Colorado Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Colorado.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 5.9 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 14,000 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024 point-in-time count); real numbers estimated to be much higher
- Increase in Family Homelessness: 134% rise in homeless families with children (2023-2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $1.3 billion allocated through various programs
- Major Urban Centers: Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Boulder
- Primary Challenges: Housing affordability crisis, mental health service gaps, extreme weather conditions
Emergency Contact Numbers
Colorado Crisis Hotline
(844) 493-8255
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
(303) 441-1010
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Mental Health Support
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Colorado based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Colorado:
Springs Rescue Mission
City: Colorado Springs
Services: Emergency shelter (450 beds), meals, case management, recovery programs
Restrictions: Low-barrier, behavior-based restrictions
Phone: (719) 632-1822
Address: 5 W. Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Hours: 24/7
All Roads Shelter
City: Boulder
Services: Emergency shelter, navigation services, coordinated entry, meals
Restrictions: Coordinated Entry assessment required
Phone: (303) 442-4646
Address: 4869 N. Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304
Hours: 5pm-7am (shelter), 9am-3pm (Coordinated Entry)
Urban Peak
City: Denver
Services: Youth shelter, meals, case management, education & employment
Restrictions: Ages 15-20 only
Phone: (303) 974-2900
Address: 1630 S. Acoma St., Denver, CO 80223
Hours: 24/7
The Delores Project
City: Denver
Services: Emergency shelter, case management, housing navigation
Restrictions: Women and transgender individuals only
Phone: (303) 534-5411
Address: 1225 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
Hours: 24/7
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Colorado:
Food Bank of the Rockies
City: Denver (multiple locations)
Services: Food distribution through partner agencies, mobile pantries
Requirements: None for many programs
Care and Share Food Bank
City: Colorado Springs
Services: Food pantries, mobile markets, SNAP assistance
Requirements: None for food assistance
SAME Café
City: Denver
Services: Pay-what-you-can restaurant, volunteer opportunities
Requirements: None (pay, volunteer, or both)
Phone: (720) 530-6853
Address: 2023 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2pm
Community Food Share
City: Louisville (serving Boulder/Broomfield)
Services: Food distribution, mobile pantries, SNAP enrollment
Requirements: None for emergency food
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Colorado:
Stout Street Health Center
City: Denver
Services: Primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy
Requirements: None, specializes in homeless healthcare
Phone: (303) 293-2220
Address: 2130 Stout St., Denver, CO 80205
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
STRIDE Community Health Center
City: Multiple locations
Services: Comprehensive healthcare, sliding fee scale
Requirements: Open to all, insurance not required
Peak Vista Community Health Centers
City: Colorado Springs area
Services: Medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy
Requirements: Sliding fee scale available
Clinica Family Health
City: Boulder, Denver metro
Services: Integrated primary healthcare services
Requirements: Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, sliding scale
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Designated safe areas for those living in vehicles or camping in Colorado:
Colorado Safe Parking Initiative
City: Denver metro area
Services: Safe overnight parking, bathroom access, housing navigation
Requirements: Application, background check, vehicle documentation
Denver Safe Outdoor Spaces
City: Denver
Services: Managed camp sites, sanitation, case management
Requirements: Intake process through service providers
Phone: (720) 432-2632
Website: coloradovillagecollaborative.org
Hours: 24/7 (sites open to registered residents)
Boulder Overnight Parking Program
City: Boulder
Services: Designated overnight parking, case management
Requirements: Must work with program case manager
Dispersed Camping Information
Areas: National Forests (conditional)
Services: Information on legal camping on public lands
Requirements: Must follow specific forest regulations
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Facilities offering hygiene services for those experiencing homelessness in Colorado:
Denver Rescue Mission
City: Denver
Services: Showers, laundry, toiletries, haircuts
Requirements: None
Phone: (303) 297-1815
Address: 1130 Park Ave West, Denver, CO 80205
Hours: Daily, times vary
Bayaud Enterprises Laundry Truck
City: Denver (mobile)
Services: Mobile laundry services, showers (at some locations)
Requirements: None
Springs Rescue Mission
City: Colorado Springs
Services: Showers, laundry, clothing, toiletries
Requirements: None
