Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Colorado Springs

Homelessness is a serious issue in Colorado Springs, affecting individuals and families who have lost their homes due to unemployment, illness, or financial hardship. When shelters are full or unavailable, hotel voucher programs offer short-term accommodations in local motels and hotels. These vouchers provide people with a safe place to stay while they seek long-term housing or other assistance.

This article explains how hotel vouchers for homeless people work in Colorado Springs, who provides them, how to apply for them, and where to find other forms of housing support in the area.

What Are Hotel or Motel Vouchers for Homelessness?

When traditional emergency shelters are full, inaccessible, or inadequate (for example, for families with children or people with special needs), some homeless service systems offer vouchers for a hotel or motel room.

These vouchers allow individuals or families to stay temporarily in commercial accommodations while more permanent housing or support is found.

These vouchers are typically an emergency interim solution, rather than a long-term housing solution.

Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in Colorado Springs

Below are key resources that can provide or connect you with hotel voucher programs in Colorado Springs:

The Salvation Army of Colorado Springs

The Salvation Army operates emergency 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, and utility assistance.

Address: 908 Yuma Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Phone: (719) 636-3891

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado

Catholic Charities offers a Family Services program that includes hotel vouchers 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

Springs Rescue Mission

Springs Rescue Mission is one of the leading providers of 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

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

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, it provides 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

United Way 211 Colorado

Call 211 (or visit 211colorado.org) for immediate help finding available hotel voucher programs.

This free service connects you with local agencies that offer assistance with emergency shelter, food, rent, or transportation.

Faith-Based and Community Programs

Churches and small faith groups in Colorado Springs also offer 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.

These organizations often collaborate with local outreach teams and city agencies to distribute vouchers during cold weather or crises.

Who Might Be Eligible & What to Expect

Eligibility and the process vary, but common features include:

• Generally, it is targeted at families with children, single adults, or other vulnerable populations when no other housing options are available. For example, local toolkits indicate eligibility for motel vouchers “while supplies last” or under certain conditions.

• The voucher may cover a limited number of nights (sometimes a few, sometimes more), and often the stay must be arranged through or referred by a local agency.

• A key condition: 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.

For Colorado Springs, specifically, the voucher is part of the broader emergency/overcrowding shelter framework.

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

Start by contacting organizations that operate emergency housing programs 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: These organizations often manage emergency financial assistance and housing resources.

Charities and Churches: Nonprofit organizations such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or the United Way may distribute vouchers.

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 likely 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

Hotel vouchers in Colorado Springs are a vital resource for people experiencing homelessness or who have suddenly lost their housing. While availability may be limited, several organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Springs Rescue Mission, offer assistance or referrals to safe housing.

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.