need,” said Julie Krow, El Paso County Department of Human Services executive director. “Co-locating with Peak Vista offers an efficient and effective way to help families achieve self-sufficiency.”
Peak Vista has been a strong partner in developing opportunities to reach citizens. Another location for EBT card services in El Paso County is also co-located at a Peak Vista site.
“We are excited to partner with DHS, as it expands services to patients visiting our Jet Wing location. Patient health and wellbeing is truly enhanced by providing access to economic assistance,” said Pam McManus, Peak Vista CEO. “Having DHS services here rounds out our offerings of medical, dental and behavioral health services as we focus on whole-person care.”
Coloradans can visit Colorado.gov/PEAK to screen and apply for medical, food, cash, and early childhood assistance programs. Most, if not all, of the process for economic assistance can be completed online, and applicants can also check case details through Colorado PEAK and the associated mobile apps: MyCOBenefits and PEAKHealth.
El Paso County went through a strict process with the Colorado Department of Human Services before the EBT Processing site received formal approval. Only a handful of counties in Colorado offer EBT services at more than one location. In a geographically large County like El Paso County, it can be difficult for people to reach resources.
“This location is closer than the Citizens Service Center for those living in the southern part of El Paso County,” said Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. “This location complements services available at the Fountain office, which is also a collaborative effort with Peak Vista.”
The DHS Office and EBT site at the Peak Vista Health is at 1815 Jet Wing Dr., Colorado Springs, 80916. The DHS portion is open 7:30 a.m.-noon and 1p.m.-4p.m. Mondays through Fridays, closed weekends and County holidays. The Peak Vista Health Center is open 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The phone number is (719) 632-5700.
“The new office offers those who may not have access to technology an option to access needed services and assistance,” said County Commissioner Cami Bremer. “Programs through the Department of Human Services offer families a critical lifeline.”
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About Peak Vista Community Health Centers
- Peak Vista Community Health Centers is a nonprofit organization providing exceptional health care to people facing access barriers through clinical programs and education. Established in 1971, Peak Vista offers primary medical, integrated behavioral health, and dental care services. We proudly serve over 93,000 patients annually through 28 outpatient centers in Colorado’s Pikes Peak and East Central regions. To learn more about Peak Vista, visit peakvista.org.