Basic Colorado Resources
There are a number of resources available and the list is growing daily.Options include:
Free COVID-19 Testing in Denver:
https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/covid-19/recovery-guidance/testing.html
Rapid At-Home Testing Program:
In an effort to give Coloradans the tools they need to keep their families safe, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is providing free over-the-counter tests for parents, guardians, and caregivers to administer to school-aged children at-home.
The program complements other tools in CDPHE’s COVID-19 toolbox, including in-school screening testing, free community testing sites, and other point-of-care testing programs; while also ensuring all Coloradans have access to multiple free COVID-19 testing options. The program is designed specifically to provide parents, guardians, and caregivers some peace of mind by making it easy to test their children and help keep schools open.
All Coloradans are also eligible to sign up to receive these rapid response kits directly at their homes free of charge.
To learn more about the program click here.
Energy Assistance: There are multiple options for pursing help with utility bills in Denver.
For Assistance through Energy Outreach Colorado please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or visit their site here.
For assistance through the city and county of Denver Emergency Assistance please complete and submit a prescreen application here.
If your financial strain is related to covid-19, please apply for rent, mortgage, and/or electricity bill assistance through the state Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Paid Sick Leave: Click Here to read Colorado Bill SB20-205 regarding paid sick leave for employees
Unemployment Insurance: The recently passed CARES Act expands unemployment insurance dramatically. If you have been laid-off, furloughed, or face a work reduction as a contractor or gig economy employee, you may be eligible for benefits (in addition to receiving the stimulus funding above). You can submit an application here: Start a Claim
Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance: In Denver County, residents may apply for TRUA benefits to support rental and utility payments. More information can be found by dialing 3-1-1 or visiting: Rent and Utility Help - Department of Housing Stability
Other rental support: The State of Colorado is providing some rental support to tenants facing hardship as a result of COVID-19. Residents across the state can search for emergency rental assistance providers here: State of Colorado Eviction Prevention Programs. You may also call 2-1-1 or visit http://211.org/
If your financial strain is related to covid-19, please apply for rent, mortgage, and/or electricity bill assistance through the state Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Food Assistance: There are many options available to you to apply for Food Assistance (SNAP) benefits. Try to provide as much information as you can on the application to make the process faster.
- By Phone: Outreach partners can help you apply by phone. Call Hunger Free Colorado Hotline at 1-855-855-4626 or Mile High United Way at 2-1-1
- Online: Visit the Colorado PEAK website at https://colorado.gov/PEAK from a computer or tablet to complete an application online.
- Mobile App: Download the MyCOBenefits app to apply from a smartphone. If you are approved, you will be able to see benefit amounts.
Paper. Paper applications are still available at your county office, even if it is closed.Once you complete your paper application, you can drop it off at the county office or send it in by mail, fax, or email. - For other food assistance: You can also find food banks and pantries during the COVID-19 Outbreak. Visit https://denverfoodrescue.org/ for more information. Continued food help listed below
Internet
FREE Internet Essentials Package from Comcast for low-income families
60 Days of Free Internet Service - Effective March 16, 2020
Apply Online: www.internetessentials.com/covid19 or call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376)
Returning to School During Covid-19
NetSmartz: Online Safety for Kids and Families
Mental Health
Mental Health Center of Denver: mhcd.org
To schedule a first time appointment for yourself, your child or to obtain information on helping a loved one into services, contact our Access Center by calling (303) 504-7900.
Tennyson Center for Children: Tennyson expanded their program offerings in 2020 to include outpatient services for children and adults, which include individual therapy, family therapy, and care coordination. These services are provided in the Denver metro area and via telehealth for those with Medicaid or private pay.
ADMISSIONS: (303) 731-4845 EMAIL: ADMISSIONS@TENNYSONCENTER.ORG
WEBSITE: TENNYSONCENTER.ORG
Insurance/Medicaid
Connect for Health Colorado: https://connectforhealthco.com/
Denver Human Services
https://www.denvergov.org/humanresources
All services are happening online or via phone
First Time DHS applicants: If you need to apply for benefits but don't have access to Internet and/or a device you can call the special document delivery hotline, 720-944-1520, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and the document delivery team will leave an application at their door. Once the application is completed, residents just place it in the provided, sealed envelope and call the same hotline to schedule pick up.
This service is available to Denver residents in need of paper applications for assistance with food (TANF/SNAP/Medicaid), child care (CCAP), utilities (LEAP), EBT cards, and child support services.
Note that this service is provided only for new clients. Those with existing DHS cases should call 720-944-4DHS (4347) or contact their eligibility technician directly. For those with internet access, visit www.denvergov.org/humanservices.
Advance Care Planning
Advance Care Planning allows us to make our wishes known to our healthcare team about the way we receive medical care. Documents such as a Medical Durable Power of Attorney (MDPOA) and Living Will are available to complete and put into your medical record.
To learn more about Advance Care Planning you can visit http://theconversationprojectinboulder.org/covid-19-resources/
If you would like to complete any Advance Care Planning documents or have a discussion about your wishes, please contact your primary care clinic to schedule an appointment with your social worker or medical provider. We are here to support you!
Transportation
Information regarding Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021
The Child Tax Credit, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, is available to provide major tax relief for families raising children. For more information, visit this website.
Afterschool Programs
Explore Afterschool and Summer Programs for Youth in Denver using the Youth Program Locator