10/18/2025
Colorado Springs, CO Area Resources for people affected by the gov shutdown
Food / Nutrition Assistance
Hunger Free Colorado — Food Finder / Hotline
You can use their map / directory to locate food pantries, community meal sites, and other food resources in Colorado, including Colorado Springs.
They also run a Food Resource Hotline: 1-855-855-4626 (statewide) to help people connect to food programs.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Through Colorado DHS, TEFAP supplies USDA foods to local food banks and pantries. If you go to a local food pantry, ask if they distribute TEFAP food.
Food to Power (No Cost Grocery / distribution sites)
They run regular “no cost grocery” distributions (fresh produce, pantry staples) with minimal barriers (no heavy documentation) in Colorado Springs:
Hillside Hub: 1090 S Institute St, Tuesdays 12:00–2:00 pm
Solid Rock at Mission Trace: 3219 S. Academy Blvd, Tuesdays 2:00–6:00 pm & drive-up every 2nd Friday 4:00–6:00 pm
Westside Community Center: Wednesdays 1:00–3:00 pm
Meadows Park Community Center, Greccio Housing, etc.
Crossfire Ministries
A well-known local organization offering a “free grocery store” model and food pantry services in the Springs. (Reddit users also point to it as a go-to.)
(Check their schedule and requirements via their website or phone.)
Salvation Army — Colorado Springs Corps, Family Services & Feeding
Food pantry: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (bring ID)
They also offer utility assistance and other emergency services.
Community meals (“$2 meals” for lunch/dinner) and periodic free community luncheons.
Care & Share Food Bank (Southern Colorado)
They are a major food bank serving El Paso / surrounding counties. They operate food distribution to local partner pantries. (Often referenced in local online discussion)
Utilities / Housing / Financial Assistance
Mercy’s Gate – Utility Assistance (Project COPE, etc.)
They partner with Colorado Springs Utilities for Project COPE, which helps with utility payments in crises to prevent disconnections.
Conditions: must have an active utility account, show emergency situation, only once in 12 months, etc.
Also work with Energy Outreach Colorado for other utility providers (for non-CSU) in El Paso County.
Colorado Springs Utilities – Project COPE / Assistance / Referrals
CSU customers with past-due balances may qualify for Project COPE.
If you qualify for LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program), that’s often required before applying for additional CSU help.
For referrals and partner agencies, you can call Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs / State Housing & Utilities Assistance
The state maintains programs and referrals for rent, utilities, eviction prevention, foreclosure assistance.
County housing authorities may have emergency assistance.
Emergency Financial Assistance via Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP)
If you are a state employee in Colorado (not necessarily federal), CSEAP offers emergency grants for housing (rent / hotel in emergencies), utilities, and food.
Requires at least 6 months of state employment.
How to Use / Navigate These in Colorado Springs
Dial 2-1-1 Colorado — this is a centralized referral line for housing, utilities, food, shelter, and other social services.
Check the HelpCOS (City of Colorado Springs) “Get Help” directory for local nonprofit and social service contacts.
Be ready to show proof of your situation (utility bills, past due notices, identification, proof of employment / furlough) when applying.
Ask if programs have emergency priority or hardship status (as a furloughed government worker) — some service providers may have discretionary flexibility in such cases.
Financial Institution Support
Several financial institutions are offering assistance programs for impacted employees:
Navy Federal Credit Union: Offering eligible members loans up to $6,000 based on prior direct deposit amounts.
PenFed Credit Union: Providing paycheck protection loans, payment skips, and home loan assistance.
USAA: Offering 0% interest loans up to $6,000 and special payment arrangements for insurance premiums.
First Command: Providing 0% APR pay advance loans with no fees or interest charges.
