Community Resources
How Can We Help?
The following list of resources are located in the Arvada/Westminster area and/or are provided by Jefferson County or the State of Colorado. These resources are available to the public at low/no cost. The list is separated by type of assistance or you can utilize one of the benefit finder services below to see a list of benefits and services you may be eligible for.
Click here for Immigration Information
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Click here for Immigration Information 〰️
Where Can I See What Is Happening at the Capitol
Check out the link above to see all the events at the capitol. You can see both the House and Senate Schedule which explains what bills will be heard and what bills are in different committees
What Are Committees?
Before a Bill goes the the ouse or Senate, it has to go through a committee that is usually comprised of legislators from both parties. That is where public can testify on the bill and where a deep discussion of the bill occurs. Click the link above to see what different committees exist, the bills they are reviewing and who is on the committee
Jefferson County Elections Website
The official website for Jefferson County Elections is a primary source for information on voter registration, polling locations, ballot measures, and election results.
Find A Voting Location
Colorado is a mailed ballot state but you can still vote in person or drop off your ballot at a secure location. Learn more about where and how to vote.
All About House District 24
Curious about the population or boundaries of House District 24? Wondering about the term limits, salary, redistricting, or other information about this position. Learn more with the link above.
The Colorado “Blue Book”?
Every election cycle, the Colorado General Assembly publishes a “blue book” that is mailed to voters in Colorado. It talks about the pros and cons of ballot initiatives as well as fiscal impact. Learn more about the blue book and to see the most recently published one by clicking the link above.
Where can I find the Legislative schedule?
You can see the schedule of events, the link to the agendas as well as listen in on the meetings using the hyperlink above.
Arvada Activities
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Arvada Activities 〰️
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Click here for Arvada’s policies on immigration enforcement and ICE
Emergency Hotlines and Immediate Support
Colorado Rapid Response Network
Hotline 1-844-864-8341
Dispatchers document ICE activity, send legal observers, and connect individuals to legal aid and support networks
(24/7 service , Bilingual)
Legal & Community Resources:
Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN),
(303) 433-2812
Detained Individuals Hotline: (303) 866-9308
Free legal representation for detained immigrants and children
(303) 831 0817
Specializes in deportation defense and emergency consultations
Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CRIC)
(303) 742-4971
Assistance includes “Know Your Rights” training and rapid response coordination
(303) 742-4971
Services include DACA renewals, asylum cases, family-based immigration and deportation defense
(303) 587-2589
Free shelter, meals and transportation for recently detained immigrants
San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center
(719) 587-3225
Provides legal aid, DACA renewals, and document translation services.
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Colorado
(303) 623- 3464
Provides deportation defense and policy advocacy services
Colorado Immigrant Justice Fund:
(303) 623-3464
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Civil Rights Violations
The Colorado Attorney General (AG) has authority to pursue civil actions when there is reasonable cause to believe that a governmental authority has engaged in a pattern or practice that deprives persons of their legal rights. Complaints regarding civil rights violations may be filed on the AG’s website here. In addition to this, the Civil Rights Division of the United States
Department of Justice investigates complaints filed in regard to the conduct of law enforcement agencies. Suspected violations of conduct by law enforcement can be reported on the division’s website.
Complaints regarding local police departments may be filed with the arresting police department on their website or by contacting them directly to request instructions on how to submit the complaint.
The Colorado Civil Rights Division of the Department of Regulatory Agencies is tasked with the enforcement of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). CADA prohibits discrimination based on protected class in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. Individuals who have faced discrimination in any of these classes may visit their website to start a complaint.
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Stop Fraud Colorado was developed by the Consumer Protection Unit of the Colorado
Attorney General’s Office. They offer educational and reporting tools to help individuals identify, prevent, and report fraudulent activity throughout Colorado. Complaints may be filed with the Attorney General’s office at (720) 508-6000 or using the complaint form link in the upper right-hand corner of their website here.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may be contacted for resources pertaining to victim support for identity theft, fraud, or cyber-crimes. They can be reached at (303) 239-4242 or by email at CBI.StopIDTheft@state.co.us or CBI.VictimSupport@state.co.us.
