Media Contact: Chynna Cowart
chynna.cowart@state.co.us | 303-656-7464
Colorado’s temporary short-term emergency rental assistance program has successfully deployed nearly all the federal funds received through acts of Congress.
The State will cease to take new applications for this program after 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2022, while continuing to pay out funding already awarded. Previously submitted applications that are currently being reviewed will continue to be processed until all program funds have been awarded and disbursed.
While the State’s application portal will soon be closed to new applications, the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) will work to maintain all existing rental benefits. However, criteria and prioritization are subject to change in order to ensure sufficient funding remains available for pending applications. The State has served more than 36,000 households, over 70% of whom have 50% Area Median Income (AMI) or less.
Published on July 1, 2022
Colorado's Focus On Long-Term Solutions
Although the State will not be accepting applications after November 15, 2022, residents of Denver, Larmier, and Boulder counties may still apply for rental assistance from their local jurisdictions. The United States Treasury allocated emergency rental assistance to cities and counties within Colorado that are considered larger jurisdictions (more than 200,000 people). Funds have been administered and expended at different rates by each jurisdiction. If you live in one of the counties listed above, you are encouraged to verify funding availability by contacting the county directly.
When it comes to recovery and housing stability in Colorado, the State aims to provide a sustainable, focused response. The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) will continue its efforts to prevent evictions as federal funding for the program expires by prioritizing eviction cases and connecting tenants with housing services.
“While this temporary funding and program is coming to an end, Colorado's Department of Local Affairs will continue to work with our state and other contracted partners as we support those needing further individualized assistance,” said Melissa Nereson, Housing Recovery Manager.
As this program comes to a close, the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) continues to work with households whose needs exceed what the Emergency Rental Assistance Program can provide. Since the announcement of the final phases of this program in July, the Colorado COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project launched their ERAP Customer CARE Center, which provides compassionate support, technical assistance, and connection to resources for tenants and landlords. Nonprofit partners have enlisted Housing Stability Specialists to work one-on-one with tenants and assist them in identifying wrap-around resources, planning for self-reliance, and connecting them to community “safety net hubs”.
“DOLA is very grateful to the American Rescue Plan Act emergency rental assistance funding we received and have successfully exhausted over the past two years. Coloradans most impacted by the COVID pandemic have benefitted with stabilized housing. Individual and community health and wellness depend on stable housing and DOLA remains focused on this mission,” said Rick Garcia, Executive Director
State Portal Closure Next Steps
If you have already submitted your application and you are now facing eviction, please contact a representative by calling or texting 720-356-0174 or 1-888-480-0066, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. mountain time, and on Saturdays 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for an update on your pending application.
If your application remains inactive in the portal, the non-responsive status will be noted and you will be contacted to finish/submit or cancel your application for emergency rental assistance.
At this time, the State’s application portal will remain open for two more weeks. Coloradans who have not yet applied for or received emergency rental assistance are encouraged to submit their applications before this portal closure date.
Please visit RentHelpCO.org for more information.