Huerfano County Department of Human Services 2025 Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a survey of 241 residents of Huerfano County, Colorado. The interviews were conducted from August 28th to October 10th, 2025.

Residents of Huerfano County expressed mixed views about the overall direction of the county. More respondents said the county was on the wrong track (32%) than headed in the right direction (25%), while a large share (43%) were unsure. Those who felt the county was headed in the right direction most often cited strong leadership, improved customer service from county offices, fiscal responsibility, and responsive staff in social services and law enforcement. Others pointed to modest growth, new businesses, and infrastructure improvements that preserved the county’s small-town character.

Residents who felt the county was on the wrong track most frequently raised concerns about mismanagement and lack of transparency in local government. Common themes included misuse of funds, poor leadership, political infighting, and weak communication from county officials. Many also cited economic stagnation, limited job opportunities, deteriorating roads and water infrastructure, run-down buildings, and insufficient services for youth and families, often linking these problems to resistance to change or ineffective governance.

Most residents reported limited direct interaction with the Huerfano County Department of Human Services (DHS). More than two-thirds said they had not used DHS services in the past year, while 27% reported using benefits programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, LEAP, or other financial assistance. Smaller shares reported using the Family Resource Center (11%), Child Welfare services (9%), or Adult Services (9%). Among those who had used DHS services, overall experiences varied by program area.

Benefits programs received the strongest ratings. Among users, roughly two-thirds rated benefits services as excellent or good, and open-ended feedback frequently described staff as helpful, responsive, and supportive. Adult Services and the Family Resource Center were also viewed positively by many users, particularly for compassion and reliability, though respondents noted challenges with communication, paperwork, staff turnover, and reliance on online systems that excluded some residents. Child Welfare services received the weakest ratings, with predominantly negative feedback citing unprofessional conduct, poor follow-up, perceived bias, and lack of trust.

Partner organizations working with DHS were widely praised, especially food distribution programs such as Care and Share and Commodities, which many residents described as essential for seniors and low-income households. These programs were frequently cited as well-organized, caring, and impactful. Other partners, including Health First Colorado, Mobile DMV services, and benefits assistance organizations, received generally positive ratings from those who used them, though overall awareness and utilization were low. Some respondents noted logistical issues, inconsistent service availability, and declining food variety or freshness.

Overall, residents expressed appreciation for the support DHS and its partners provided while calling for meaningful improvements. Final comments emphasized the need for greater accountability, professionalism, staffing stability, and fairness within DHS, particularly in Child Welfare. Residents also urged stronger outreach and communication so more people were aware of available services, expanded support for seniors, families, mental health, and addiction, and efforts to promote economic self-sufficiency alongside assistance. Taken together, the results showed a community that valued human services and community partners but sought reform, transparency, and stronger connections to better serve vulnerable residents across Huerfano County.

Residents also shared where they turned for local news and information, offering insight into how DHS and county government could most effectively reach the public. Word of mouth through friends and family was the most commonly cited source (54%), followed closely by Facebook (52%) and local newspapers in print or online (48%). Roughly four in ten residents used official government websites for information, while about one in four relied on government emails and newsletters. Local radio, public meetings, and office signage were used by smaller but notable shares of residents. These findings suggested that outreach efforts combining social media, local press, and personal networks would be most likely to reach the broadest cross-section of Huerfano County residents.