DENVER — As the federal government shutdown nears the two-month mark, Colorado nonprofits serving older adults say the prolonged stalemate is fueling deep anxiety — not just over the loss of benefits, but the fear and uncertainty surrounding them.

“It’s put a lot of strain on both organizations and the seniors that they serve, because this government shutdown… most organizations weren’t prepared for this,” said Steve Olguin, executive director of Bright Leaf Inc. , a nonprofit that helps older adults with home repairs.

Now, Olguin’s team has shifted its work to included food deliveries, with about 25 to 30 volunteers driving boxes to those who cannot get to food banks. Even that help can’t keep pace with need.

“Now we have long waiting lists to get a lot of these services, because a l

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