A new community building in Breckenridge is aiming to help locals in need by providing various services all in one place. The SOL Center offers food assistance, affordable clothing, mental health care, and social service navigation. This collaboration between nonprofits is the first of its kind in Summit County and possibly in Colorado.
The Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) spearheaded this initiative to prevent people from falling through the cracks by providing a convenient location for essential services. The center comes as many mountain workers are facing financial struggles after a low-snow winter season impacted employment opportunities across Summit County.
Residents can access a variety of services inside the building, including food assistance, housing help, public benefits, peer support services, and even a thrift store with discounted clothing. The goal is to make it easier for people to get the help they need without having to navigate multiple locations or agencies.
The building also houses offices for Building Hope Summit County, a nonprofit focused on mental health support in the mountain community. Both organizations recognized the interconnectedness of financial stress and mental health struggles in the community and decided to work together under one roof to provide holistic support.
The collaboration aims to remove barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking help and provide a one-stop-shop for essential services. The support from the community, including donations and volunteer work, played a significant role in making the building a reality.
While some services are still ramping up operations, the food market is already open, therapy appointments are available, and the thrift store is expected to open soon. There are opportunities for more volunteers and community support as demand for services continues to grow in Summit County.
