Resources for Food and Housing Insecurity

No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. But the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people. Each November, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week draws attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness.

In observation of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, we have compiled a list of resources that support families and individuals facing food or housing insecurity.

Community Mediation and Resolution Center

The City of Boulder Community Mediation and Resolution Center (CMRC) provides mediation, restorative justice, meeting facilitation, landlord-tenant information and more.

• Landlord, Tenant and Roommate Resources - CMRC provides information and resources for renters, owners, roommates, and property managers for residential and commercial rental properties within the City of Boulder and areas of the county. Resources include a landlord/tenant handbook and many commonly used sample documents such as the Boulder Model Lease and a 7-day security deposit demand letter. Landlords and tenants can also utilize CMRC’s mediation services.
• Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Services (EPRAS) - EPRAS expands legal and financial services for those facing a potential eviction. The program helps people resolve eviction-related housing issues through legal services, rental assistance and mediation.

Coordinated Entry for Single Adult Homelessness

In Boulder County, people experiencing homelessness can access services and housing resources through Coordinated Entry; a short screening, during which people are asked questions to determine their needs and match them with services.

• Services include shelter, help identifying housing options, basic-needs services, case management and more.
• Talk with a staff person and go through a short assessment to help connect you with the best resources.
• Coordinated Entry is available by phone or in person. Call 303-579-4404 or visit 909 Arapahoe Ave. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays.
• After hours, you may go to the Boulder Shelter from 5 to 7 p.m. and complete the assessment at the next available time to access future services.

Shelter Services for Single Adults

Boulder Shelter for the Homeless keeps an updated list of resources, including other shelters, for community members experiencing homelessness. Visit the shelter's website to find more resources.

Family Homelessness Services

The Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) provides services for families in need, including:

• Housing
• Food
• Support with critical expenses such as rent and minor medical costs
• Guidance by case managers

EFAA's Housing Program provides both short-term and transitional housing. Learn more on EFAA's website.

Youth and Young Adult Homelessness Services

• TGTHR (formerly Attention Homes) provides safe housing, sheltering, food, clothing, counseling, employment help, health care, transportation assistance and other support services to individuals ages 12 to 24.

Safe Shelters

• Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN) provides services including crisis intervention, shelter, legal advocacy and counseling for adults, youth and children who have been impacted by domestic or dating violence or are questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
• Mother House provides safe shelter for pregnant women and women choosing adoption who are in need. Residents can participate in birthing, pregnancy and parenting classes at Boulder Foothills Hospital, paid for by Mother House, and receive information on how to connect with community services, many of which require a legal residence, including pre-natal and birthing health care, Medicaid and Food Stamps, Woman and Infant Children (WIC) program, and Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

Food Tax Rebate Program

Each year, the City of Boulder provides rebates to help compensate residents with lower incomes for the city sales tax they pay on food. Applications for 2024 rebates will open in the spring. Learn more about this program on the city’s website.

Emergency Family Assistance Association

A food bank is available for people living in the City of Boulder and Mountain Communities of Boulder County who need help. Eligible households may visit the foodbank once per week. Learn more on EFAA’s website.

Harvest of Hope Food Pantry

Food pantry with special hours for those with or without access to a kitchen located in Boulder. Learn more on the Harvest of Hope website.

Community Food Share

Food bank with programs for families, seniors, and others in need to access food as well as mobile food banks across the county. Learn more on Community Food Share’s website.

Boulder County Housing and Human Services

Help for Boulder County residents in need of access to housing assistance in addition to SNAP (food stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Seniors and Veterans Services. Learn more on the county’s website.

Healthy School Meals for All

Thanks to Colorado voters, beginning in the 2023-24 school year, school meals are free for all BVSD students. The passage of Proposition FF provides free school meals through the Healthy School Meals for All Program. Learn more about this program on the BVSD website.