Phone: (719) 632-1822
Address: 5 W. Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm
Boulder Bridge House
City: Boulder
Services: Showers, laundry, mail service, basic needs
Requirements: None
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance and advocacy for those experiencing homelessness in Colorado:
Colorado Legal Services
City: Multiple locations
Services: Legal representation for housing, benefits, ID issues
Requirements: Income eligibility requirements
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
City: Denver
Services: Legal advocacy, ID assistance, benefits enrollment
Requirements: None
Denver Homeless Court
City: Denver
Services: Alternative court for resolving citations, warrants
Requirements: Must be working with service provider
Phone: (720) 913-8471
Location: Denver County Court
When: Monthly sessions
Homeless Outreach Court (Colorado Springs)
City: Colorado Springs
Services: Alternative justice program for homeless individuals
Requirements: Referral from service providers
Phone: (719) 385-5922
Email: homelesscourt@coloradosprings.gov
When: Sessions held monthly
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Government assistance programs for those experiencing hardship in Colorado:
Colorado PEAK
Coverage: Statewide
Services: Online application for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and more
Requirements: Varies by program, income eligibility
Phone: (800) 221-3943
Website: coloradopeak.secure.force.com
Access: 24/7 online, phone assistance during business hours
Colorado Works (TANF)
Coverage: Statewide
Services: Cash assistance for families with children
Requirements: Income and resource limits, work requirements
Access: Apply through county human services or PEAK
Website: cdhs.colorado.gov/colorado-works
Hours: County offices typically Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Veterans Services
Coverage: Statewide
Services: Benefits assistance, housing programs for veterans
Requirements: Veteran status
Colorado Housing Connects
Coverage: Statewide
Services: Housing information, eviction prevention, referrals
Requirements: None
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based organizations offering assistance in Colorado:
Catholic Charities (Multiple Locations)
Cities: Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins
Services: Emergency assistance, housing, shelter, senior services
Requirements: Varies by program, all are welcome
Denver Rescue Mission
City: Denver
Services: Shelter, meals, transitional programs, New Life Program
Requirements: Varies by program
Jewish Family Service
City: Denver metro
Services: Emergency financial assistance, food pantry, counseling
Requirements: All are welcome regardless of faith
Salvation Army
Cities: Multiple locations
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, clothing, financial assistance
Requirements: None
Colorado Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Colorado:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Many Colorado cities have camping bans that prohibit sleeping or sheltering in public spaces. These ordinances vary significantly by municipality. Denver's camping ban prohibits using shelter (like tents or sleeping bags) on public property, while Boulder has similar restrictions. However, enforcement approaches differ across the state.
Note: The Martin v. Boise decision impacts enforcement in the 9th Circuit but has influenced Colorado policies on shelter availability.
Vehicle Dwelling
Regulations on living in vehicles vary across Colorado. Some municipalities have specific prohibitions, while others have established safe parking programs. Denver and Boulder have developed supervised safe parking sites with support services for those living in vehicles.
Examples: Colorado Safe Parking Initiative provides designated areas with support services.
Food Sharing & Distribution
Most Colorado cities allow food distribution to those experiencing homelessness, though permits may be required for large-scale operations. Denver does not prohibit food sharing, but health department regulations regarding food safety must be followed.
Note: Always check local permits and health regulations before organizing food distribution.
Property Rights & Seizure
Colorado municipalities must provide advance notice before clearing encampments, and personal property must be stored for retrieval. Denver's policies require at least 48 hours' notice before encampment clearance and storage of personal belongings.
Legal Context: Several lawsuits have challenged improper property seizures during encampment sweeps.
Housing Rights
Colorado has enacted renter protection laws including restrictions on application fees, limits on late fees, and right-to-cure provisions before eviction. Source-of-income discrimination is prohibited, meaning landlords cannot refuse housing vouchers.
State Statute: Colorado Senate Bill 19-225 (2019) and House Bill 20-1332 (2020)
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Colorado, the following organizations can help:
Colorado Legal Services
Provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals in housing, public benefits, and more.
