El Paso Colorado Salvation Army assistance programs.
Programs ranging from housing to food are provided by the El Paso Salvation Army. The organization is focused on assisting low income, unemployed and struggling families, regardless of their age, gender, or religion. Most of the financial aid (free food, rent help, shelter, etc.) is provided from the El Paso Colorado Family Services program. Other support is offered from referrals and case management services.
As everyone knows, food and overall health is one of life's most basic needs. The Salvation Army, often working with local pantries, will do their best to make sure that individuals and families do not go hungry. Many non-profits, churches and charities in El Paso provide free hot meals or groceries year-round to anyone in need of help. The regional food pantries provide people with several days of groceries.
The items are intended to help families make it through the week. Senior citizens and the homebound in the region may get food and groceries delivered to them. If you need assistance, be sure to contact the Salvation Army to learn more about local food pantries, soup kitchens, and other feeding sites. Find more information on free food pantries and distribution sites in El Paso County.
Transitional Family Housing, with assistance in finding permanent housing, will provide a stimulating and safe refuge for individuals from the community that are in the process of transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency. If and when you are moving into a new home or apartment, explore the various emergency rent and deposit programs too. This resource is based out of 910 Yuma St. in Colorado Springs. Call (719) 635-1287.
A shelter is available at 709 S. Sierra Madre and it is known as the R.J. Montgomery Center. The homeless or recently evicted may get assistance at the location. The location serves as 24/7 homeless shelter. The Center also offers clients case management type services such as education, career counseling, a chance for kids to be in a safe, clean environment, and also receive individualized care. Phone (719) 578-9190.
Most of the financial and emergency assistance is offered as part of Family Services. The Salvation Army offers assistance to residents of El Paso who are dealing with a crisis. Some of the programs include clothing, free food, utilities, Christmas assistance and funds for various other emergency needs, including rent. The organization will satisfy over 36,000 of these emergency needs each year. This include thousands of meals and food items provided to senior citizens, children, and the homeless. This is offered out of a couple different locations.
- 908 Yuma St. Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909, (719) 635-1287
- 901 S. Sante Fe Ave. Fountain, CO 80817, phone (719) 382-9230
Programs for children are offered as part of the Red Shield Community Center. Call (719) 884-1038. The location provides a Summer camp for at-risk youth as well as an after-school program. As part of this, students may get a meal or sign up for other education classes.
While resources are very limited, rental assistance may be offered. The Salvation Army in El Paso will, from time to time, have limited funding available to assist individuals who are facing eviction and who are otherwise struggling to pay their rent. This can be done by offering a partial rent payment and/or provide referral to other non-profit partner agencies in Colorado.
Heating/energy bill assistance may be offered, in particular during the freezing cold of the Colorado winter. That time of year can result in high utility bills as well as the summer due to the need to stay cool during the sometimes hot summer months. When funding is available and applicants meet conditions, the Salvation Army will provide emergency utility bill assistance. It will hopefully allow you to keep your power switched on.
Clothing and Family Thrift Stores operate in the county. For a family that is struggling, buying new (or even decent shape) clothing and household items can be a major drain on an already tight budget. Salvation Army Family Stores in Colorado and El Paso County sell these items. They can be either new or gently used and they will be sold at a reduced cost. In addition, while more limited, the Salvation Army can also pass out store vouchers for single adults who are experiencing financial strain or who are disaster survivors. Qualified lower income and struggling families or individuals may also qualify for free household vouchers.
The Colorado Salvation Army, and frankly centers in other states, are well known for the free assistance they provide during the holiday and Christmas season. One of the main offerings is known as the Angel Tree program and it provides gifts for seniors and children who may otherwise not receive any gifts at Christmas. The Red Kettle and the volunteer bell ringers are now a fixture of the Holiday season across the county and Colorado Springs.
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