Colorado

The state's housing agency helps renters behind on rent avoid eviction; it works through local agencies, so call 2-1-1 to get connected to the rent help serving your county.

Statewide housing helpline with bilingual counselors who help renters and homeowners, including free foreclosure prevention counseling if you're behind on your mortgage.

Helps people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with housing, eviction prevention resources, healthcare, and employment support, based in Denver with rural outreach.

Monthly cash assistance plus job training and case management for low-income families with children; apply online at Colorado PEAK or through your county human services office.

• Colorado PEAK

State cash assistance for adults who are disabled and can't work (Aid to the Needy Disabled) or age 60+ with very low income (Old Age Pension); apply through Colorado PEAK or your county office.

Local Salvation Army centers across Colorado offer emergency help with food, shelter, and basic needs when you're in a tight spot.

Emergency assistance, food at 76 locations, shelter (Samaritan House), and family support across the Front Range and Western Slope — you don't need to be Catholic to get help.

Under Colorado law, hospitals must screen you for discounts if your household income is at or below 250% of the poverty line; qualifying patients' payments are capped at 4% of monthly income, and hospitals can't send you to collections without following strict rules. Ask any Colorado hospital's billing office to screen you.

If you qualify for Medicaid, it may pay medical bills from up to three months before you applied, so apply even after the bill arrives; call 800-221-3943 with questions.

Helps pay winter heating bills for low-income households; apply November 1 through April 30 online at Colorado PEAK or call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).

Statewide nonprofit that helps pay past-due energy bills year-round and repairs or replaces broken furnaces at no cost for income-qualified households.

Free home upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and furnace repair that lower your energy bills for good if you meet income limits.

Monthly grocery money on an EBT card for low-income households; apply online at PEAK or at your county human services office.

The association of Colorado's five regional food banks and about 1,300 food pantries; use its Find Food tool to get free groceries near you, no paperwork needed at most pantries.

Free healthy food, nutrition help, and breastfeeding support for pregnant people and families with kids under 5; check eligibility and apply online.

Free or very low-cost health coverage for lower-income Coloradans; apply anytime through Colorado PEAK or at healthfirstcolorado.gov, or call 800-221-3943.

Low-cost health and dental insurance for kids 18 and under and pregnant people who earn a bit too much for Medicaid; apply at Colorado PEAK or call 800-221-3943.

The state's official insurance marketplace where most people qualify for discounts on private plans; free help enrolling at 855-752-6749.

Represents Colorado's 20 Community Health Centers, which provide medical, dental, and mental health care on a sliding scale — you can be seen even without insurance; use the site to find a clinic near you.

Call or text 988 any time, day or night, for free confidential support in a mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis, in English or Spanish; they can also connect you to walk-in crisis centers.

Free, confidential therapy for Colorado youth — up to six virtual (or some in-person) counseling sessions at no cost, no insurance needed.

The state agency for mental health and substance use care; its site points you to low-cost treatment options and providers across Colorado.

Helps pay for child care while you work, look for work, or go to school; apply online or through your county human services department.

Colorado nonprofit that provides free diapers, wipes, and essential baby gear to families in need through partner agencies around the state — call 2-1-1 or ask a local family agency to connect you.

File for unemployment benefits online through the state's MyUI+ system if you've lost work; questions: 303-318-8000.

More than 50 centers statewide with free job listings, computers and internet, career counseling, resume help, and sometimes funding for training.

The state's free job-search site run with the workforce centers, where you can search openings and register for work.

Free civil legal help (evictions, benefits denials, debt, family safety) for low-income Coloradans and seniors, with offices statewide; apply for help online through their website.

Free self-help staff at courthouses across the state and court forms online, including for renters facing an eviction case.

Free immigration legal and social services for immigrant children and for adults in immigration detention in Colorado.