Community Resources

This page is updated as needed. if you have recommended resources, please let us know. 

Blood Donations

Blood donations are vital for patients in need, and supplies are often critically low. One donation can help up to three different people, so it truly makes a big impact.

Curious if you are eligible? Most people are, and the FDA recently made changes to requirements. This UC Health site has information on donation eligibility.

If you are not eligible, you may still be OK to donate blood for research, which is also vitally important.

Community blood drives are the largest source of blood donations. Donations are regularly accepted at these locations:

Read more about how to donate blood in Colorado and learn about the process (it’s quicker than you might think).

Volunteer Opportunities

Many of us are seeking ways to connect with our community and feel useful. Volunteering is great way to do both.

In a separate web post, we’ve assembled a list of some of the nonprofits and community organizations that are looking for donations and/or volunteers across Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and the northern Front Range. These organizations do big work in Colorado and need help all year round.

Severe Weather Shelters

During periods of extreme cold, Denver’s Department of Housing Stability often extends its current severe weather shelter activation.

Individuals in need of shelter from severe cold are encouraged to go to “front door” shelter access points:

  • For individual men – Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center, 2222 Lawrence St.
  • For individual women – Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St.
  • For youth ages 12 – 24– Urban Peak, 1630 S. Acoma St.
  • Families in need of shelter should call the Connection Center at 303-295-3366.

California Fire Donation Sites

The devastating wildfires in Southern California have left many people without homes or belongings and in need of help. Many of you may want to know how you can lend assistance. Below are some organizations that are providing help to those in need.

In Colorado we are no strangers to wildfires either. To ensure you are prepared for any sudden situation, we assembled this list of disaster preparedness resources in Colorado.

Mental Health Resources

Anyone can contact the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free by dialing just three numbers: 9-8-8.

Modeled after 911, the three-digit 988 number connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional. You can also contact a professional by texting 9-8-8, or by chat through the 988 Lifeline website.

988 Lifeline also provides resources for those supporting another person who may be struggling emotionally.

The 988 Lifeline professional support service is available 24/7 and is free and confidential.

For LGBTQ+ people in need, the Trevor Project defines itself as “the leading advocate for the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people.” And this includes a 24/7 crisis help line (call, chat, or text), available to anyone who needs it at any time.

Resources in Colorado

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety or any mental health crisis, please know you are not alone. Millions of people just like you struggle with these things every day. Help is out there. Below are some resources available to those in Colorado. 

See a more extensive list of Colorado Mental Health Resources in a separate web post, including a wide variety of help available in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins.

Youth, BIPOC, LGBTQ​+ 

THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project defines itself as “the leading advocate for the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people.” This includes a 24/7 crisis help line (call, chat, or text), available to anyone who needs it at any time, as well as an extensive page including mental health, gender identity, and other community resources.

TRANS LIFELINE

Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community support and resources needed to survive and thrive. They also have a peer-support hotline run by trans people, designed for both emergency and non-emergency situations. See the hotline web page for details on anonymity and hours of operation.

BOULDER COUNTY

Natural Highs 
This Boulder County group provides healthy alternatives to drugs and alcohol through offering workshops, drop-in classes, groups, presentations, sober events, and entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities for teens.

Queer Asterisk Therapeutic Programs 
720-507-6161
LGBTQ “Queer Conversations” and other community therapies

Rise Against Suicide 
720-212-7527
Counseling services for youth experiencing suicide ideation.

Umbrella Collective 
720-663-0163 or In**@Um****************.org

Wildfire Information and Resources

Fire Resources in Larimer County

NoCoAlerts.org provides updated fire information for those living in Larimer or Jackson counties, or in the Windsor-Severance Fire District. You can also sign up to receive direct notifications.

For additional emergency updates, information, and resources, follow the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook or X (Twitter).

Per the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office: “Text the word LCEVAC to 888777 to receive text message alerts about evacuations, road closures, and other important updates.”

For people looking to help those in need, the Coloradan published a list of Northern Colorado organizations who are providing assistance, including the Food Bank for Larimer County, the Red Cross, Serve 6.8 ,NOCO Humane, and All Aboard Animal Rescue.

Animal Evacuations

As a general rule, please follow local news, city, county, and law enforcement agencies for the most updated information, because evacuation locations and instructions can change quickly. This is true for large and small animals alike.

If livestock evacuation is required during a fire, you can request an evacuation at horsealert.org. If you have resources to help with such an evacuation, you can register there as well.

