Links

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 – Multilingual helpline for food, shelter, rent assistance, and crisis support. Dial 2-1-1 or text ZIP code to 898-211.
Colorado Division of Housing – Rental assistance, housing vouchers, and homelessness prevention. Call 303-864-7852.
Community Resources & Housing Development Corporation (CRHDC) – Affordable rentals, homebuyer education, and self-help housing. Call 303-428-1448.
Help Colorado Now – COVID-19 relief for food, medical supplies, childcare, and housing.
Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) – Low-interest loans and counseling for homebuyers. Call 303-572-9445.
Colorado Housing Connects – Affordable housing, tenant rights, and rental assistance. Call 844-926-6632.
Colorado Homeless Families – Transitional housing and support. Call 303-420-6634.
Temporary Rental & Utility Assistance (TRUA) – Emergency rent and utility payments for Denver residents.
The Ross Management Group – Housing assistance for qualified applicants. Call 303-860-7885.
Property Tax & Rent Relief Program – For residents over 65, with disabilities, or low income.
Senior Housing Options, Inc. – Affordable housing for older adults. Call 303-595-4464.
STRIDE – Family services and poverty reduction plans.
Supportive Housing Programs (SHP) – Rent assistance and services via 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 – 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 – Shelter, transitional housing, and support for survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and seniors in Southwest Colorado. Call (970) 259-1021.
The Piñon Project – Family resource center offering emergency assistance, parenting programs, supervised visitation, and employment support. Located in Cortez. Call (970) 564-9011.
Pay It Forward Fund – Financial support for Mancos Valley residents facing unexpected medical or personal hardships. Applications available online or at the Mancos Chamber of Commerce.
Colorado Legal Services – Free civil legal aid for 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 – Access to services, departments, and statewide resources including taxes, licensing, and public health.
City of Cortez – Municipal site featuring city council updates, public services, permits, and community events.
Town of Dolores – Local government site with town meetings, ordinances, and recreational opportunities.
Town of Mancos – Town services, planning documents, and community resources for residents and visitors.
Colorado State Parks – Directory of state-managed parks offering camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing across Colorado.

Local News & Information

Cortez Journal – Local news, events, and wildfire updates
Four Corners Free Press – Independent monthly publication covering regional issues
Montezuma County Wikipedia Page – Overview of county history, geography, and demographics
Mesa Verde Country – Travel, lodging, and cultural attractions in the region
Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce – Business support, events, and relocation resources
Region 9 Economic Development District – Economic data, business loans, and regional planning
Southwest Memorial Hospital – Local healthcare services and emergency care
Colorado Traveler Information – Road conditions, closures, and alerts
Dolores River Flow Rates – Real-time water data from USGS
Colorado Avalanche Information Center – Avalanche forecasts and safety resources
Southwest Colorado Fire Information Clearinghouse – Wildfire preparedness and local updates

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. Call (970) 564-9700.
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. Call (970) 564-9700.

School Districts & Libraries

Cortez School District RE-1 – Serves over 2,800 students across six schools and four charter programs in Montezuma County. Call (970) 565-7000.
Dolores School District RE-4 – Offers preschool through high school education and is currently undergoing a major building project. Call (970) 882-3291.
Mancos School District RE-6 – Known for project-based learning and a close-knit academic community serving early learning through high school. Call (970) 533-3400.
Cortez Public Library – Located at 202 N. Park St., offers community programming and a dedicated Storytime Room. Call (970) 564-5670.
Dolores Public Library – Hosts events like book clubs, tech help, and youth programs. Located at 1002 Railroad Ave. Call (970) 882-3121.
Mancos Public Library – Offers Kanopy streaming, 3D printing, legal help, and meeting room reservations. Located at 211 W 1st St. Call (970) 533-3400.

Special Districts

Southwest Colorado TV District – Maintains over-the-air TV translators serving Montezuma, Dolores, La Plata, and San Juan counties. Call (970) 564-9977.
Dolores Water Conservancy District — Dolores Project & McPhee Reservoir – Oversees water delivery, conservation, and infrastructure for agricultural and municipal use. Call (970) 565-9800.
High Desert Conservation District – Provides technical assistance, irrigation support, and land stewardship programs. Call (970) 564-9997.
Mancos Conservation District – Focuses on watershed planning, forestry coordination, and conservation education. Call (970) 564-9997.
Cortez Sanitation District – Delivers wastewater collection and treatment services for Cortez and surrounding areas. Call (970) 565-3391.