Community Economic Defense Project (CEDP) is a Colorado Springs-based non-profit organization dedicated to preventing eviction and confronting economic injustice in the community. Founded with a mission to protect community wealth and stop economic abuse, the organization operates as a comprehensive resource center for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. CEDP positions itself as a one-stop-shop model, recognizing that getting help during economic crisis shouldn't require navigating fragmented systems.
CEDP offers integrated services across multiple areas of economic hardship: direct rental assistance for eviction prevention, legal representation and advice for foreclosure cases, vehicle recovery assistance for unjust towing situations, and disaster relief for homes damaged by climate events. The organization also provides resource navigation, connecting clients with local service providers, and engages in policy advocacy to influence systemic change. Their service model combines immediate financial assistance with legal experience context, aiming to address both symptoms and root causes of economic instability.
The organization distinguishes itself through significant scale of impact and demographic focus. CEDP reports serving over 50,000 total clients with legal advice, representation, and financial assistance, with approximately 2,800 monthly individuals receiving legal or financial aid. Notably, 74% of their clients identify as BIPOC or Hispanic/Latino, indicating intentional service to historically underserved communities. They have distributed over $200 million in financial assistance, positioning them as a substantial resource for community economic support. Their integrated approach—combining legal representation, financial aid, and resource navigation—differentiates them from siloed service providers.
However, prospective clients should note that CEDP's website provides limited information about eligibility criteria, service areas within Colorado Springs, response timeframes, or specific financial assistance amounts. While their impact metrics are impressive, the website lacks detailed operational information such as hours, application processes, or detailed service limitations. The organization's geographic scope appears limited to Colorado Springs, which may not serve surrounding areas. Potential clients should contact directly for specific details about eligibility and available services.