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Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/
According to the Social Security Administration: "Recent reports in the media that Social Security plans to eliminate telephone services are inaccurate. SSA is increasing its protection for America’s seniors and other beneficiaries by eliminating the risk of fraud associated with changing bank account information by telephone."
Because Social Security is a federal program, federal offices are better equipped to help if you are having issues with your benefits . The offices of Rep. Pettersen, Sen. Bennet, and Sen. Hickenlooper all have sections on their website to help constituents with federal agencies and programs along with dedicated staff to assist with this. You can fill out a form on their website so they can assign you a caseworker and start working with the Social Security Administration directly, on your behalf. Please only contact one congressional office to avoid confusion.
Representative Brittany Pettersen
Additionally, you can call your local Social Security office. They offer in person assistance but you must call to make an appointment before you visit. You can find the phone number and address for the office nearest to you by entering your ZIP code here.
Still need help? Please email lisa.feret.house@coleg.gov and we will try to connect you to the right resources.
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SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):
Check if you qualify for SNAP benefits, which help low-income households buy healthy food. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and other factors. Learn More and Apply Here or call the toll-free hotline at 800-816-4451 for assistance.
TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program):
Find out if you are eligible for TEFAP, which provides free food to those in need. Details here
Community Table:
Based in Arvada, this nonprofit is dedicated to fighting hunger in the northern metro Denver area. They provide food, emergency assistance, and support services to individuals and families. Learn more about Community Table and their programs here.
Find Food Banks and Pantries:
Hunger Free Colorado Food Finder: Search for food banks and pantries by region or call the Food Resource Hotline at 1-855-855-4626 for statewide assistance.
Food Bank of the Rockies: Offers food distribution and meal programs throughout the region.
Majestic View Farm: Offers food and nutrition education to people of all income levels, with a location in Arvada.
Summer Meals for Kids and Teens:
Free summer meals are available for children and teens in Jefferson County through programs like Jeffco Eats, Food Bank of the Rockies, USDA Summer Meals, and Community Table. Meals are provided at various locations—no registration or proof of income required. See here for more details
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I know that the healthcare landscape is confusing and more uncertain than ever given what is going on at the federal level. Below are some resources and answers to common questions.
Jefferson County Health and Human Services: Offers a wide range of benefit and support programs for Jefferson County related to disability, employment, family and youth, aging and adult services, financial services, health, food, housing, and veterans.
CO Federal Medicaid Funding Threats tools (see the links in the Federal Resources box on the right at the top of the page).
Telehealth - Information on telehealth and nurselines
Vaccine Finder (COVID-19 & Flu) -vaccines.gov
Health First Colorado (Medicaid) - a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to individuals with limited income and resources that is administered by the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF).
Medicare Savings Plan - The Medicare Savings Program helps individuals with limited income and resources pay for some or all Medicare premiums and may also pay Medicare deductibles and co-insurance.
Dave’s Locker - Arvada Fire Department’s free community medical equipment services to anyone in need.
Transformative Freedom Fund- Supports transgender Coloradans by removing financial barriers to transition-related healthcare
Denver Health LGBTQ+ Health Services - Connects individuals with LGBTQ+ competent and informed healthcare
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) helps Medicare enrollees navigate the Medicare system and provides free, unbiased, and individualized information. Colorado SHIP has 17 locations at partner agencies around the state that can be reached for assistance. Each sub-grantee agency has a direct line that can provide assistance.
Since Medicare is a federal program, United States Senators or Representatives may also offer assistance. Only one congressional office should be contacted to avoid duplicating efforts.
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper
Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen
If you still have questions please reach out to my office at lisa.feret.house@coleg.gov
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Explore free filing options through IRS FreeFile
211 Colorado:
Dial 211 or visit 2-1-1 Colorado to find free tax preparation services.
Denver Asset Building Coalition (DABC):
Provides free financial and tax preparation services through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). Visit Denver Asset Building Coalition – FREE TAX PREP HELP for details on income guidelines and services.
