Get Help
You’re not alone. We’re here to lend a hand, restore stability, and help you take the next step
What Help We Provide
I'ts Okay to Say You are Not Okay
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. At Tri-Lakes Cares, our “Get Help” programs are designed to meet you where you are. We offer:
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Free supplemental groceries through our no-cost Market & Pantry
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Housing & utility assistance to prevent homelessness
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Medical help for prescriptions, co-pays, and understanding insurance paperwork
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Keeping you moving—with help like bus tickets, windshield repair, oil changes, and car repair assistance to get you where you need to go.
- Support for getting school supplies, holiday relief, and more
Food
For All
All neighbors are welcome to use the Market & Pantry once for free—no enrollment needed. For ongoing weekly shopping, simply complete our enrollment process for access to fresh produce, pantry essentials, dairy, meats, and household basics.
Housing Helping hand
When bills pile up or housing feels shaky, we help. Our services include emergency rent or mortgage assistance, help with overdue utilities, and working directly with providers.
Health Connection
Tri-Lakes Cares is here to make sure medical needs don’t become overwhelming. We can provide support with prescription costs, help cover doctor visit co-pays, and assist with unexpected medical bills.
Keep It Moving
Tri-Lakes Cares offers support with bus passes, oil changes, windshield repair and even help with essential vehicle repairs. If you’re struggling to find a way to get where you need to go, we’ll work with you to make sure you remain mobile and connected.
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
How to Get Started
Check Qualifications
See qualifications regarding income, documentation and location.
Enroll
Provide information to enroll in our system for general services.
Get Connected
Speak with a case manager about your specific needs and we’ll help you find the resources as needed.
Additional Helpful Resources
While Tri-Lakes Cares tries to provide as many services and resources as possible, we also recognize that people may have other needs. Here are some extra resources that may be helpful.
Helping Hands Guide
You can find an extensive list of resources available in El Paso County, via The Helping Hands Guide maintained by the Pikes Peak Library District.
Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1
A vast amount of information about services and resources in our community can be found by calling 2-1-1 or visiting their website.
Hear How We Can Help
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.
How Do I Get to Tri-Lakes Cares?
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to check your eligibility? Use the form below to send us an email, or give us a call. We’re here to help.