August 11, 2026 — Rent assistance update:

Email: help@fmcdenver.org

We have gifted all of our August rent assistance funds. The next rent lottery will be on Monday, September 7 (yes, Labor Day). Please apply in person at 8:45am (the sign-up closes promptly at 9:00am) to be eligible for the lottery.

*Rental assistance is ONLY AVAILABLE to residents of the church neighborhood, defined as zip codes 80203, 80204, 80209 (partial) 80218 (partial), 80219 (partial), and 80223 (partial).

Utility Assistance

Unfortunately, we will not be helping with utilities/Xcel/EOC payments for the foreseeable future.

Actualización sobre la asistencia para el alquiler (8/11/26)

Correo electrónico: help@fmcdenver.org

Ya hemos asignado todos los fondos de asistencia para el alquiler correspondientes al mes de agosto. El próximo sorteo de ayuda para el alquiler se realizará el lunes 7 de septiembre (sí, el Día del Trabajo). Por favor, preséntese en persona a las 8:45 a. m. (el registro cierra puntualmente a las 9:00 a. m.) para poder participar en el sorteo.

*La asistencia para el alquiler está DISPONIBLE ÚNICAMENTE para los residentes del vecindario de la iglesia, definido por los códigos postales 80203, 80204, 80209 (parcial), 80218 (parcial), 80219 (parcial) y 80223 (parcial).

Asistencia para servicios públicos

Lamentablemente, no ayudaremos con los pagos de servicios públicos, Xcel o EOC en el futuro previsible.

First Mennonite Church Direct Assistance Program

Rent help for Westside residents

The FMC Direct Assistance Program provides rent help to people who live in the neighborhoods around our church. The program serves an average of 450 families per year, helping Westside neighbors keep the lights on and stay in their homes.

For additional resources for rent, food, and utilities, visit West Denver Renaissance Collaborative at mywdrc.org/resources.

Para obtener otras tipos de recursos, visite mywdrc.org/resources.

Need help with rent?

Please plan to apply for help in-person. If you have questions, call 303-892-1039 and leave a message. You can also email: help@fmcdenver.org

To apply in person, come to First Mennonite Church at 430 W. 9th Ave. on the first Monday of the month at 8:45am (before 9am, when the sign-up for the rent lottery closes).

Prepare to apply:

  • You need to live in a Denver neighborhood (see map below) between Colfax Ave (north) and Exposition Ave (south) and between Sheridan Blvd (west) and Downing St (east)

  • You need to be past due on your rent and last received help from FMC more than 12 months ago

  • Have your supporting documents ready

    • Photo ID

    • Demand for payment (letter, form, or account statement from your landlord showing what you owe)

Call 303-892-1039 at any time with questions.

Rent help

  • Required:

    • Photo ID

    • Landlord’s phone number and/or email

    • Late rent bill or demand letter

  • You will complete a short application online or in-person with an Assistance Office worker

  • FMC will mail a check directly to your landlord or property manager, typically within 1-2 weeks

  • Amount of help will vary by situation

Need additional help or live outside the FMC Assistance Area?

For utility help: visit www.energyoutreach.org/find-agency

For rent help:

  • Emergency Rental Assistance Program (cdola.colorado.gov/rental-mortgage-assistance) may be able to provide up to 15 months of assistance

  • Colorado Housing Connects (844-926-6632)

  • Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (Denver County residents only- dial 311 and select option 6)

Dial 211 or visit www.211colorado.org to find agencies that can provide you with rental or mortgage, utility, and other types of assistance.

Who runs the FMC Direct Assistance Program?

A team of about 10 volunteers run the program, managed by the Direct Assistance Coordinator, Jerel Fast. Together they help clients complete applications, contact landlords, work with EOC, maintain client files, promote the program, and apply for grants.


How is the program funded?

The utility help used to come through an annual grant from Energy Outreach Colorado.

Rental help is funded through the FMC budget, grants, and donations to Joseph’s Storehouse.


How can I support the program?

Volunteer: We are always happy to have people willing to work with clients or perform administrative tasks. We are especially in need of English/Spanish bilingual volunteers.

Advocate for affordable housing solutions and living wages in the Denver area.

Donate: Make check donations payable to FMC with “Joseph’s Storehouse” in the memo line and mail to 430 W 9th Ave, Denver CO 80204.

Online donations (select Joseph's Storehouse)