Coronavirus Resources
Please visit this page frequently as we add resource information with active web links that may prove useful to our community.
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Updated: February 1, 2021
Tri-Lakes Cares is currently closed to the public for onsite client services. We will continue using remote and no-contact service options to provide grocery services, financial assistance, and medical assistance services.
Want to know how you can help? Many of the resources below also offer opportunities to volunteer. You can also visit the Help Colorado Now website for opportunities to volunteer, as well as links to help if you are in need: https://helpcoloradonow.org/
A host of information about services and resources in our community can be found by contacting the Pikes Peak United Way. You can do this by calling 2-1-1 or visiting their website: https://www.ppunitedway.org/2-1-1/
Another great comprehensive resource list is available through the Pikes Peak Library District. The Helping Hands El Paso County Community Resources are available here: https://research.ppld.org/HelpingHands
Comcast is offering Free WIFI hotspots and Internet Essentials free to all new customers (this is 60 days of complimentary service). More information on Comcast services being offered during this time can be found here: https://www.xfinity.com/prepare.
Assurance Wireless is a resource for free cell phone service. The website indicates this service is available for individuals receiving unemployment benefits! More information can be found here: https://www.assurancewireless.com/
Food Resources in Our Community
For Older Adults
- Safeway in Monument (as well as the Colorado Springs location on Academy) has reserved every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:00am – 9:00am for senior citizens, and other at-risk members of our community such as pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems.
- Food Box Delivery Program collaboration allows older adults over 60 to access deliveries of shelf-stable foods by calling 2-1-1. The announcement is posted here https://careandshare.org/announcing-el-paso-county-emergency-senior-food-delivery-collaboration/
- Silver Key is offering their Meals on Wheels service for clients 60 years or older and their food pantry programs. Visit their website for updates on how they are providing services at this time, including additional services beyond meals on wheels here https://www.silverkey.org/update-to-silver-keys-coronavirus-covid-19-response-plan-and-safety-strategy-3-19-20/
- Mountain Community Senior Services is extending their offering to help older adults with grocery services during this time. Call the hotline 719-488-0076 or find more information here: http://coloradoseniorhelp.com/
For Students
- Academy District 20 has updated information about the free meal program. Information can be found here: https://www.asd20.org/stories/free-meals-for-students-extended
- Additional student food pick-up locations are available here: https://tinyurl.com/School-Meals
For Others
- Expensify is directing charitable funds to assist families receiving SNAP. Find instructions on how to receive a reimbursement here: https://www.expensify.org/hunger
- Colorado Springs Food Rescue is offering weekly no-cost grocery distribution programs Tuesday through Thursday beginning at 3:00pm., and Saturdays beginning at 12:00pm. Information may change, so check for updates on their website including information regarding student resources: http://www.coloradospringsfoodrescue.org/resources-covid19
- Care and Share has provided updated guidance for SNAP applications and assistance as follows:
“Due to public health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, Care and Share Food Bank will be temporarily suspending all of its in-person SNAP (food stamp) outreach in El Paso and Pueblo Counties until further notice beginning March 16, 2020.”
Questions can be directed to If you have questions about SNAP or would like to apply over the phone, please contact Jo Stinchcomb at 719-413-4805 or Jo@careandshare.org.
Unemployment
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- Claims can be filed online using a computer or cell phone at https://www.colorado.gov/cdle/unemployment
- For questions or assistance call 1-800-388-5515
Pikes Peak Workforce Center
- https://ppwfc.org/
- Great resource for information on unemployment services
- Job Postings can be found here: https://ppwfc.org/job-seeker-services-in-colorado-springs/job-listings/
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
- Resources for businesses needing to make decisions for their employees can be found here https://choosecolorado.com/covid19/
US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Information for small business owners and guidance regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act can be found here https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/guide-to-the-cares-act
- Additional information about the CARES Act can be found through US Department of Labor https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20200402-0
- As well as this news article https://www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821457551/whats-inside-the-senate-s-2-trillion-coronavirus-aid-package
Other
- The USBG National Charity Foundation is offering resources specific to bartenders whose employment has been impacted. Those can be found here https://www.usbgfoundation.org/covid-19-response
- Bank of America is offering financial education resources that can be found here https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en
Health Care
El Paso County Health has information about COVID-19 and a list linking to various community resources
- Updates on operation and information about COVID-19 are at https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/
- Specific Coronavirus information is here https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/services/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
- Community Resources (including food resources, guides for small businesses and childcare resources – some link back to resources on this guide) are at https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/community-resources-0
- There is also an information hotline staffed by volunteers: 719-575-8888
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has statewide information and press releases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Visit this website for information about COVID-19 symptoms and how to protect yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/
- CDC also provides resources for how to manage stress and anxiety during this difficult time (including ways to talk to children) that can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Connect for Health Colorado
- Open enrollment for Coloradans who are not insured occurred from March 20 through April 30 (this is was an extended date).
- Enroll online at https://connectforhealthco.com/
- Call 855-752-6749
- Find more information here https://connectforhealthco.com/uninsured-coloradans-can-enroll-during-a-special-enrollment-period-in-response-to-covid-19-outbreak/
Colorado PEAK is a resource for health and other programs including
- Food Assistance (SNAP) – Questions you have may be answered by this public message
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
- Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND)
- Colorado Works (CO Works) (state name for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF)
- Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid)
- Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
- LEAP (typically ends on April 1, but has been extended for 30 days)
- Start by visiting their website https://coloradopeak.secure.force.com/ or find answers to Frequently Asked Questions here.
Other
- The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region is offering free, virtual workouts online https://ppymca.org/about/virtual-workouts
Mental Health
Deer Creek Road Counseling is providing remote mental health services at this time. Contact TLC at 719-481-4864 for more information about how TLC can help connect you to these services. You can also visit their website for contact information here:
Colorado Teletherapy Services
- Are you finding yourself feeling lonely, sad or just disconnected? Consider joining a FREE online group on Fridays! No registration required.
- Adults: Friday at 6:00pm MT
- Teens: Friday at 8:00pm MT
Violence Free Colorado has a list of resources for individuals at increased risk due to domestic violence or immigration status that can be accessed here:
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline
- https://nnedv.org/latest_update/resources-response-coronavirus-covid-19/
- 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224
Mental Health America is another resource to find ways to address stress, anxiety or other mental health concerns related to COVID-19. These resources are listed here:
Headspace is offering free access to meditation-based content called “Weathering the Storm.” They also offer a free trial. Both can be accessed here:
The National Association for the Education of Young Children has specific guidance for talking to kids about COVID-19 and resources to support their learning during school closures:
Childcare
The Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative for First Responders will conclude the Emergency Child Care program on May 24, 2020, and is no longer accepting applications. The announcement can be found here:
First Responders can find information about the Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative here:
Pet Care
Harley’s Hope Foundation is offering additional services to folks sheltering in place or experiencing financial hardship
Taxes
Get Ahead Colorado shared that the date to file taxes has been extended to July 15 this year. More information on filing can be found here:
Housing
Colorado Department of Local Affairs has housing information including homelessness resources and eviction prevention
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have issued press releases regarding their efforts to help homeowners