In Colorado Springs, homeless individuals and families can access emergency hotel or motel vouchers through local non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, and referral services like 2-1-1 Colorado. These vouchers provide temporary hotel stays when emergency shelters are full or unavailable.
Below you can find places that provide hotel vouchers for families facing homelessness in Colorado Springs.
What Are Hotel or Motel Vouchers for Homelessness?
When maximum emergency shelters are full or unavailable near you, some nonprofits and faith-based organizations offer vouchers for hotel or motel rooms.
These vouchers provide short-term stays in a local hotel or motel while more permanent housing or support is found.
These emergency hotel vouchers are an emergency short-term solution, rather than a long-term housing solution.
Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in Colorado Springs
Below are some major non-profit organizations that can provide or connect you with hotel voucher programs in Colorado Springs:
1. The Salvation Army of Colorado Springs
The Salvation Army runs emergency shelters and other homeless assistance programs for homeless individuals and families. They sometimes offer hotel vouchers, emergency shelter, or referrals to local motels. You may also find Emergency housing, rental assistance, food, utility assistance, and other homeless services.
Address: 908 Yuma Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Phone: (719) 636-3891
2. Catholic Charities of Central Colorado
Catholic Charities offers a Family Services program that includes hotel vouchers, rent and utility services in extreme cases, especially when shelters are full. They also operate the Marian House for the homeless.
Address: 10 South Sierra Madre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 866-6286
Website: www.ccharitiescc.org
3. Springs Rescue Mission
Springs Rescue Mission is one of the major programs to provide homeless services in Colorado Springs. They operate a shelter campus and occasionally distribute hotel vouchers for overcrowding or emergency needs. They may also provide Shelter beds, meals, showers, and long-term housing support.
Address: 5 West Las Vegas Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 632-1822
Website: www.springsrescuemission.org
4. El Paso County Department of Human Services
The local DHS office can connect individuals and families with emergency housing resources, including motel vouchers under certain programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Adult Protective Services.
Address: 1675 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: (719) 636-0000
Website: dhs.elpasoco.com
5. The Place (for youth and young adults)
This nonprofit organization helps homeless youth between the ages of 15 and 24 find safe shelter. In urgent cases, they provide hotel vouchers or temporary housing when youth shelters are full.
Address: 423 E. Cucharras Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 471-7080
Website: www.theplacecos.org
6. United Way 211 Colorado
For immediate help, you can call 211 (or visit 211colorado.org) and ask them about hotel vouchers or other shelter options.
If they don’t have any, then they will connect you with local agencies that offer assistance with emergency shelter, food, rent, or transportation.
7. Faith-Based and Community Programs
Churches and small faith groups in Colorado Springs also offer community programs and assistance when public resources are limited.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Offers emergency financial assistance and can provide motel vouchers for short-stay stays.
First Presbyterian Church: Offers emergency assistance and referrals to homeless assistance services.
Woodland Park Church Network: Partners with local shelters to support rural homeless families in need of temporary hotel accommodations.
Sometimes these organizations collaborate with local outreach programs and city agencies to distribute vouchers during cold weather or crises.
Who Might Be Eligible & What to Expect
Eligibility and the process vary for these vouchers, but common criteria include:
- Generally, these hotel vouchers are specially for families with children, single adults, and seniors when no other housing options are available. For example, Local guides show that motel vouchers may be available, but only for a limited time or when requirements are met.
- The voucher covers a limited number of nights (sometimes a few, sometimes more), and the stay must be arranged through or referred by a local agency.
- It is short-term and is linked to case management, outreach, or connection to other services (housing, rental/utility assistance, etc.).
- As an emergency resource, availability may be very limited or the criteria strict.
How to Apply for Hotel Vouchers in Colorado Springs
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to apply for a hotel voucher and what to expect during the process.
Step 1: Contact Local Assistance Agencies
You can start by contacting organizations that offer emergency housing programs or emergency shelters in your area. These may include:
Local homeless shelters: If shelters are full, they may be able to issue a hotel voucher or refer you to an agency that does.
Community Action Agencies: Local community action agencies sometimes also offer emergency financial assistance and housing resources.
Charities and Churches: Nonprofit organizations such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or the United Way distribute hotel stay vouchers during emergencies.
County or City Housing Departments: Some local governments have programs to help residents in crisis situations.
You can also call 2-1-1, a toll-free national hotline that connects you with nearby emergency housing and shelter services.
Step 2: Explain Your Situation Clearly
When requesting a hotel voucher, you’ll need to explain why you need immediate accommodation. Be prepared to share:
- If you are experiencing homelessness or are about to become homeless
- If you have children, elderly relatives, or disabilities
- Why a shelter isn’t an option (e.g., maximum capacity or medical reasons)
- Any urgent needs, such as safety concerns or exposure to extreme weather conditions
- Providing accurate information helps agencies determine your eligibility quickly.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
Each agency may have different requirements, but you may need to provide:
- Photo ID for you and your household members
- Proof of income or unemployment benefits (if applicable)
- Eviction notice or proof of homelessness
- Referral letter from a social worker or social service provider
If you don’t have all your documents, don’t worry: explain your situation to the social worker, as many agencies can help you in an emergency.
Step 4: Complete the application process
Depending on the agency, you may need to:
- Visit the office in person to complete the application
- Apply by phone or online (for some organizations)
- Receive a referral from a case manager or social worker
Once approved, the organization will issue a hotel voucher, either a printed certificate or a direct booking agreement with a local motel.
Step 5: Follow the program rules
After receiving the voucher, you will need to:
- Stay at the assigned hotel or motel
- Check out before the indicated date (vouchers usually last a few days to a week)
- Keep in touch with your social worker regarding next steps
- Avoid damaging property or violating hotel policies
Some agencies may extend your stay if you are actively participating in a housing or job placement program.
Step 6: Connect with Long-Term Support
A hotel voucher is only a temporary solution. During your hotel stay, take advantage of additional support:
- Ask about rental assistance programs or housing search help.
- Seek employment or financial assistance through local job centers.
- Connect with social workers to create a housing plan.
- Building a relationship with the agency during this time can improve your chances of finding permanent housing sooner.
Conclusion
Lastly, if you or someone you know needs immediate shelter, call 211 or contact one of the local agencies listed above. These programs not only provide emergency housing but also connect people with employment assistance, food support, and long-term housing solutions that allow them to achieve stability and independence.