Phone: (303) 837-1313
Website: coloradolegalservices.org
Colorado Poverty Law Project
Offers legal services for those facing homelessness, focusing on housing and civil rights issues.
Phone: (720) 772-9762
Website: copovertylawproject.org
Denver Homeless Out Loud
Advocacy organization fighting for the rights of those experiencing homelessness in Denver.
Phone: (720) 940-5291
Website: denverhomelessoutloud.org
ACLU of Colorado
Advocates for civil liberties, including rights of those experiencing homelessness.
Phone: (303) 777-5482
Website: aclu-co.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Colorado. Select a county to view specific information:
Denver County
County Seat: Denver
Population: 715,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 6,500 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Denver has an urban camping ban (Sec. 38-86.2) prohibiting shelter on public property.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Prohibited in residential areas; safe parking programs available through service providers.
- Panhandling: Aggressive panhandling is prohibited, but peaceful requests are generally protected speech.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, but health permits may be required for large operations.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Denver County:
Boulder County
County Seat: Boulder
Population: 330,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 750 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Boulder Municipal Code 5-6-10 prohibits camping on public property.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Regulated through Safe Parking program - permission required.
- Panhandling: Regulations on aggressive panhandling and in certain zones.
- Food Distribution: Allowed but must follow health department regulations.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Boulder County:
El Paso County
County Seat: Colorado Springs
Population: 730,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 1,150 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Colorado Springs' camping ban prohibits camping on public property.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally prohibited in public spaces overnight.
- Panhandling: Ordinances restrict soliciting in roadways and medians.
- Food Distribution: Allowed with proper health department permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to El Paso County:
Larimer County
County Seat: Fort Collins
Population: 360,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 600 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Fort Collins prohibits camping on public property within city limits.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Restricted in most areas; limited safe parking available.
- Panhandling: Passive panhandling protected; aggressive panhandling prohibited.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper health permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Larimer County:
Mesa County
County Seat: Grand Junction
Population: 155,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 500 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Grand Junction restricts camping on public property.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally not permitted on public streets overnight.
- Panhandling: Restrictions on aggressive panhandling.
- Food Distribution: Permitted with proper health department approval.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Mesa County:
Success Stories from Colorado
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Colorado:
David's Journey
After losing his job and apartment in Denver, David lived in his car for nearly six months during one of Colorado's harshest winters. Through the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative, he found a secure place to park at night and connected with a case manager who helped him access employment services and eventually housing assistance.
"Having a safe place to park meant I could sleep without fear of being ticketed or towed. The case managers helped me get back on my feet with a job in construction, and now I have my own apartment again. I'm even saving to buy a home someday."
Resources that helped: Safe Parking Program, Employment Services, Housing Navigation
Sarah's Journey
After fleeing domestic violence with her two children in Colorado Springs, Sarah found herself without a support network or housing options. Through The Place and local family services, she accessed emergency shelter and eventually transitional housing while working with a case manager on long-term stability.
"When I had to leave my home in the middle of the night with my kids, I thought we'd be sleeping in our car forever. Finding shelter that accepted families kept us together and safe. Now we have our own apartment, and I'm working toward my associate's degree in nursing."
Resources that helped: Emergency Family Shelter, Transitional Housing, Educational Support
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Colorado have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Colorado to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Colorado Housing Connects
Type: Housing Resource Hotline
Eligibility: All Colorado residents seeking housing assistance
Benefits: One-stop resource for eviction prevention, tenant rights, rental assistance, and affordable housing information
How to Apply: Call (844) 926-6632 or visit their website
Homes for All Veterans
Type: Veteran Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Housing assistance, healthcare access, case management, and legal support
How to Apply: Through county veteran service officers or by calling (855) 838-7351
Colorado Housing Trust Fund
Type: Affordable Housing Development
Eligibility: Housing developers and community organizations
Benefits: Funding for developing affordable housing and supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness
How to Apply: Through the Colorado Division of Housing application process
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Colorado based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners