El Paso County Human Services continues to provide essential services, however there are some changes to in-person services to comply with orders and recommendations related to COVID-19.
The pandemic has created significant hardships for many families and individuals, and they may need assistance for the first time. Assistance programs are designed to assist people in a crisis.
“We encourage families and others to pursue the help they may need to make sure themselves and their children are fed and that they are able to access medical care if needed,” said Julie Krow, executive director of the Department of Human Services.
In-person services are available in a temporary emergency lobby on the first floor of the Citizens Service Center, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road. Services include over-the-shoulder help with applying online for assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), paperwork drop-off, and EBT card issuance.
It is still safer to remain at home, if possible. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, do not come in and apply online. The public is encouraged to utilize online resources to apply for and manage assistance programs. Colorado.gov/PEAK is a secure system and people can apply using a computer or cell phone. The Colorado Program Eligibility and Application Kit (PEAK) at Colorado.gov/PEAK has everything needed to:
- Learn about public assistance programs
- Complete an application
- Manage benefits
Anyone can connect to PEAK 24 hours a day, seven days a week via internet access. The free MyCoBenefits app is available through the Apple and Android app stores. PEAKHealth is a free app for current Medicaid and CHP+ members who have a Colorado.gov/PEAK account. The first time you use PEAK, use a valid email address to create a PEAK account so you can save your application and finish it later, track your application status and use other online tools.
Efforts to protect the most vulnerable in our region never stopped. The public is encouraged to report concerns of abuse and neglect.
- Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week: 1-844-CO-4-KIDS or 1-844-264‑5437
- Adult Abuse or Neglect Intake Line is monitored between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, closed holidays: (719) 444-5755
If it is an emergency, or an urgent situation, please contact law enforcement at 9-1-1.
If you are seeking additional resources or assistance beyond human services programs, call 2-1-1 to be directed to community resources and nonprofits.