Community Resources
Find out where to access health care, education, housing, food, driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other essential services in Chaffee County.
-
Visit ChaffeeResources.com for a broad directory of local services, including health care, housing, food assistance, education, and more.
-
This program is a part of Alpine Achievers and provides bilingual support to help individuals access resources in Chaffee County.
-
Private Facebook group: Latinos Unidos de Chaffee
An informal group that connects Latino and Hispanic families in Chaffee County and nearby areas—both with one another and with the wider community. Members share activities, events, and performances, and support each other through conversation, ideas, and information.
-
Here are local places where you can find free groceries or a hot meal when you need it.
-
This organization connects neighbors to help one another meet everyday needs. It supports access to food, transportation, tutoring, childcare, home repairs, and help navigating legal, language, or government systems.
719-626-1496
-
Colorado Legal Services offers free legal help with family law, eviction defense, consumer protection, public benefits, and services for survivors of serious crime (including human trafficking).
Local Office Contact:
Jeanna Baitlon, Esq.
Colorado Legal Services
1604 H St, Suite 201
Salida, CO 81201
Phone: 719-539-4251
Email: jbaitlon@colegalserv.org -
Mountain Valley Transit (formerly Chaffee Shuttle) provides free weekday bus service between Buena Vista and Salida (and return) with two routes daily, Monday - Friday. Door-to-door, on-demand rides are also available throughout the Arkansas Valley and San Luis Valley.
For non-emergency medical transportation to destinations such as Denver, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo, contact the Transit Coordinator at 719-530-8980. Some trips may be covered by Medicaid; others are available at low cost.
-
Undocumented immigrants in Colorado can now apply for a standard (non–Real ID) driver’s license, permit, or ID card without needing to show a Social Security number or tax return history.
As of March 31, 2025, applicants no longer need to provide:
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Proof of Colorado income tax return filing from the previous year
Printed documentation of Colorado residency for the past 2 years
Applicants still need to bring:
A completed CO-RCSA affidavit
One proof of current Colorado residential address
One form of ID such as a passport, consular card, or military ID from your home country
In Chaffee County
Driver’s licenses and vehicle titles and registration are handled separately at different locations in Salida.
Driver’s Licenses / ID Cards:
Appointments required. Call (720) 295-2965 or visit: DMV.Colorado.gov
You’ll receive a confirmation by email
Salida appointments take place at the Touber Building: 448 E 1st St, Salida, CO 81201
Vehicle Titles and Registration:
When you buy a vehicle, you must get your title and registration right away (unless you bought it on a weekend or holiday, then you have 36 hours). If you wait more than 60 days you’ll have to pay extra fees: past ownership tax and $25 for each month you’re late, up to a maximum of $100.
In Salida: handled at the County Building: 104 Crestone Ave
No appointment needed. Call (719) 539-4004 for help
In Buena Vista: 112 Linderman Ave; no appointment needed
If you bought a vehicle from a dealership:
They may send the title to the County or give it to you to take to the County
Most dealers pay the $7.20 title fee
Note: if the dealer does not give you the title, call or come into the County office with your VIN number, proof of insurance, and ID
You will need to pay registration fees, which cost more if your vehicle is newer, more valuable, or heavier.
If you bought a vehicle from an individual:
Ensure all sellers sign the title
If the title is from another state, you must get a VIN inspection
Call (719) 539-4004 to get an appointment
Get your car insurance right away
Bring your insurance card, signed title, and ID to the County office to get your Colorado title and registration
Acceptable IDs include:
Colorado or other state driver’s license or ID
Military ID
Passport with an I-94 stamp if not from the U.S.
-
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County offer programs for youth and teens between the ages of 6 -18 in Salida (709 Palmer Street) and Buena Vista (Avery Parsons Elementary School, 516 E Main St). Financial aid is available and there are bilingual staff who can assist parents.
Hours of operation:
Monday-Thursday: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month: teens-only extended hours until 8:00 p.m.
No School Fridays: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Summer and holiday hours:
School holidays, New Year’s week, spring break, summer: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.