Get Ahead Colorado:
Connects Coloradans to essential tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Visit Get Ahead Colorado or Hacia Adelante Colorado for resources on secure, free tax filing.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA):
IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic tax return preparation for individuals earning $67,000 or less. Visit the IRS FreeFile for VITA locations and details.
Colorado Legal Services:
Offers free tax controversy representation to individuals earning up to 250% of the federal poverty line. Apply online at Colorado Legal Services or call 303-837-1313.
Tax Help Colorado:
Provides free tax preparation services to families earning less than $67,000 annually. Operated by IRS-certified volunteers at over 35 statewide locations. Visit Welcome to Tax Help Colorado
University of Denver Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC):
Provides legal representation for tax disputes, staffed by graduate students supervised by attorneys. Call 303-871-6331 or email litc@law.du.edu.
Taxpayer Advocate Service:
Independent organization assisting taxpayers with unresolved issues with the IRS. Visit their website for help with IRS system issues or financial hardships.
Colorado Department of Revenue Taxpayer Assistance Centers:
Offers help with state taxes via phone (303-238-7378) or in-person at service centers. Visit Home | Department of Revenue - Taxation
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Have questions about unemployment or need help accessing benefits? The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment can help you find out if you’re eligible, file a claim, or provide resources to federal workers who were recently laid off. https://cdle.colorado.gov/unemployment
Additionally Jefferson County provides the following public resources to those who are unemployed or need other job related assistance :
Jeffco Business and workforce resources:
Jeffco Library Financial wellness resources
Still need help? Please email our office at lisa.feret.house@coleg.gov with as much detail as possible about your situation and we will try to connect you to the right resources.
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State of Colorado Regional Healthcare Provider List
Provides a list of healthcare resources for Coloradans who need help finding or affording care.The page is a one-stop guide to health services for uninsured, low-income, and underserved residents.
988 Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1 (800) 273-8255
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
call 1-844-493-8255 or
text TALK to 38255
Colorado’s statewide support system for anyone experiencing a mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.
US Transgender Suicide Hotline:
877-565-8860
This is a confidential peer support and crisis hotline run by and for transgender people. It provides support to trans and questioning individuals, whether or not they are in crisis. Calls are answered exclusively by trans operators, and the hotline does not contact emergency services without the caller’s explicit consent.
Jefferson Center for Mental Health
Mental health services in Arvada.
Suicide prevention, awareness, and education.
Behavioral Health Treatment Services locator.
Free service for those suffering with depression.
Pro bono mental health program.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
If you cannot speak safely, visit thehotline.org
Family Tree Crisis Line: (303) 420-6752
Violence Free Colorado: https://www.violencefreecolorado.org/
Find local resources:
https://www.violencefreecolorado.org/find-help/programs-by-county/
PorchLight - (303) 271-6100 - Support and resources for victims of violence.
Adult Protection Hotline: (303) 271-4673 - For reports regarding the health and wellbeing of adults 18 and older who may be at risk for abuse or exploitation.
FIT Court - FIT Court addresses child abuse or neglect that is related to parental substance abuse. A collaborative effort, FIT Court strives to empower families to look beyond compliance and abstinence, encouraging them to make a commitment to a lifestyle of recovery. It is a voluntary, family-based program within the Dependency and Neglect System.
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PEAK - Aid to those in need/people with a disability provides cash assistance to eligible Colorado residents. Individuals must be ages 18 to 59, determined disabled by a medical doctor, and be unable to work for a minimum of 6 months; participants must apply for Social Security benefits (program is NOT a part of Medicaid).
Vocational Rehab - Provides services to those with a disability so they can reach their employment goals.
Long Term Medicaid - Community members can apply through Medicaid to receive long term benefits for aging services, housing, and community based services.
Feel the Beat - Music programs for children in the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Special needs communities.
Colorado commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind
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The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has an office in each county that offers free assistance to veterans and their families. The County Veterans Services Offices specialize in assisting veterans and their family members with claims, applications, and appeals to the VA.
Additionally, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offer a 24-hour service providing immediate crisis care that can be reached by dialing 9-8-8 then pressing one, texting 838255, or using their online chat feature on their website.
