Low-Income Resources in Colorado
This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.
- Food resources
- Housing and utilities
- Child and family care
- Healthcare resources
- Crisis care
- Debt help
Food resources
If you need help with groceries, start with SNAP (Colorado Food Assistance Program). For WIC and local food pantries, the resources below can help you find a clear starting point. If you are unsure where to begin, see the Crisis care section for Colorado 211.
Colorado SNAP (Food Assistance) — Colorado PEAK
Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Apply online through Colorado PEAK or your county office.
- Apply: Colorado PEAK
- Program details: About SNAP in Colorado
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Colorado Department of Public Health
Helps with: Nutrition support, breastfeeding assistance, and referrals for eligible families.
How to start: Find a local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment.
- Colorado WIC
- WIC Hotline: 800-688-7777
Find a food pantry — Food Bank of the Rockies
Helps with: Locating food pantries, meal programs, and mobile distributions across Colorado.
How to start: Search by ZIP code or browse partner agencies.
Housing and utilities
If housing or utility bills are the main concern, Colorado routes many assistance programs through state agencies and local partners. Energy assistance and rental help are typically administered locally.
Energy assistance (LEAP / LIHEAP) — Colorado Department of Human Services
Helps with: Help paying heating costs for eligible households.
How to start: Apply through Colorado PEAK or your county office.
Housing assistance and renter resources — Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Helps with: Rental assistance, housing stability programs, and statewide housing resources.
How to start: Review housing programs and local options.
Tenant rights and eviction information — Colorado Judicial Branch
Helps with: Plain-language information on tenant rights and eviction court processes.
How to start: Review landlord-tenant guides and legal resources.
Child and family care
Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. Colorado’s programs are generally accessed through the Department of Human Services and county partners.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
Helps with: Help paying for child care for eligible families who are working, training, or in school.
How to start: Apply through your county human services office.
Colorado Works (TANF)
Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment support for eligible families with children.
How to start: Apply through Colorado PEAK or your county office.
Healthcare resources
If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Health First Colorado is the state’s Medicaid program. You can apply online or through your county. Community health centers may also offer low-cost care.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Colorado residents.
How to start: Apply online through Colorado PEAK.
- Apply: Colorado PEAK
- Program details: Health First Colorado
Find a community health center — HRSA
Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee services.
How to start: Search by ZIP code or city.
Crisis care
If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the resources below can help you find the right next step.
Colorado 211
Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and crisis services.
How to start: Dial 211 or use the website.
- Dial: 2-1-1
- 211 Colorado
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.
- Call or text: 988
- 988 Lifeline website
Colorado Domestic Violence Hotline
Helps with: Support, safety planning, and local referrals for domestic violence.
How to start: Call for confidential help.
- Call: 800-799-7233
- Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)
Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.
- Call or text: 800-985-5990
- Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
- Helpline details
If debt is part of the picture
Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.
Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.
Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/colorado/