Media Contact: Chynna Cowart
chynna.cowart@state.co.us | 303-656-7464
In a meeting on November 30, the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) will introduce its Housing Recovery Program in Grand County.
The State of Colorado Housing Recovery Program's objective is to offer more resources for rebuilding to people who require support in order to stay in their communities in the wake of a natural disaster. The initiative intends to encourage rebuilding in line with community-adopted high performance building standards and optional sustainable building components that go beyond local code requirements, such as the use of fire-resistant building materials and energy efficiency measures.
“We look forward to introducing the Housing Recovery Program in Grand County and listening to the concerns of those affected by the East Troublesome Fire.” Tim Katers, Financial Assistance Manager
The State of Colorado Housing Recovery Program
The program has two different funding sources available for those impacted by the East Troublesome Fire:
- The State Disaster Resilience Rebuilding (DRR) fund; and
- The Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Disaster-affected households can apply for grants or loans through this program. Those whose income is at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) can apply for rebuilding grants in the form of forgivable loans through the program. For assistance with their rebuilding expenditures, those who earn more than this threshold may apply for a loan with advantageous conditions of up to $50,000. Households qualified for grants (forgivable loans) may also apply for traditional loans if they require additional funds to finish their reconstruction. Together, these initiatives seek to aid Coloradans who have experienced natural disasters in not only rebuilding their houses but also creating healthier, safer, and more durable homes across the state.
Households also have the option to participate in the Colorado Energy Office’s Recovery and Electrification Program, which offers an additional $10,000 incentive for incorporating select energy efficient options that reduce the use of natural gas.
Program Eligibility
- People who owned a home affected by a disaster as their primary residence at the time of an eligible state-declared disaster are eligible applicants (see chart below).
- Assistance is available for those who lost their homes as a result of the state-declared Colorado disasters since 2018. Only ongoing rebuilding expenses may be paid for using these reconstruction funds.
- Single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, condominiums, and prefabricated or mobile homes permanently attached to permanent foundations and taxed as real property that suffered significant damage are all eligible property types.
- Second houses and properties used for short-term rentals are ineligible under this program.
The development of the application is ongoing, and a release date in the next few weeks is anticipated.
| Year | State-Declared Disaster with Residential Property Losses |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Spring Creek Fire: Costilla & Huerfano Counties |
| 2018 | Chateau Fire: Teller County |
2018
| Lake Christine Fire: Eagle County |
| 2019 | Avalanche Debris and Flooding Risk: Hinsdale County |
| 2020 | Cameron Peak Fire: Larimer County |
| 2020 | Mullen Fire: Jackson County |
| 2020 | East Troublesome Fire: Grand County |
| 2020 | Calwood Fire: Boulder County |
| Muddy Slide Fire: Routt County | |
| 2021 | Burn Scar Flooding, Mudslides, Rockslides: Garfield, Larimer, Eagle, Grand, Routt, Rio Blanco & Pitkin Counties |
| 2021 | Marshall Fire and Straight-LineWinds: Boulder County |
Rebuilding Colorado
“When Colorado faces natural disasters, it is crucial that we stand by one another and work to rebuild. This program aims to help Coloradans restore their homes and stay in their communities.” Rick Garcia, Executive Director
The Department of Local Affairs will hold an introductory Housing Recovery Program meeting on Wednesday, November 30 in Granby for those affected by the East Troublesome Fire.