Park County Help
One-time financial stability services have replaced emergency-type services offered by YCAN in the past. Services require a One-Stop case manager to primarily assess and organize a client’s care needs and ensure they get linked to the services they need. This also helps to prevent duplication of services within our service area.
Yellowstone Country Assistance offers one-time stabilization services to qualified customers who apply at the First Stop of Park County. This service is currently funded by Community Services Block Grant CARES Act stimulus funds to “prevent, prepare for, or respond to coronavirus.” COVID-19’s damage to the economy has been pervasive, systematic, and cascading. Even if an individual’s financial challenges predated COVID-19, that person might be in a much worse position with fewer possible resources. Therefore, all low-income individuals in Park County are considered coronavirus-affected.
The First Stop of Park County
1735 Sheridan Ave, Suite 205, Cody, WY
Cody Monday – Wednesday 9 am – 5 pm
St. Johns Episcopal Church 308 Mountain View Powell, WY
Powell Thursday 9 am – 5 pm
Email: zach.hmfc@gmail.com
(307) 296-6706
First Stop of Park County
The first stop in Park County is run out of the Heart Mountain Free Clinic. As part of YCAN’s commitment to providing linkages during COVID-19, we have supported this position with CSBG CARES Act funds. The service is a one-stop model in a single location to deliver multiple social services to rural families by bringing together services in one place. For example, One-Stop Centers can benefit rural families in accessing housing help, healthcare, transportation, employment referrals, and services for children in one place.
CSBG in Park County
In 2007 Yellowstone Country Assistance Network became the county’s eligible entity when the Park County Tripartite Board was created. The Park County County grant provides around $30,000.00 annually in financial assistance to individuals referred by a case manager. To maximize service, YCAN partnered with the First Stop of Park County to serve as the “Front Door” for CSBG services in Park county to ensure more funds went to low-income community members. Park County residents visit the First Stop to apply for CSBG financial assistance and COVID-19 financial assistance. YCAN uses staff time to provide eligibility determination and grant coordination services in Park County and direct administrative requirements of the grant. In addition, the First Stop serves as a “Front Door” for past stabilization CSBG services in Park County.
Partnership Outcomes
Since the First Stop opened at the end of 2021, they have helped 25 families complete applications for YCAN services. Having a community organization with staff trained in assisting clients to achieve applications for services dramatically increases the households obtaining the benefits they seek. In addition, YCAN has provided $33,051.29 in direct financial assistance to low-income individuals and families in Park County with our 2022 CSBG grant.