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
It’s Okay to Say You Need Help
If you live in northern El Paso County or the Tri-Lakes area and need support with food, housing, medical needs, or transportation, Tri-Lakes Cares is here to help. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are, offering compassionate support and practical resources when life gets tough.- Groceries and fresh produce through our community Market & Pantry
- Housing and utility assistance to prevent homelessness
- Medical support for prescriptions, co-pays, and insurance guidance
- Transportation help like bus passes, oil changes, or minor car repairs
- Seasonal programs for school supplies, holiday meals, and more
Food
For All
Everyone is welcome to receive one bag of emergency groceries—no enrollment required. Once you’re enrolled, you can shop weekly for fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pantry staples to help stretch your budget.
Housing Helping hand
When bills pile up or housing feels unstable, we help keep you in your home. From rent or mortgage assistance to overdue utilities, our team works with you to find the right support.
Health Connection
Managing medical costs shouldn’t mean going without care. We can help with prescription costs, doctor visit co-pays, and insurance paperwork—so you can focus on feeling better.
Keep It Moving
Whether you need a bus pass, an oil change, or help repairing your car, we’ll make sure transportation isn’t the barrier that keeps you from work, school, or appointments.
Food for All
Come Shop the Market at No Cost
Enroll now to shop once a week in our Market & Pantry for fresh produce, bread, dairy, meat, grains, and household essentials that supplement your family’s needs. During Market hours, our team is available to help you learn about other programs and services we offer.
Market Hours
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.