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Below is a list of resources generally available to Montezuma County residents who may be struggling to pay rent or mortgage payments amid Coronavirus. These organizations are not affiliated with Montezuma County, City of Cortez, Town of Dolores, or Town of Mancos.

State and Federal Resources

  • 2-1-1 Colorado – A multilingual, statewide helpline connecting residents to over 6,500 services including food, shelter, rent assistance, and crisis support. Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
  • Colorado Division of Housing – Offers rental assistance, housing vouchers, and homelessness prevention programs. Also oversees mobile home park regulation and accessibility grants. Call 303-864-7852.
  • Community Resources & Housing Development Corporation (CRHDC) – A HUD-certified nonprofit offering affordable rentals, homebuyer education, and self-help housing programs statewide. Call 303-428-1448.
  • Help Colorado Now – A statewide COVID-19 relief initiative supporting food, medical supplies, childcare, and emergency housing. Donations and volunteer opportunities available at HelpColoradoNow.org.
  • Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) – Provides low-interest loans and counseling for first-time homebuyers and those facing mortgage challenges. Call 303-572-9445.
  • Colorado Housing Connects – A trusted resource for affordable housing, tenant rights, and rental assistance. Call 844-926-6632.
  • Colorado Homeless Families – A nonprofit offering transitional housing and support toward self-sufficiency. Call 303-420-6634.
  • Temporary Rental & Utility Assistance (TRUA) – Emergency rent and utility payments for eligible residents, primarily in Denver.
  • The Ross Management Group – Offers housing assistance to qualified applicants. Call 303-860-7885.
  • Property Tax & Rent Relief Program – Available to residents over 65, those with disabilities, or low-income households.
  • Senior Housing Options, Inc. – Provides affordable housing and services for older adults in Colorado. Call 303-595-4464.
  • STRIDE – Offers family services and personalized plans to help break the cycle of poverty.
  • Supportive Housing Programs (SHP) – Federally funded programs offering rent assistance and supportive services through Shelter Plus Care and Section 8. Call 303-864-7852.

Western Slope

  • Housing Authority of Montezuma – Provides affordable housing in Montezuma, Dolores, and La Plata Counties through Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and Tax Credit Units. Office located at 121 E 1st St, Cortez. Call (970) 565-3831.
  • Housing Solutions for the Southwest – A nonprofit offering rental assistance, transitional housing, weatherization, and HUD-certified counseling. Serves Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan Counties. Call (970) 259-1086.
  • Volunteers of America – Colorado – Offers shelter, transitional housing, and support services for survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and seniors in Southwest Colorado. Call (970) 259-1021.
  • The Piñon Project – A family resource center offering emergency assistance, parenting programs, supervised visitation, and employment support. Located in Cortez. Call (970) 564-9011.
  • Pay It Forward Fund – Provides financial support to Mancos Valley residents facing unexpected medical or personal hardships. Applications available online or at the Mancos Chamber of Commerce.
  • Colorado Legal Services – Offers free civil legal aid to low-income Coloradans, including eviction defense, housing rights, and family law. Call (888) 298-8483.

Federal, State, and Local Governments

  • USDA Wildlife Specialists: Clinton Wilson – (970) 507-0949 Provides wildlife damage management services to landowners, agricultural producers, and local governments in Montezuma County.
  • State of Colorado – Official state government portal offering access to services, departments, and statewide resources including taxes, licensing, and public health.
  • City of Cortez – Municipal government site for Cortez, CO, featuring city council updates, public services, permits, and community events.
  • Town of Dolores – Local government site for Dolores, CO, with information on town meetings, ordinances, and recreational opportunities.
  • Town of Mancos – Provides town services, planning documents, and community resources for residents and visitors of Mancos, CO.
  • Colorado State Parks – Directory of state-managed parks offering camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing across Colorado, including nearby Mancos and Mesa Verde.

Local News & Information

Tribal Governments

  • Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
     – Sovereign tribal nation headquartered in Towaoc, Colorado, representing the Weenuche band of the Ute Nation. The Tribal Council governs the reservation and oversees cultural, economic, and administrative programs.
  • Ute Mountain Ute Environmental Program
     – Administers public health and environmental protection programs across tribal lands, including water conservation, air quality, recycling, and renewable energy initiatives.

School Districts & Libraries

  • Cortez School District RE-1
     – Serves over 2,800 students across six schools and four charter programs in Montezuma County.
  • Dolores School District RE-4
     – Offers preschool through high school education and is currently undergoing a major building project.
  • Mancos School District RE-6
     – Known for project-based learning and a close-knit academic community serving early learning through high school.
  • Cortez Public Library
     – Located at 202 N. Park St., offers community programming and a dedicated Storytime Room.
  • Dolores Public Library
     – Hosts events like book clubs, tech help, and youth programs. Located at 1002 Railroad Ave.
  • Mancos Public Library
     – Offers Kanopy streaming, 3D printing, legal help, and meeting room reservations. Located at 211 W 1st St.

Special Districts