You might be amazed to find out what our neighbors are up against these days. While increased costs of basic goods affects us all, here in the Rocky Mountain region more local families have been pushed to the limit.
Some were already struggling, working hard to keep up but falling further and further behind. Other families had always managed … but the dramatic increase in prices overwhelmed their budgets. These are neighbors who never could have imagined needing The Salvation Army’s help … but they are turning to us now, in growing numbers.
Here are some of the hurdles families are facing.
We’ve all experienced paying more for the basics — keeping food on the table and a roof overhead. But for a growing number of families throughout our Rocky Mountain region, it”s become impossible to keep up with the higher costs of almost everything.
Many of these hardworking families were already straining to make ends meet. But there are also many neighbors who had always felt secure — but are now doing what they never could have imagined: walking through the doors of The Salvation Army and asking for help.
Fortunately, the generosity of our supporters keeps our doors open, delivering vitally needed help to the growing number of families in need.
Here are some of the hurdles families are facing.

High Food Costs
Whether well-off or struggling, families of the same size generally need the same amount of food. That’s why food costs will “eat up” a higher percentage of a struggling family’s budget. Add to this the fact that lower-income areas tend to have fewer food purchasing options, leading to less price competition and sometimes the added expense of traveling further to buy food.
*Source: Economic Research Service U.S. Department of Agriculture

Soaring Rent
Inflation, a housing shortage in the Rocky Mountain Region, and high interest rates mean that more families have been priced out of buying homes and must continue to rent. This has driven rents up, creating an even higher hurdle for families to clear each month.

The Perfect Storm
Food, fuel, and rent — these are not only necessities, but expenses that tend to be heavily impacted by inflation. These additional costs combine to overwhelm many families already struggling.

No Cushion
For many families who were struggling before prices went up, it was still possible to save a small amount of money for an emergency. Now more of those families are simply unable to save anything after covering the basics. As a result, they’re just one repair bill or medical expense away from crisis.

The Credit Card “Tax”
When a paycheck won’t stretch far enough to cover all expenses, some families have no choice but to purchase food or other essentials using a credit card. They then have to pay the additional costs of interest payments.

When Struggling Families Need Help
Did you know that, according to the US Government Accountability Office, personal credit card debt in the US has increased dramatically in the past few years, recently hitting an all-time record? Even so, families continue to struggle to keep up. Currently, one in seven children in our region experiences food insecurity, while homelessness has also risen sharply in 2024 — increasing 30% in Colorado alone.
This is where The Salvation Army comes in. As an organization with generations of experience here in the Rocky Mountain Region, we know what works to help people get back on their feet.
With a 360-degree approach, we look at what each individual family needs, whether it’s food, shelter, emergency assistance, practical help, spiritual support, or just encouragement and a listening ear.
This proven approach brings neighbors the help they need, in the most effective and efficient way possible. It’s how we offer families hope, and keep them from becoming statistics.
You have the power, right now, to provide local families with the help they urgently need.

Struggling Families Need Your Help
Did you know that, according to the US Government Accountability Office, personal credit card debt in the US has increased dramatically in the past few years, recently hitting an all-time record? Even so, families continue to struggle to keep up. Currently, one in seven children in our region experiences food insecurity, while homelessness has also risen sharply in 2024 — increasing 30% in Colorado alone.
This is why the support of caring people like you is so important. By joining with The Salvation Army, an organization with generations of experience here in the Rocky Mountain Region, friends like you become part of the safety net that keeps local families from becoming statistics. Your support can help empower an organization with a proven track record of knowing what works to help people in need.
You’ll lift neighbors up over the hurdles they face — providing meals, shelter, emergency assistance, spiritual support, and more. Just think of what that will mean — especially for the children, who feel it most when a family struggles.
You have the power, right now, to provide local families with the help they urgently need.
Would you like to make a different kind of difference? To find out about volunteer opportunities in your area here.
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