Making sense of housing paths and benefits in Boulder.
This page is about what “being on a list” means, how housing paths usually work, and how to
get help like EBT/SNAP, Medicaid, and sometimes cash assistance while you wait.
Housing takes way too long for a lot of people. You didn’t cause that. This is just about
stacking every possible advantage in your favor.
Housing paths after Coordinated Entry
You can ask questions
After CE, you may be matched to different programs: shelter-focused services, case
management, or housing programs (when they have openings).
Ask staff: “What housing programs could I be considered for from here?”
Ask: “What makes someone higher priority on these lists?”
Update them when your health, safety, or situation changes.
Write down what they say, especially program names and dates.
You don’t have to accept vague answers like “you’re on a list” as the whole story.
“I’ve been on a list for years”
Common experience
Being told you’re on a list for years is sadly common. That doesn’t mean nothing is
happening, but it often means there aren’t enough units.
Ask every so often: “Am I still active on that list?”
Confirm they have your current phone, email, and mailing address.
If you get a new case manager, ask them what they can see about your status.
Stay connected to places that might hear about openings first (shelter, case managers, outreach workers).
It’s okay to be frustrated. Use questions to get clarity instead of just getting brushed off.
EBT / SNAP – food money on a card
Helps stretch your food
SNAP (EBT) gives you money for food each month on a card. You can apply even if
you don’t have a traditional lease.
Applications usually go through Colorado PEAK or county human services.
Tell them you’re homeless or unstably housed so they understand your situation.
If online forms are overwhelming, ask a case manager or navigator to help you apply.
Keep your EBT card and PIN safe – losing them is like losing cash.
EBT doesn’t cover hot prepared food in most places, but it can free up cash for other needs.
Medicaid & health coverage
Medical care while unhoused
Medicaid can cover doctor visits, meds, and some mental health and substance use treatment.
Apply through Colorado PEAK or through county human services.
Tell them where you get mail (shelter, friend, PO box, agency).
Ask which clinics in Boulder take Medicaid and are used to unhoused patients.
If you get approved, keep any letters and your Medicaid card safe.
If you’re already on Medicaid in Colorado, ask staff what services you can access nearby.
Cash assistance & disability income
SSI/SSDI · local assistance
Some people qualify for disability income (SSI/SSDI) or small local cash programs.
These processes are slow but can change everything once they land.
Ask case managers if they can refer you to legal/benefits help for SSI/SSDI.
Be honest about how your health or mental health limits your ability to work.
Keep copies (or photos) of important documents: ID, Social Security card, medical records.
Ask if your county has short-term cash help programs for people with no income.
Disability processes can feel like a second full-time job. Getting help with forms and appeals matters.
Using housing & benefits to support work
Stacking tools
Steady-ish income, EBT, and Medicaid can make daily pay jobs and part-time work more realistic.
Tell your case manager about any job or gig you get so they can update your info.
Ask how a job might affect benefits before you start, so there are fewer surprises.
Use benefits to cover basics so job income can go to savings, phone, and gear when possible.
None of these tools are perfect, but together they can keep you from falling off a cliff every time something goes wrong.
