OUR Center seeks $145,000 from Longmont as demand for aid grows
The nonprofit reported distributing more food and helping about three times as many households with utility bills in the first half of 2026 as in the same period of 2025.
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Longmont’s OUR Center requested $145,000 for basic-needs services at the city’s Oct. 27 public hearing, reporting increased food distribution and utility assistance. The hearing did not award funding. OUR Center representative Mark presented the request and the organization’s figures.
The center distributed just over 1 million pounds of food in 2025 and anticipates distributing 1.2 million to 1.3 million pounds in 2026, Mark said. It provided utility assistance to slightly more than 100 households in the first six months of 2025, compared with slightly more than 300 in the same period of 2026.
Mark estimated that roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the requested money would fund direct financial assistance, particularly for rent and utilities, with a smaller share for food. He said the funds would support community services rather than salaries; the proportions were estimates, not a finalized budget.
The center offers a food pantry, weekday breakfast and daily lunch, and assistance with rent, utility bills, medical and eye-care copays, and car repairs. Mark said people who are currently housed and live in the center’s service area are eligible. The area roughly follows the St. Vrain Valley School District boundaries, with Longmont its largest municipality.
At the hearing’s close, the moderator said scoring was due the following week and a recommendation would be prepared afterward.