El Paso County DHS - Emergency Assistance

Housing & Financial · Colorado · Free

County social services agency providing emergency rental assistance, utility help, and financial support for El Paso County families in crisis. Serves income-eligible Colorado Springs-area residents. Apply online through Colorado PEAK or in person; bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, a current lease, and any eviction or shutoff notices to support your emergency assistance application.

Contact & Details

Address: 1675 W Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Phone: 719-636-0000

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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About Housing & Financial for Fathers

Housing and financial assistance for fathers comes through a combination of federal programs (HUD, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP) and state/local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with long waitlists in most markets. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing are funded through the federal Continuum of Care program — every region has a Coordinated Entry system that assesses and places homeless adults and families. Rental assistance, utility assistance (LIHEAP), and one-time emergency funds are available through community action agencies and 211 referral lines. Fathers with children in their custody may qualify for Section 8 family priority and TANF, though state rules vary. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 call lines, and community action agencies that serve single dads.

Housing & Financial in Colorado

Colorado uses 'allocation of parental responsibilities' instead of 'custody' and handles cases in district courts. The Child Support Services division runs enforcement statewide. Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins anchor the major metros. Colorado Legal Services (the statewide LSC program), Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, and numerous county self-help centers support fathers statewide.

More Housing & Financial in Colorado

  • Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) — State housing finance agency offering affordable mortgages, down payment assistance, rental programs, and homebuyer education classes for in
  • Colorado 2-1-1 — Free statewide helpline connecting Colorado residents to housing assistance, utility help, food resources, and community services 24 hours a
  • Denver Human Services - Emergency Assistance — Denver's social services office providing emergency rental and utility assistance, eviction prevention, and financial stability programs for
  • Colorado Division of Housing — State division administering housing assistance programs, homelessness services, and community development funding across Colorado, primaril
  • Brothers Redevelopment (Denver) — HUD-approved housing counseling agency providing homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgage counseling, and financial coa
  • HUD Colorado Field Office — Federal housing office overseeing public housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Fair Housing enforcement, and HUD-approved housing coun

Housing & Financial — Common Questions

How long is the waitlist for Section 8?
Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.
What does 211 do?
211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.
Can single dads get TANF?
Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.
What's LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.