Key Info
Once clients have a stable place to live, they can concentrate on improving areas such as medical, employment, and other basic needs to begin to achieve a higher level of stability.
1058
households were assisted wtih rent in Castle Rock and Colorado Springs
1.956 million
in government COVID rent funds helped clients stay housed despite record inflation and skyrocketing rent
Rent and Utility Services
We offer rent assistance and security deposit assistance depending on the availability of funding and program capacity.
We offer utility assistance through Colorado Springs Utilities Project COPE.
Families: 719.578.1222
Individuals: 719.866.6284
Colorado Springs Rent Assistance
We offer limited rent assistance and security deposit assistance depending on the availability of funding and program capacity.
Beginning March 1, 2024, rent assistance at Catholic Charities eligibility will be based on the following criteria:
- Must be a resident of El Paso County.
- Must have a valid lease agreement.
- Must be at risk of homelessness.
- Have not received rent assistance in the past 12 months.
- Must not be more than 2 months behind.
To determine if your household meets the above guidelines, please contact rent@ccharitiescc.org to see if we have the capacity to provide rent assistance (capacity is determined by funding availability, grant-specific guidelines, and caseloads).
When emailing, please include the following:
- Full name
- Basic household information
- Address
- Number of Adults & Ages
- Number of Children & Ages
- Monthly Income
- Photo of your eviction notice, demand to pay, or welcome letter.
NOTE: Emailing us does NOT mean you have applied for assistance. We will respond to each inquiry as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience with this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I don’t meet the guidelines listed above, but I still need help with rent! What other resources are available?
A: There are several resources in the city that might provide help:
- Mercy’s Gate – Lottery System for limited rent assistance on Mondays at 4:00 pm. Please visit their website for updated information
- 211 Colorado – Visit their website: 211 Colorado or Call 211. You will see various categories of assistance/ resources, such as Food Assistance, Housing and Shelter, Health Services, Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders, Employment, and many more!
- The Community Economic Defense Project – If you are reaching out because you have been issued an Eviction Court Summons (a packet of paper that contains a court date) and you have not received ERAP from the City or State in the last year (365 days) you may be eligible for rent assistance through The Community Economic Defense Project.
- Colorado Department of Local Affairs (CDOLA) Temporary Rental Assistance Grant | Department of Local Affairs (colorado.gov)
Q: I’m worried I’m going to be evicted, I don’t know what to do.
A: It is extremely important that you read all documents provided to you by your landlord during the eviction process (i.e. notice, demand, eviction summons packet, etc.) and follow the directions within the paperwork. You may want to seek legal counsel during this process, and it is important that you do so as early as possible.
Visit these websites for additional information:
https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/
https://coloradosprings.gov/fairhousing
https://www.justicecentercos.org/tenant-toolkit
https://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms/SubCategory.cfm?Category=Housing
Catholic Charities is a Colorado Springs Utilities Project COPE (Community Option to Provide Energy) agency. Project COPE provides utility payment assistance to families and individuals struggling financially due to a personal crisis or emergency and is funded by customer donations to Colorado Springs Utilities.
Project COPE is the only local organization that dedicates its entire funding to utility payment assistance year-round. A limited number of funds from COPE and Catholic Charities are available for emergency utility assistance. Assistance is offered every Tuesday. Clients must have utility service through Colorado Springs Utilities and have not used COPE assistance from any agency in the past 12 months. The client must bring their most recent utility bill, identification, and verification of income from any source. If the client meets those criteria, they can be helped with past due amounts.
If LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) is available (November – April), the client must first apply for LEAP before any assistance can be given through COPE. Please call the appropriate number listed below for assistance.
Utility Assistance is available at our Marian House and Family Connections locations.
Marian House, 14 West Bijou Street
Please call 719-866-6284 for assistance with Project COPE if you are over 18 and do not have minor children in the household.
Appointments are made Mon – Fri, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Family Connections @ Helen Hunt Campus, 917 East Moreno Avenue
Please call 719-578-1222 for assistance with Project COPE if you have children under the age of 18 living at home.
Appointments are made for Tuesday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“If I didn’t have Catholic Charities, I don’t know where we would be. I am so grateful.”
“Catholic Charities offered me a hand up and that made all the difference.”
“When a p[erson is truly ready to change, Catholic Charities will provide everything you need to change your life.”
“The Marian House is invaluable because it feeds people. They keep people’s stomachs full and the food is good.”
location
Marian House Campus
14 West Bijou Street
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. by appointment (Appointments preferred)
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. walk-in (as time between appointments allows)
719-866-6445
“The Marian House is invaluable because it feeds people. They keep people’s stomachs full and the food is good.”
“Never in a million years did I think I would be homeless.”
“When a person is truly ready to change, Catholic Charities will provide everything you need to change your life.”
“Some days it is just so hard to be homeless.”
“I feel way more confident in myself and my ability to be a mom.”
“Catholic Charities offered me a hand up and that made all the difference.”
“It felt like freedom…finally!”
“It seemed like there was no hope.”
“Every day we are thankful for Catholic Charities.”
“Seeing the help they gave to those in need really impressed me.”
“I am making the changes to get the life I have dreamed of.”
“If I didn’t have Catholic Charities, I don’t know where we would be. I am so grateful.”
