In the Pine River Valley, which stretches from Vallecito to Arboles, everyday services can be especially challenging for low-income, senior and disabled residents.
Three programs can help remote residents.
“It’s really hard to be out here in the Pine River Valley,” said Pam Wilhoite, coordinator for the local nonprofit Pine River Shares. “We don’t have housing. We don’t have shelters or anything like that.”
In response, Pine River Shares has mobilized a food pantry and food couriers to offer immediate help.
Beginning in January, Pine River Shares will deliver food and commodities once a month to residents in eastern La Plata County. The nonprofit’s a weekly food bank at the former Bayfield Primary School building will stock the mobile pantry, a trailer, and a La Plata Electric Association grant will fund it.
Pine River Shares also has a three-year Colorado Health Foundation grant, which has supported a food courier program since March 2019. Residents take food orders from family, friends and neighbors, then drive to Pine River Shares in Bayfield on Mondays to fill the orders. The program eases food insecurity in the valley’s most remote communities, including Allison, Tiffany and Vallecito.
The couriers also connect residents to resources such as energy bill assistance and Pine River Shares food education and nutrition programs.
“Because if they don’t have enough food, there’s a good chance that they don’t have enough of other things that Pine River Shares can help with,” Wilhoite said.
In La Plata County, the elderly population is projected to grow through 2025, raising the demand for senior services, according to the 2019 Colorado Department of Local Affairs community profile for the county.
The La Plata County Senior Services Home Chore program helps residents, ages 60 and older, repair trip hazards and complete chores.
“The goal of pretty much everything we do here at Senior Services is to help people stay safe in their homes for as long as possible. This is a big part of that,” said Kate Garrett, Senior Services program coordinator.
This year, Senior Services is expanding its work in the Bayfield area, she said.
In winter, that means shoveling snow. Year-round, program staff can install grab bars and handrails, complete minor repairs to steps and porches repair, and help with small home repairs, heavy house cleaning and spring and fall yard cleanup. The home chore services have a suggested donation of $8 to $15 per hour and the cost of parts.
The service has some restrictions; for example, snow removal is limited to walkways.
For more information, contact Senior Services, Durango/La Plata County Senior Center and the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging.
smullane@durangoherald.com
How to get help
Pine River Shares: 658 S. East St., Bayfield, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visit pinerivershares.org or call 884-6040
La Plata County Senior Services: 2424 Main Ave., Durango, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit co.laplata.co.us or call 382-6445.
