Pueblo County program helps pay seniors’ property taxes

Christina Gonzales has been volunteering at the USDA Commodity Supplemental Food program for seven years. “I just love it here,” Gonzales said. But two years ago, her volunteer work went toward Pueblo County’s Property Tax Work Off program, helping her pay half of her property taxes. “The $100 I earn here is a big help to me because I can, you know, start saving,” Gonzales said. The county has been doing this program for almost 20 years and has volunteers around the county. W orking here at the USDA commodities program is just one of the volunteer opportunities offered by the property tax work off program. “They can do clerical, they can help us build in the warehouse here at the commodities,” said Tanya Gurule with Pueblo County Housing and Human Services. There are 250 spots open that people like Gonzales fill. She said it has given her purpose and helped keep her active. “I would recommend that any senior out there, especially if you’re tired of staying home and with nothing to do, this is a perfect place to come,” Gonzales said. Gurule said they are hoping more people apply for these spots. There is $50,000 allocated and last year only $31,000 was used. The application period opens for this program on Dec. 26 and closes Jan. 3.

For information on this program, call Pueblo County HHS at 719-583-6199 or visit the Pueblo County website here.