Online resource database called Clearing House to access varying resources. This interactive map allows users to streamline their search for resources tailored to veterans’ needs.
Additional resources:
Careers for Veterans - Services include, but are not limited to: registration, counseling, referral to supportive services, referral to job openings, job development or training.
JeffCo Veterans Service Officer Peter Mortaro at (303) 271-4205 / Dr. Diane Ricci at (303) 271-4213
The Horse Protection League - Equine-assisted activities and individual, couples, and family counseling for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD and other mental and/or physical conditions.
Wounded Warrior Project - A VA-accredited organization to help you navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD).
Colorado Veterans Project - List of veteran resources.
Adaptive Adventures - A program that provides children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities the opportunity to achieve greater independence in outdoor sports while experiencing camaraderie and the benefits of recreation and adventure.
List of Veteran Mental Health Trainings.
Qualified Listeners - Veteran & family resource hub for veterans and their family.
Jefferson center veteran and military family counseling and resources
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Home Repairs and Accessibility
Mile High Youth Corps provides free sustainability and efficiency upgrades to low income families https://www.milehighyouthcorps.org/free-install-services/
Housing Assistance and Financial Support
Down payment, Second Mortgage and/or Closing Cost Assistance Fund
State of Colorado Eviction Prevention Program: The State of Colorado offers emergency rent and mortgage assistance throughout the state through several non-profit organizations.
Foreclosure Hotline - (844) 926-6632
Public and Affordable Housing
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Tenant Resources
JeffCo Housing Authority - Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers/Section 8.
Homeless Prevention and Shelter
Colorado Housing Connects is a free service that connects Coloradans to housing resources, including legal assistance to prevent a looming eviction or financial assistance for rent.
Colorado Poverty Law Project aims to prevent homelessness through legal representation, education, and advocacy. They offer free legal assistance for low-income individuals facing a housing-related issue. Individuals may fill out their intake form to be considered for assistance.
The Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program is available for eligible households experiencing eviction. Applications can be submitted by contacting the CARE center by calling or texting (720) 356-0174 or (888) 480-0066. The Care Center team will work with you to provide you the access to apply for the program once verification of your eviction is confirmed.
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Landlords are required to accept portable tenant screening reports from all prospective tenants, unless a landlord is exempt from the law because they accept one application fee at a time for a unit or they refund application fees. The Apartment Association of America’s Tenant Alert offers a service to tenants for a fee that creates a portable rental screening report. There are anumber of products that are landlord based, including those offered by the three credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.
An individual may utilize any product they choose, but should be aware that not every product may meet the necessary requirements. A portable tenant screening report should include the following information prepared by a consumer reporting agency for the requester:
name; contact information; verification of employment and income; last-known address; and a rental and credit history and federal, state, and local criminal history record of convictions for each prior residence.
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Energy and Efficiency Assistance
Mile High Youth Corps provides free sustainability and efficiency upgrades to low income families https://www.milehighyouthcorps.org/free-install-services/
Income-Qualified Community Solar Program: https://energyoutreach.org/community-solar/
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Our office cannot provide legal assistance or advice. Please see the resources below if you need assistance.
For individuals looking for the opportunity to consult with private counsel at more affordable rates, the Colorado Legal Help Center a provides search options for lawyers across the state who accept alternate fee agreements or pro bono cases.
In addition, the Colorado Bar Association maintains a webpage of legal resources for individuals seeking legal services, as well as an online directory that can be used to search for attorneys based on type of law practiced.
The Colorado Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) offers referrals to mediators who meet certain qualifications set by the Judicial Department. The list of ODR mediators can be found on the Judicial Branch ODR website.
2-1-1 Colorado is a confidential and multilingual service connecting constituents to resources across the state. To locate legal assistance, dial 2-1-1 or visit their website.
The Office of the State Public Defender provides representation to persons accused in criminal cases who cannot afford to retain counsel. Applications may be submitted on their website. Additional assistance can be found by visiting one of their 21 offices for in-person support.
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Arvada Fire Department
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APEX Parks and Recreation