By Taylor Cramer | Post Independent
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, Garfield County Commissioners denied the town of Carbondale’s request for $50,000 in aid to support groups of recently arrived immigrants who have been relying on the town for temporary shelter since November.
Approximately 150 immigrants, mostly Venezuelans, arrived in Carbondale seeking shelter and employment. These newcomers, discovered living under the Carbondale entrance bridge and in various precarious situations on Nov. 4, were part of a larger group migration in search for stability in the face of economic and legal uncertainties.
The town of Carbondale previously received $223,800 from a Department of Local Affairs grant and has been actively responding to the needs of these newcomers. This funding facilitated the hiring of temporary staff and security, the establishment of shelters scheduled to close on March 31, and the coordination of daily meals in partnership with the Roaring Fork School District. Efforts also included the provision of RFTA bus passes and the employment of a bilingual communications team to aid in public messaging and internal coordination.