March 2, 2026 Rent assistance update:

Email: help@fmcdenver.org

We have gifted all of our March rent assistance funds. The next rent lottery will be on Monday, April 6th. Please apply in person between 8:45am and 9:00am to sign in and 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, the program that funds our utility assistance (Energy Outreach Colorado) has run out of funding until October 1, 2026. We will start helping with Xcel bills again in October.

Actualización sobre la asistencia para el alquiler (2/16/26)

Correo electrónico: help@fmcdenver.org

Hemos donado todos nuestros fondos de asistencia para el alquiler de marzo. La próxima lotería de alquiler será el lunes 6 de abril. Solicite en persona entre las 8:45 y las 9:00 para registrarse y participar.

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

Asistencia con los servicios públicos

Lamentablemente, el programa que financia nuestra asistencia con los servicios públicos (Energy Outreach Colorado) se quedó sin fondos hasta el 1 de octubre de 2026. Comenzaremos a ayudar con las facturas de Xcel nuevamente en octubre.

First Mennonite Church Direct Assistance Program

Rent and utility help for Westside residents

The FMC Direct Assistance Program provides rent and utility 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?

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 a Monday between 9am and 11:30am. Rent funds are usually only available on the first Monday of the month (except for holidays). On Mondays we accept walk-ins from 9 - 11:30, no appointment necessary.

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

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

    • For utility help: Most recent Xcel bill or disconnection notice

Hours: In-person applications on the first Monday of each month, from 9-11:30am

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

Utility help

  • Required:

    • Photo ID

    • Most recent Xcel statement or disconnect notice

  • You will complete the EOC application with an Assistance Office worker

  • Utility help is provided through Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) and covers Xcel gas and electricity accounts. Many agencies around Colorado use EOC money to help clients.

  • EOC will send money directly to Xcel for your account

  • You can only receive help ONE TIME per program year (Oct 1, 2025 to Sept 30, 2026) from all agencies combined using EOC money

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 comes 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)