Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from Colorado
Colorado programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Rental Assistance Resources
The Division of Housing lists rental assistance resources and housing programs available in Colorado.
Ways to apply:Phone
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Homelessness Initiatives
The Division of Housing funds programs that support shelters, outreach, and other responses to homelessness.
Ways to apply:Phone
Colorado Department of Human Services
Low-income Energy Assistance Program
In Colorado, LIHEAP is called LEAP.
LEAP helps eligible households pay part of their winter home heating costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Colorado, SNAP is called Food Assistance.
Food Assistance helps eligible households buy groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Human Services
Colorado Works
In Colorado, TANF is called Colorado Works.
Colorado Works provides eligible families with cash and help preparing for work.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Human Services
Adult Financial Programs
Adult Financial Programs provide cash or related help to eligible older adults and people with disabilities or blindness.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 2-1-1 Colorado
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988