How do I apply for multiple assistance programs at once in Colorado?

Colorado's online benefits portal, PEAK (coloradopeak.force.com), allows you to apply for several programs at the same time, including SNAP, Medicaid, Colorado Works, and energy assistance. You can also apply in person at your county Department of Human Services office. If you need help figuring out which programs you may qualify for, call 2-1-1 and a specialist can guide you through your options.

Is there emergency rental or housing assistance available for families in Colorado?

Yes. Emergency rental assistance programs exist in Colorado and are typically funded through federal sources and administered locally by counties, nonprofits, and community action agencies. Availability and eligibility vary by location and funding cycles. Call 2-1-1 to find current rental assistance programs in your area. For families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, local HUD-funded Continuum of Care programs also provide shelter, transitional housing, and case management—2-1-1 can connect you to these as well.

What childcare help is available for low-income families in Colorado?

Colorado offers subsidized childcare assistance through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), which helps income-eligible families pay for licensed childcare. CCCAP is administered county by county, so eligibility rules and waitlists can differ depending on where you live. Apply through your local county human services office or visit cdhs.colorado.gov/cccap for more information. Calling 2-1-1 can also connect you to local childcare resources and assistance.

Where can I turn if I'm concerned about child abuse or neglect in Colorado?

Colorado's child abuse and neglect hotline is operated by the Colorado Department of Human Services. To report concerns or make a referral, call the statewide Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437), available 24 hours a day. Reports are routed to the appropriate county child protective services team. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

Child & Family Assistance Resources in Colorado

Last updated September 27, 2026

Colorado families facing financial hardship, housing instability, food insecurity, or family crisis have access to a wide network of state and federally funded programs. Whether you need help paying for groceries, finding childcare, or navigating a mental health emergency, knowing where to start can make all the difference. The single best first call is 2-1-1 Colorado—dial or text 211 to reach a trained resource specialist who can connect you with local assistance anywhere in the state.

Colorado administers many federal benefit programs through the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and county-level human services offices. Eligibility and services can vary by county, so contacting your local county department is often essential for applying to programs like Colorado Works (the state's TANF program), child welfare services, or subsidized childcare. You can find your county office through the CDHS website at cdhs.colorado.gov.

If you or someone in your household is experiencing a mental health crisis, domestic violence, or thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available 24 hours a day. Colorado residents can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time. For domestic violence situations, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is always available. No situation is too urgent or too complicated to ask for help.

Key programs in Colorado

2-1-1 Colorado

A free, confidential helpline connecting Colorado residents to thousands of local health and human services programs, including food pantries, rental assistance, childcare, utility help, mental health services, and more.

How to access: Dial or text 2-1-1, or visit 211colorado.org. Available 24/7 in multiple languages. Specialists can search resources by ZIP code and help you understand eligibility.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Colorado

Provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries. In Colorado, SNAP is administered through county departments of human services.

How to access: Apply online at coloradopeak.force.com, in person at your county human services office, or call your county office directly. You can also call 2-1-1 for application assistance.

Colorado Works (TANF – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Provides temporary cash assistance and employment support services to low-income families with children. Helps families meet basic needs while working toward self-sufficiency through job training, childcare support, and case management.

How to access: Apply through your county Department of Human Services or online at coloradopeak.force.com. Eligibility rules apply regarding income, assets, and work participation requirements.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Colorado

Helps eligible low-income households—including families with children—pay heating and cooling costs, and in some cases covers energy crisis situations such as a disconnection notice or lack of heat.

How to access: In Colorado, LIHEAP is administered by CDHS and local community action agencies. Contact your county human services office, call 2-1-1, or visit cdhs.colorado.gov/liheap to find the nearest application site. Program availability varies by season.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline & Colorado Crisis Services

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

Cameron, Texas(254) 697-4913

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Child & Family Assistance Resources in Colorado

Key programs in Colorado

2-1-1 Colorado

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Colorado

Colorado Works (TANF – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Colorado

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline & Colorado Crisis Services

Child & Family Assistance resources for Colorado

Alliance for Period Supplies

American Pregnancy Association

Babylist

Breast Pumps Through Insurance

Cribs for Kids At Home

I Support The Girls

Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Share The Love

She Supply

Tiny Treasures Milk Bank

WIC Breastfeeding Support

Other resources in Colorado

Child & Family Assistance in other states