Fire Resources in Boulder County

For emergency resources, visit the Boulder Office of Emergency Management (OEM) website and follow them on X (Twitter).

For general donations, the Boulder OEM recommends donating to the Red Cross or the Boulder County Community Foundation. 

You can also follow the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

For information regarding the 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder County, we published a post on our website with updated information and resources.  

Additional Fire Resources

Jefferson County

Information is available on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office website. The Sheriff’s Office also provides information on animal evacuations.

Residents, workers, and visitors in the Colorado vicinities of Jefferson County, Broomfield, Westminster, and Clear Creek County can sign up with LookoutAlert to receive text, email, or voice alerts during natural disasters (including wildfires), law enforcement activities, and other events that may impact public safety.

Voter Registration Info for Colorado

If you need to register to vote, update your registration, or check your voter registration, you can do so on the Colorado page for Vote.com by clicking here. At the bottom of that page you can download the National Voter Registration Form for any state in the U.S.

Cooling Centers

During the heat of the summer some cities and public entities open facilities where people can cool down.

Denver often opens libraries and recreation centers as cooling facilities. You can get more information here, along with tips on how to best handle the hot weather.

For some locations in Denver Metro and along the Front Range, check this Denver 7 page or this 9New page. These include facilities available in Westminster, Aurora, and Fort Collins.

Domestic Violence Resources

Two national hotlines are available for those experiencing domestic violence:

You can also visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website for more information and resources. The website love is respect is aimed at helping young people navigate relationships (and deal with crises if/when they come up) and is also a fantastic resource.

Additional resources are also available for those in Colorado.

Violence Free Colorado is a domestic violence coalition founded in 1977. Among other support efforts, they provide an extensive list of community resources, broken down by geographic region or county. These services include legal help, resources aimed at youth, and facilities focusing on those with disabilities.

The website also lists services available in Spanish, and services that accept families with pets.

A sample of the resources listed on the Violence Free Colorado website include:

Additional resources:

Important note for those seeking help using online resources: Computer use can be monitored, and it is impossible to completely clear your search history. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please consider using a computer outside of your home (library, cafe, etc.). Most sites above also provide a red “exit” button for those who need to exit the site quickly.

Disaster Preparedness

See our separate disaster preparedness resource page.


Shooting and Community Violence Resources

COLORADO SCHOOL SAFETY RESOURCE CENTER

COLORADO HEALING FUND

In the aftermath of mass violence, victims need immediate and long-term support. Colorado Healing Fund (CHF) provides a secure way to donate to victims of these tragedies. We work with victim service partners to identify victim needs and fill the gaps in financial resources. 5% of each donation supports CHF administration.

COLORADO SPRINGS CLUB Q SHOOTING

We have published a post on our website highlighting resources and donation opportunities to support those impacted by the Colorado Springs Club Q shooting.

COVID-19 Help

COVID-19 hasn’t entirely gone away, so precautions are still recommended. The State of Colorado has a COVID-19 resource page that may be helpful. 

For an extensive list of services that may be available to you, from childcare to energy and food assistance, visit the Colorado Department of Human Services resource page.

MASKS AND COVID-19 TEST KITS

Masks and home test kits are available free at select locations across Colorado, including libraries. 

VACCINES

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, including boosters and the updated Omicron version. 

Food Banks

All area food banks are in need of both cash donations and volunteer help in order to maintain services.

Pet Adoption

Every November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. According to the ASPCA, “senior pets are often the last to be adopted from shelters, putting them at an increased risk for euthanasia.” So this month shines a light on animals who are “just as loving and loyal” as kittens and puppies.

Pet ownership also has health benefits for humans and animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association.

Resources across the state of Colorado, which provide information as well as pets available for adoption, include:

FDA Recalls

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps a running list of all recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts. This includes food, cosmetics, pet food, and other materials and devices.

Additional Resources

UNITED WAY UTILITY ASSISTANCE PET AND FARM FOOD ASSISTANCE COMPREHENSIVE PET ASSISTANCE RESOURCES LOW-COST VETERINARY CARE AND VETERINARY CARE ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

Help for Musicians and Artists

BEATS BY GIRLS FORT COLLINS

The Beats by Girlz Fort Collins: Virtual Music Production Program is a 10-week beginner’s virtual music production program using Soundtrap, an up-and-coming online music studio. Scholarships are available.

BONFILS-STANTON FOUNDATION

Bonfils–Stanton Foundation and The Denver Foundation considers grants to support innovation and artist leadership.

This page is updated as needed. if you have recommended resources, please let us know.