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
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/
Energy Assistance: The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) for more information or visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/leap
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
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan: The SBA is offering economic injury disaster loans to small businesses, including sole-proprietors and contractors (ride-share drivers, etc.), whose income is impacted by the Coronavirus crisis. The application is on-line and the SBA is trying to streamline the processing of applications. For more information or to apply, visit this site.
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!
Additional Ways to To Give or Receive Donations
For residents in North East Denver: https://www.lovenortheastdenver.com/
Left Behind Workers Fund is direct assistance to unemployed workers overlooked by Federal Aid Programs.
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