Resources

Women’s Shelters

Here is a list of women’s shelters and critical resource providers in the Denver, Colorado, and surrounding areas, with a focus on those offering emergency shelter, support, and safety planning.

Important Note: For immediate danger, please call 911. For confidential crisis support and shelter availability, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or via text (START to 88788).

Denver Metro Area Primary Shelters & Resources

These organizations often serve as the first point of contact and can help with safety planning and shelter placement.

  • The SafeHouse Denver
    • Website: https://safehouse-denver.org/
    • Services: 24/7 emergency shelter (for women and children), non-residential counseling, advocacy, and support. A cornerstone provider in Denver.
  • Rose Andom Center
    • Website: https://www.roseandomcenter.org/
    • Services: Not a shelter itself, but a critical first-stop co-located resource center. You can access multiple agencies (law enforcement, advocacy, medical, legal, counseling) in one safe, centralized location to get help and be referred to appropriate shelter.
  • Gateway Domestic Violence Services
    • Website: https://www.gatewayshelter.org/
    • Services: Serves the Aurora area and beyond. Offers a 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy.
  • Family Tree (The Crisis Center)

Surrounding Counties & Areas

  • Jefferson County:
    • SafeHouse Jefferson County
    • Website: https://www.safehousejc.org/
    • Services: Emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and a 24/7 crisis line serving Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties.
  • Adams County:
    • Servicios de La Raza – 24/7 Crisis Line
    • Website: https://serviciosdelaraza.org/
    • Services: While a multi-service agency, they run a 24/7 statewide bilingual crisis line and can provide direct services and referrals for domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Boulder County:
    • SafeShelter of St. Vrain Valley (Longmont)
    • Website: https://safeshelterofstvrain.org/
    • Services: Emergency shelter, support groups, and advocacy for those impacted by intimate partner violence.
    • Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA) – Boulder
    • Website: https://movingtoendsexualassault.org/
    • Services: Crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy. Can help with referrals and safety planning.
  • Arapahoe/Douglas Counties:
    • Crisis Center ( operated by The Network)
    • Website: https://thenetworkco.org/
    • Services: Operates a 24/7 crisis line and coordinates shelter referrals through a centralized intake system for multiple service areas.
  • Statewide & Additional Resources:
    • The Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)
    • Website: https://www.ccadv.org/get-help
    • Services: This is a key resource. Their “Get Help” page has a statewide map and directory of all member service providers, which is invaluable for finding a shelter in a specific county.
    • The Delores Project (Denver)
    • Website: https://thedeloresproject.org/
    • Services: Provides shelter and services specifically for women and transgender individuals experiencing homelessness, including survivors.

Before You Reach Out: Safety First

  • Calls are Confidential: Shelters prioritize your safety. Their phone lines are confidential.
  • Internet Safety: If you are concerned about your internet usage being monitored, use a safer device (like a public library computer or a trusted friend’s phone) to look up information.
  • Clearing Browser History: Learn how to quickly clear your browser history and cache if needed. You can also call a hotline from a safe phone for direct guidance.
  • 24/7 Hotlines Exist for a Reason: You do not have to wait until business hours to call and start making a plan.

You are not alone. These organizations exist to help and support you.

Primary Food Bank Networks (They Supply Local Pantries)

Here is a list of website links for food assistance and food banks in Denver and the surrounding areas. These organizations range from large food banks that supply pantries to direct distribution sites. These are the major distributors. Their websites often have “Find Food” locators to help you find a pantry or mobile distribution near you.

Direct Service & Food Pantry Organizations

These organizations operate specific pantries, meal programs, or specialized services.

County-Specific Resources

Important Tips for Using Food Assistance

  1. Call Ahead or Check Websites: Pantry hours, eligibility requirements (if any), and distribution methods (drive-through, walk-up, choice model) vary. Always check before you go.
  2. Bring ID & Proof of Residence: Some pantries may ask for ID or proof that you live in their service area (like a utility bill). It’s best to bring it.
  3. Bring Your Own Bags/Boxes: Many pantries appreciate if you can bring your own bags, carts, or boxes to carry food.
  4. SNAP Assistance (Food Stamps):
    • Hunger Free Colorado (link above) is the best place for SNAP application help and information.
    • You can also apply for SNAP benefits online via Colorado PEAK: https://coloradopeak.secure.force.com/

No one should have to face hunger alone. These organizations are here to help, and using their services is a positive step toward stability.

Childcare Assistance

Here is a list of website links and key resources for low-income childcare assistance in the Denver and surrounding areas.

The primary system for childcare financial assistance in Colorado is the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), which is administered by county departments. Below are the main portals and county-specific links.

Primary Statewide Application & Information Portal

  • Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) – CCCAP Page
  • Colorado PEAK (Program Eligibility & Application Kit)
    • Website: https://coloradopeak.secure.force.com/
    • What it is: The official online application portal for multiple public assistance programs, including CCCAP, SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and more. You can apply, check eligibility, and manage benefits here.

County-Specific Human/Social Services Departments

You must apply through the county where you live. Below are the direct links to the relevant pages for Denver and major surrounding counties.

Additional Key Resources for Finding & Affording Quality Care

  • Colorado Shines (Quality Rating & Child Care Finder)
    • Website: https://coloradoshines.force.com/family/
    • What it is: The state’s official search tool for licensed child care providers, preschools, and early learning programs. You can search by location, age, and see quality ratings. Important: Not all providers listed accept CCCAP; use the filter options.
  • Early Childhood Council (ECC) Network
    • Statewide Council Finder: https://www.coec.org/find-your-council
    • What it is: Local Early Childhood Councils are community-based organizations that can help you navigate resources, find care, and understand your options. Find your local council for personalized support.
  • Head Start / Early Head Start (Federal Preschool & Early Learning Programs)
  • 4C Colorado (Community Coordinated Child Care)
    • Website: https://www.4cconnects.org/
    • What it is: A nonprofit resource and referral agency. Their Child Care Referral Line can help you find openings and navigate payment options.

Important Steps & Tips

  1. Start with Your County: Eligibility and processes can vary slightly by county. Your county human services website is the definitive source for local requirements.
  2. Gather Documents: Be prepared with proof of incomeidentityresidency, and work/school/training schedules for all household members.
  3. Apply via PEAK or County Office: You can apply online through Colorado PEAK (recommended) or contact your county office directly to apply in person or by mail.
  4. Choose a “CCCAP Provider”: Your voucher can only be used with child care providers who are approved to accept CCCAP payments. Use the Colorado Shines filter or ask your county for a list.
  5. You May Have a Co-Pay: Families approved for CCCAP typically pay a portion of the cost (a co-pay) based on a sliding income scale.

Navigating childcare assistance can be complex, but these resources are designed to help. Starting with the Colorado PEAK application or a call to your county human services office is the most direct path to determining your eligibility and getting support.

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