The Peak to Peak community, with the Continental Divide as its backdrop, is known for its rugged beauty and its rugged and resilient people. The pandemic has tested this resiliency and brought people out of the region’s bubble of independence to look for assistance. It usually starts with food and maybe a request for some small financial assistance for a utility bill or a gas card to get to Boulder for a doctor’s appointment. People find their way to an area food pantry, ask a few questions, and the food pantry check to see if there is anything else they need. That is how it works. A little food and a few questions, and someone gets some help.

The Nederland Food Pantry (NFP) is the core Human Services Agency in the Peak to Peak. Through the NFP, located at the Nederland Community Center, and other pantries in Ward, Jamestown, and Wondervu supported by NFP, people are connected with agencies and organizations with the ability to provide help with housing, finances, mental and physical health care, and connect folks with support groups and people in veterans services, disability assistance and care for seniors.

Once a month, on the 4th Thursday, and from 10 a.m. - noon, the Pantry hosts a mini Human Services Fair at the Community Center. Representatives from Boulder County agencies and regional organizations come to Nederland to meet with people from across the Peak to Peak about their housing, health care, and financial needs. Representatives can answer questions about services and get help with paperwork.

The Peak to Peak community is anxious to get ‘back to normal. It is the conversation at businesses and with neighbors and friends. But, getting back to normal could be difficult for some who may have gotten behind with bills, haven’t been to the doctor, or still feel isolated and left behind. It is in the region’s best interest to make sure all our residents have an opportunity to recover from the effects of the pandemic and thrive.

The resources below are available to residents across the Peak to Peak. Sharing them with folks that may need a little or a lot of assistance is essential to the resilience of our economy and the health and safety of everyone.

Assistance across the Peak to Peak. Human Services Fair October 28, 10 a.m. to noon. The Nederland Food Pantry hosts a Human Services Fair on the fourth Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. - noon. Representatives from area agencies and service organizations are available to meet with individuals and families in need from across the Peak to Peak. No appointments are necessary.

Food Assistance. The Pantry and Clothing Closet is open for shopping to anyone in the Peak to Peak region. The Nederland Pantry supports pantries in Ward, Jamestown, and Wondervu.

Holiday Distribution for Thanksgiving will be during the November 13th Food Pantry and 9News Health Fair. 9 a.m. - noon.

For a schedule or more information, go to www.nederlandfoodpantry.org or call (720) 418-0892.

Rental Assistance. If you are a Boulder County renter struggling to cover housing costs due to Covid-19, call 303- 441-1206 or email HousingHelpline@ BoulderCounty.org. You can also go to www.boco.org/Emerg-Rent-Assistance.

For more information on services, check out the Where to get Help Guide at www.p2phhs.org.