It's Okay to Say You are Not Okay
Get Help in the Tri-Lakes Region
If you live in northern El Paso County or the surrounding Tri-Lakes area and need help with food, housing, medical needs, or transportation, Tri-Lakes Cares is here for you. We provide practical support, connect you with resources, and treat every neighbor with dignity and respect. Whether you need a single service or ongoing assistance, our programs are designed to help you stabilize your situation and work toward a brighter future.
Ways to Get Help
Our Pantry and Market
Fresh and Non-Perishable Groceries
We stock healthy food options, including fresh produce, pantry staples, and prepared meals. Eligible neighbors can shop at our no-cost market once a week.
How to Access the Food Pantry
Everyone is welcome to shop the market at no cost. To access additional services, meet with a case manager who can assess your eligibility.
Housing and Utility Assistance
Preventing Homelessness
We offer short-term rental and utility assistance to help families and individuals stay safe in their homes.
How to Apply for Help
Applications are reviewed quickly, and in most cases, assistance is provided directly to landlords or utility providers.
Transportation Support
Reliable Rides
If you need transportation to Colorado Springs or Denver and don’t have your own, we may be able to provide you with a Bustang ticket or other options.
Routine Vehicle Maintenance Support
Eligible neighbors may receive help with essential car maintenance, so your transportation remains safe and dependable.
Medical Assistance
Affordable Medical Support
We help with the cost of prescription medications, co-pays, past due medical bills, and rides to appointments so financial stress doesn’t stand in the way of your health.
Navigating Health Care & Insurance
Our team assists with completing medical paperwork and understanding health care rules, helping you access the care you need with confidence.
School Supplies, Holiday Support & More
Back2School
Choose from a curated list of school supplies and backpacks on Amazon that will be shipped directly to Tri-Lakes Cares. It’s a quick, easy way to make a difference!
Giving Tree
Holiday wish lists are fulfilled from the community as children’s wishes become presents under the tree.
Financial Counseling
Eligible neighbors may receive financial counseling or literarcy training from our banking and library partners.
Who Can Get Help
Services are available to residents of Monument, Palmer Lake, and northern El Paso County who meet eligibility requirements. Read more under the enrollment FAQs.
How to Get Started
Contact us by phone, email, or in person to begin the process. A friendly team member will guide you every step of the way. Contact a case manager>>
Food for All
Come Shop the Market at No Cost
Enroll now to shop once a week for fresh produce, bread, dairy, meat, grains, and household supplies to supplement your needs! Meet our team during Market hours and you can learn about other programs and services available.
Market Hours
Tuesdays
- 9:30 am – 10:30 am (senior hour)
- 11am – 1pm
- 4pm – 6pm
Thursdays
- 11am – 1pm
- 4pm – 6pm
Hear from our Neighbors
Enrollment FAQs
Am I in Your Service Area?
We provide food to anyone regardless of where you live. For financial assistance, we serve residents of northern El Paso County in the following zip codes:
- Monument (80132)
- Palmer Lake (80133)
- Gleneagle/Northern Colorado Springs (80921)
- Air Force Academy (80840)
- Portions of Black Forest (80908)
Do I Make Too Much Money?
Eligibility for financial assistance is based on household income. If your income is within the guidelines, you may be eligible for financial assistance. We use a variety of funding sources and assistance may vary based on these guidelines.
Assistance made varies by individual and/or family unit, based on circumstances. Need and eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis by Case Managers.
What Documentation Do I Need?
Proof of residence: Lease/rental agreement, mortgage statement, and/or utility bill in your name or name of someone living in your household.
Proof of identification: For everyone living in your household – Photo ID for all adults, 18 or older. As of 1/1/2024: For children ages 0-17, a birth certificate is required. If parent or caregiver cannot provide birth certificate, then alternate documents may be provided such as proof of school enrollment, passport, written note from child’s physician, Power of Attorney or proof of guardianship. Please contact your Case Manager if you have questions.
Proof of income: (for all wage earners in the household, age 18 or older): This may include most recent paycheck stubs (past 30 days), proof of unemployment, Social Security award letters, child support verification, and any additional documents.
How Do I Enroll?
The first step is registering here and providing the necessary paperwork. Need help? You can reach out to our Client Services Assistant at 719-370-1211. Our service hours are Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
