Eligibility requirement: - you maybe eligible for LEAP assistance if:

You are a U.S. Citizen and a resident of Colorado

• You pay heating fuel costs directly to an energy provider or pay the cost of heating your dwelling with your rent, or in addition to rent.
• Your gross monthly household income falls within the guidelines set annually and posted no later than November 1st of each year. “Household” means the people who reside with you within your dwelling at which you reside and apply for assistance and for whom you as applicant have financial resposibility for. The maximum gross income is based on 150%* of the federal poverty level as follows:

*Reduced from 185% to 150% due to a reduction in federal funding
New legislation was passed that requires a participant to provide additional documents when applying.A completed and signed affidavit.

1. A completed, signed and dated affidavit.
2. A readable copy of a photo identification

• A Colorado Drivers License
• A Colorado Identification card
• A U.S. Military or dependent card
• A U.S. Merchant Marine card

Any other document authorized by rules adopted by the Department of Revenue.

If you are eligible for LEAP you may qualify for emergency assistance for help in repair or replacement of your primary heating system.

If you are eligible for LEAP you may qualify for free furnace and weatherization services for you rhome through the Energy Saving Partners program. For more information please call 866-HEATHELP.

For more information, you can see the Colorado Department of Human Services.

In Pueblo, you can call the Pueblo Department of Social Services at 719-583-6160. A Leap Brochure  is also available.

Pueblo County is simply short of money. As a belt tightening matter, Commissioner Anthony Nunez has suggested that the counties employees take a furlough one day a month to save the county some money. Union members from the AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union), packed the council meeting room on February 2nd at the Pueblo West Metro District vowing to fight the idea.

Sharon Bonner, the director of the Counties Business Office and President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union, told council members on Tuesday that “We’ve decided to form a citizens commission to explore alternative ways to save money.”

Pueblo County School District 70 is also feeling the pinch with an expected shortfall of roughly $5 million of money from the district budget. In on-going discussions the board has proposed all kinds of ideas. Closing or consolidating schools, cutting out or outsourcing transportation, going to a 4 day school week, wage freezes and even outsourcing janitorial services have been discussed. At this time nothing has been decided upon.