4/12/24 Rent assistance Update:

We have gifted all of our April rent assistance funds. The next time we will have funding is on Monday, May 6th. Please plan to apply in person on Monday, 5/6/2024.

**Assistance is based on living in the service area of First Mennonite (see below) and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Utility Assistance is still available

Apply in-person during our walk-in hours on Monday mornings between 9-11:30am. Or call 303-892-1039 to schedule an appointment for another day.

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. 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 Mondays 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, 2023 to Sept 30, 2024) 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, Michael Harrington. 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.