12/01/25 Rent assistance update:

Email: help@fmcdenver.org

We have gifted all of our December rent assistance funds. The next rent lottery will be on Monday, January 5. Please apply in person at the church 8:45-9:00am, 01/05/26. You must come between 8:45am and 9:00am to get on the sign-up sheets 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

If you need help with an Xcel bill, email us at help@fmcdenver.org to fill out an application electronically, or apply in person at the church any Monday morning from 9:00-11:30am.

*Due to the holidays, the Direct Assistance office will be closed the week of Dec 22-26.

Actualización sobre la asistencia para el alquiler (12/01/25):

Correo electrónico: help@fmcdenver.org

Hemos donado todos los fondos de asistencia para el alquiler de diciembre. La próxima vez que recibamos fondos será el lunes 5 de enero. Por favor, solicite en persona en la iglesia de 8:45 a. m. a 9:00 a. m., el 01/05/26.

El proceso de solicitud ya no se otorga por orden de llegada, así que NO venga antes de las 8:45 a. m. (sin embargo, debe llegar ANTES de las 9:00 a. m. para inscribirse y participar en la lotería).

*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

Si necesita ayuda con una factura de Xcel, envíenos un correo electrónico a help@fmcdenver.org para completar una solicitud electrónica o solicite en persona en la iglesia cualquier lunes por la mañana de 9:00 a 11:30.

Debido a los días festivos, la oficina de Asistencia Directa estará cerrada la semana del 22 al 26 de diciembre.

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

    • Statement, letter, or notice stating how much rent you owe

  • 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 3-4 business days

  • Amount of help will vary by situation

Utility help

  • Required:

    • Photo ID

    • Most recent Xcel bill or shutoff 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)