Colorado is currently in the process of reviewing the initial batch of applications for its latest grant initiative designed to offer temporary rental assistance.
Sam Gilman, co-founder and co-CEO of the Colorado Economic Defense Project, stated that temporary rental assistance was passed by the state legislature in the special session in November.
It must be expanded by the end of June, and it’s administered by the Division of Local Affairs. We’re talking about $30 million, which is a meaningful amount of money.
And it also is important to note that about 5,000 people can be served with this money.
And also about 5,000 people faced eviction alone in the month of January here in Colorado.
According to the most recent information obtained from Denver County Court, there were 662 eviction filings recorded within the initial two weeks of February.
This figure represents a substantial increase compared to the preceding month of January, during which there were 1,500 filings, marking the second-highest monthly total recorded in at least the past five years.
Colorado Rental Assistance Program
The Temporary Rental Assistance Grant Program in Colorado is available to renters statewide who satisfy the following conditions:
- Maintain an income level at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) applicable to their geographic region.
- Have not received assistance from a rental aid program within the past 12 months.
- Are in arrears on their rent payments.
Under this program, the state will cover rent payments for a maximum of five months or up to $10,000, whichever amount is lower.
Additionally, organizations such as the Community Economic Defense Project, La Puente, and Neighbor to Neighbor are collaborating to assist renters with their application process.
Gilman mentioned that the Colorado Economic Defense Project (CEDP) intends to offer assistance to renters ahead of each funding cycle.
The application window for the initial round of submissions has ended.
The state commenced processing applications for the first phase of assistance as of 5 pm on February 20th. Gilman further stated that the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) will oversee a randomized selection procedure to allocate funds among applicants.
