Canyon Cares: A Short Term Emergency Safety Net

A Single Crisis Can Change Everything
Picture this: a family's car breaks down and they can't afford the repair. Without transportation, a parent loses their job. Without income, they can't pay rent, buy food, or keep the lights on. What started as a single financial setback becomes a fast track to homelessness.
This is the reality for many families in our mountain community — and it's exactly the kind of crisis Canyon Cares exists to prevent. A timely intervention can stop a small emergency from spiraling into something much harder to recover from. Think of Canyon Cares as your community's short-term emergency safety net.

Who We Are
Founded in 2006 by a handful of canyon residents, Canyon Cares helps neighbors facing unexpected financial hardship — things like medical bills, vehicle repairs, utility costs, and rent or mortgage assistance. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded through grants, individual donors, and corporate support. We serve Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, Ward, Rollinsville, Black Hawk, Central City, and unincorporated Gilpin County.

A Story of Resilience
One Canyon Cares client relocated to Nederland for a fresh start — a single parent fleeing domestic abuse with two young children and little else. Without family to lean on, she applied for housing assistance and eventually settled in Nederland.
"I went to a shelter with nothing but my two kids and a backpack," she shared. "It can be hard to ask for help, but when it's in the best interest of your family, there's sometimes no other option."
Her advice to others in crisis? "First, forgive yourself. Then evaluate your options, make a plan, and take action. Find whatever it takes within yourself — no matter how small — to move forward every day."
With help from Canyon Cares to purchase safe snow tires, along with local support for housing and vehicle repairs, she was able to continue her education, complete an internship with Boulder 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."

Our Impact
In 2024, Canyon Cares provided $142,738 in direct assistance — made possible in part by the sustained generosity of local businesses like United Power and Indian Peaks Ace Hardware.
"United Power Round Up Foundation is pleased to partner with Canyon Cares," said Foundation Chair Dale McCall. "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 an organization like Canyon Cares that aligns so closely with our core values of community and service," added Kalina Culver, Owner of Indian Peaks Ace Hardware. "They truly have an impact on our mountain community."

How You Can Help
When you support Canyon Cares, you strengthen the fabric of this community. You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring monthly donation — and if your employer offers a Matching Gift program, your contribution could go even further.