Help in Colorado
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 22 places in Colorado, most of them in Denver, Colorado Springs and Aurora, plus 12 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (13) and leaving homelessness (12).
2-1-1 Colorado
Free statewide referral line with a database of more than 6,500 services across Colorado, including shelter openings, food, rent help, mental health and substance use care, legal aid, and help for immigrants and refugees. Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code.
Colorado Chafee Program
Federal Chafee funding administered by CDHS for youth currently or formerly in foster care, covering education, employment, financial management, housing, emotional support, and connections to caring adults. Education and Training Vouchers of up to $5,000 per year are handled through the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Vital Records – Birth Certificates
State office that issues certified Colorado birth and death certificates. Orders can be placed online through GoCertificates or VitalChek; the department says normal online processing is about thirty business days.
Colorado Identification Cards
State ID cards are issued by appointment at driver license offices. First-time applicants pre-register online, then bring original documents proving legal name, date of birth, identity, lawful presence, and Colorado address. IDs are free for residents over 60; the DMV lists nonprofit partners who can help schedule appointments.
Colorado SNAP (Food Assistance)
Monthly food benefits for Colorado households with income under 200% of the federal poverty level. Apply online through Colorado PEAK, on the MyCOBenefits app, or on paper at your county human services office, which decides eligibility. The same PEAK account handles Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and cash assistance.
Colorado Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income Coloradans and people 60 and older. Handles evictions, public benefits appeals (Medicaid, SNAP), protection orders, custody, consumer debt, and runs an ID Project. Every applicant goes through intake before a staff member calls back about eligibility.
Urban Peak
Denver's youth homelessness agency, with street outreach, a drop-in day center, an overnight shelter, transitional housing, GED and college prep, job training, and case management. A direct shelter line is listed separately from the main office.
988 Colorado
Colorado's mental health and substance use line, reached by calling or texting 988. Trained specialists answer around the clock, and the site links to walk-in crisis centers across the state. Replaced the Colorado Crisis Services website in 2026.
Bridging the Gap
Housing program for young adults leaving Colorado's foster care system. Participants get a housing voucher and a family support coach who works with them on goals, finances, education, and career steps.
National lines that work in Colorado
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.