STUDENT & Family support

We understand that students and families may face challenges beyond the classroom. That’s why we are committed to connecting students and their families with essential resources, including housing support, crisis assistance, healthcare, food access, and financial aid programs.


If you or your family need assistance with housing, utilities, mental health support, food access, or other essential needs, this page provides a list of programs and services available in Colorado.


Need immediate help? Contact your Learning Site mentor or reach out to one of the resources listed below.


Unhoused Students

  • Unhoused Student Support and Housing Resources

  • Unhoused Student Education / McKinney-Vento Program

    HOPE Online Learning Academy is committed to supporting students experiencing homelessness through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Student Education Program. This program ensures that students who lack a consistent nighttime residence have access to education and essential services.


    Who qualifies?

    • Students living in any of the following situations may be eligible for assistance:
    • Temporarily staying with others due to housing loss, economic hardship, or similar reasons.
    • Living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, group homes, or abandoned in hospitals.
    • Unsheltered (living in cars, parks, bus stations, streets, or inadequate housing).
    • Staying in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations.

  • What support does HOPE provide?

    What support does HOPE provide?


    • Enrollment Assistance – Help enrolling at HOPE Learning Sites.
    • Free Breakfast & Lunch – Available at participating Learning Sites.
    • School & Hygiene Supplies – Free backpacks, school materials, and hygiene kits.
    • Transportation Assistance – Support for getting to and from school.
    • Activity & Sports Vouchers – Participation in HOPE extracurricular programs at no cost.
    • Community Referrals – Access to healthcare, dental, mental health, substance abuse, housing assistance, and other resources.
    • Unaccompanied Youth Support – FAFSA assistance and independent student status for financial aid.

    Need Assistance?

    Contact the HOPE Unhoused Student Liaison for support and resources.


    Laura Schickedanz

    McKinney-Vento Liaison

    Cell: 720-315-8365

    Email: Laura.Schickedanz@HOPEonline.org

     

    HOPE Online Learning Academy

    9780 Pyramid Court, Suite 100

    Engelwood, CO 80112

    720-402-3000


Utilities Assistance


Keeping your home safe and warm is essential. If your family is struggling with utility costs, these programs may be able to help:


  • LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program)  – 1-866-432-8435
    The Colorado LEAP is a federally funded program that helps hard working Colorado families, seniors, those with disabilities and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating cots.  It is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating for qualifying participants, but rather to help alleviate some of the energy burden associated with the colder winter months.


  •  Xfinity/Comcast – Low-income internet assistance 
  • Internet Essentials Plan – $9.95/month (plus tax) with no contract & free equipment.
  • Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – Provides eligible households with up to $30 per month in internet service credits.


Crisis Support & Mental Health Resources


If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs mental health support, help is available 24/7.


  • Colorado Crisis Services – 1-844-493-8255 or Text "TALK" to 38255
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988
  • Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support) – 1-866-488-7386 or Text "START" to 678678
  • Safe2Tell Colorado (Anonymous Safety Reporting) – 1-877-542-7233


Additional Crisis Resources




Health & Mental Health Support



Immunization Requirements

All students must meet Colorado’s state-mandated immunization requirements.

Requirements English


Requirements Spanish



Free & Low-Cost Healthcare Resource






Community Assistance Programs

Clothes to Kids of Denver

By Appointment Only


To make an appointment call 720-379-4630, Tuesday-Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.


Free school clothing for all HOPE students attending HOPE Online Learning Academy. CTKD provides hundreds of free school wardrobes each month to students from low-income or in-crisis families and has built a strong reputation among schools, human service agencies, shelters, hospitals, clinics and faith communities across the Denver Metro Area, which have come to rely on CTKD to meet the clothing needs of students from low-income families.


A Clothes to Kids Wardrobe includes:

  • 5 tops
  • 4 bottoms (any combination of pants/shorts/skirts/dresses)
  • 1 additional dress or skirt (optional)
  • 5 pairs new underwear
  • 5 pairs new socks
  • 1 bra (optional)
  • 1 pair shoes
  • 1 jacket

Colorado Human Services & Benefit Programs

If your family needs help with food, healthcare, housing, or financial assistance, Colorado Human Services offers statewide programs to support families in need.

Colorado PEAK   – Apply for food, medical, SNAP, energy assistance, and other benefits online



Need help applying for benefits? Visit your local Human Services office or call the Colorado Human Services helpline.