Media Contact: Brett McPherson | 303-656-7464
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Housing (DOH) now offers a direct online application for the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), and awarded $1.2M through the Colorado State Housing Board (SHB) for affordable housing in January.
DOLA allocated more than $35M in state and federal relief funds to help prevent evictions and foreclosures in 2020 through its EHAP and Property Owner Preservation (POP) programs, for which demand has increased significantly. In January alone, Coloradans requested another $42M of assistance. In response, DOLA has created an application portal for homeowners and tenants to apply directly on DOH's website.
“We are excited about program improvements we have made to POP and EHAP, including an administrative firm we have brought on to assist us and our partners with the high volume of applications,” said Director of Housing Alison George. “We served over 16,000 households in 2020 in response to the pandemic, and we already have nearly 14,000 requests in January.”
Also in January, DOLA awarded Artspace Projects, Inc. $650K to assist with construction of 30 new units of affordable rental housing in downtown Ridgway, Colorado. The Ridgeway Space project is a mix of 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments available to households with incomes averaged between 30 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The development is rent and income restricted for a minimum of 50 years to ensure long-term affordability in Ouray County.
DOLA awarded Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority $255K to expand their down payment assistance program to assist qualifying households in Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties. Borrowers will attend a HUD-approved homebuyer education class given by a certified housing counseling agency. The Department also awarded NeighborWorks of Southern Colorado $290K for their down payment assistance program in Pueblo, which will provide DPA loans to households in that area. Both programs help families with incomes between 80 and 100 percent of the AMI.
“We understand the anxiety and frustration that comes with the struggle to pay your housing costs,” George added. “We are working tirelessly to try and support every Coloradan who needs help to remain stably housed.”
The State Housing Board and DOLA’s Division of Housing continue to support the creation of affordable housing that is accessible, safe and secure for all Coloradoans.