Canyon Cares: A short term emergency safety net
Consider this: A family’s vehicle needs repair. The family can’t afford the repair and lose their only means of transportation to work. They lose their job and income to pay for necessities like rent, food, and utilities. This is the pathway into homelessness for many people, and an example of how addressing an initial financial shortfall proactively by tapping into community resources like Canyon Cares can prevent a small financial crisis from turning into a major issue down the line. Think of Canyon Cares as a short-term, emergency safety net.
Established in 2006 by a few canyon residents, the purpose of Canyon Cares is to help folks with unexpected financial demands such as medical expenses, vehicle repairs, utility bills, mortgage or rental assistance, and more. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded by a combination of grants, individual donors and various corporate support. Our service area spans Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, Ward, Rollinsville, Black Hawk, Central City, and unincorporated Gilpin County.
A client recently described their experience with Canyon Cares after relocating to Nederland for a fresh start with their young children after fleeing an abusive domestic situation. “I went to a shelter for domestic violence survivors in southern Colorado with nothing but my two kids and a backpack. My mother has serious health issues and my father passed away, so I knew that family assistance wasn’t an option. This was all on me. After applying to several Section 8 properties, I ended up in Nederland. It can be hard to ask for help, but when it’s in the best interest for your family, there’s sometimes no other option.”
When asked what advice they would give to someone who is facing a similar financial crisis right now, they said, “First thing to do is to forgive yourself. Second is to evaluate your options, make a plan and take action. Find whatever it takes within yourself, no matter how small, to move forward with your plan every day.” With assistance from Canyon Cares to purchase safe snow tires, plus other local resources for housing and vehicle repairs, this client was able to continue their education online, complete an internship with Bouder County, and will earn an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Health from Pueblo Community College next month. “I am extremely grateful to Canyon Cares for supporting me when I needed it most. I have lots of goals for the future and now feel like I’m on stable ground to pursue them. I’m proud of myself and I want to set a good example for my kids,” said the client.
In 2024, Canyon Cares provided $142,738 in assistance, made possible in part by the generous sustained support of local businesses like United Power and Indian Peaks Ace Hardware. “United Power Round Up Foundation is pleased to partner with Canyon Cares,” stated Foundation Chair Dale McCall. “United Power’s foundation provides quarterly grants to Canyon Cares, who utilizes these funds to help members who need assistance with basic needs. Canyon Cares has been a very responsible steward of our donations, and we are proud of the impact these funds have made on the lives of individuals and families in the canyon.”
“We have been glad to support a great organization like Canyon Cares that aligns so closely with our core values of community and service. They truly have an impact on our mountain community,” said Kalina Culver, Owner of Indian Peaks Ace Hardware.
Support for Canyon Cares strengthens the fabric of your community. You can make an individual one-time donation or set up a recurring monthly gift. Check to see if your employer has a Matching Gift program that could maximize your giving. To learn more about how you can support Canyon Cares or apply for assistance, visit www.CanyonCares.org.
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