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The holiday season is a time to gather with loved ones, share festive cheer, and create cherished memories. But for many, the financial burden of the holidays can cast a shadow over this joyous period.

Amid the hustle and bustle of gift-giving and holiday celebrations, it can be easy to overlook a looming rent date. If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet during this time, it’s important not to panic. There are several resources and strategies available to help you navigate challenging financial situations.

To provide expert guidance, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) Program Director Patrick Noonan answered common questions on managing rent payments during the holiday season. Here’s what he had to say.

With the holiday season approaching, many people may find themselves facing financial challenges. In your experience, what are some common reasons people struggle to pay their rent during this time?

After the holidays, it is common for us to hear from more people in need of help. There is a lot of pressure for families to spend more money around the holidays on gifts, food, and travel. Our clients also report earning less because they may lose hours at work during the holidays. It is tempting to spend on holiday expenses and want to figure it out later. However, too many people get burnt this way and find themselves struggling to make rent in January.

There are a number of things people can do to avoid this pitfall. For example, there are holiday food and toy drives that can help avoid overspending. There are also resources that can help with saving on other expenses like internet. If you can’t find ways to cut on holiday expenses, it can be helpful to figure out ways to increase your income during this time. Seasonal or gig work could be a good option. For resources to help with food and toy drives, low-cost internet programs, or workforce support, don’t hesitate to reach out to speak with one of our housing navigators or search on https://www.211colorado.org/.

If someone realizes they won’t be able to pay their rent, what are the first steps they should take in seeking assistance?

If someone is worried about paying their rent, they need to reach out for help as soon as possible. While financial assistance can be limited, it is critical that they explore their options immediately. Clients can find relief by seeking rental or utility assistance, working with a tenant-landlord mediator, learning about their rights through an eviction prevention legal workshop, or by seeking legal services. Clients can learn more by reaching out through our website https://coloradohousingconnects.org/renters-im-facing-eviction-and-need-help-with-my-rent/ or calling us at 844-926-6632.

How important is it for individuals to communicate with their landlords about their financial difficulties? 

A landlord is much more likely to work with a tenant experiencing a hardship when the tenant proactively communicates with the landlord. The earlier on a tenant starts this conversation, the more time they will have to work with their landlord on a resolution. Some tenants are able to negotiate a payment plan. If a tenant needs help communicating with their landlord, Brothers Redevelopment can provide free mediation in Adams and Denver Counties. Tenants in other counties that receiving certain public benefits may also be entitled to free tenant-landlord mediation.

In situations where individuals are facing possible eviction, what legal considerations should they be aware of?

It is important for tenants to know they have rights throughout the eviction process. If you receive a notice that your landlord is starting the eviction process it doesn’t mean that you need to move out right away. Take a deep breath and take some time to understand your rights. Consider attending one of our monthly eviction prevention workshops or seek legal aid.

What role does Colorado Housing Connects play in providing support to those struggling with rent payments?

Colorado Housing Connects can help point people to rent and utility assistance programs that may support those struggling to make ends meet. These resources change regularly, so it is important to reach out to get the latest information on what might be available. We offer support through tenant-landlord mediation in Adams and Denver Counties. You can also attend one of our monthly eviction prevention legal workshops. There are also a bunch of other resources available that our navigators can refer you to so you can meet your basic needs and breathe easier.

Beyond immediate assistance, what advice do you have for individuals to work towards more sustainable, long-term solutions for their housing and financial stability?

If you’re worried about affording your rent on an ongoing basis, we host regular affordable housing search workshops. We’ll talk about resources like subsidized housing, tax credit housing, affordable homeownership programs, and home sharing among other things. You can also meet with one of our housing counselors to assess your situation and learn what might be the best fit for you.

What final words of advice or encouragement would you like to share with individuals facing difficulty paying rent? 

It can be natural to panic or shutdown. It is important to take a deep breath and reach out for help. There are a number of things someone can do to avoid an eviction. Our navigators are happy to help you discuss your options.


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Joseph and Mary Lucero have lived in their cherished Southwest Denver home for nearly 60 years.

The couple has been married for an impressive 65 years and met by the luck of the draw. Joseph grew up in Northern Colorado while Mary grew up in the southern region of the state before their paths eventually crossed.

As they’ve navigated the journey of life together, the Luceros nurtured and raised three children, forming the cornerstone of a family foundation. However, the passage of time has presented its inevitable challenges, mirroring the experiences of many older adults we hear from in our community.

At 87 years old, Joseph finds himself grappling with diminishing vision, while Mary relies on a cane for mobility. In tandem with their own aging process, their cherished home has weathered the years. Their home’s exterior paint was showing signs of wear and tear, and the couple needed home modifications to ensure that they could safely exit and enter their house.

Thankfully with the help of their daughter, the Luceros learned of Brothers Redevelopment’s services from a neighbor whose house was painted through our Paint-A-Thon Program. So, over the summer, a team of volunteers from Shamrock Painting came to the Lucero home armed with paintbrushes and paint, ready to give the house a fresh, new look. Shortly after, Brothers Redevelopment’s Home Modification and Repair Program installed a brand-new ramp for the couple to easily enter their home.

“Our quality of life changed,” said Joseph. “We have an easier walk into the house, and we don’t have to worry about the house looking like it was going to come down. The volunteers did such a wonderful job, and we’ve been receiving compliments from every direction.”

The Lucero’s story speaks to the transformative power of community support and organizations like Brothers Redevelopment. Our commitment to ensuring older adults can age comfortably in their own homes is not just a mission statement but a tangible reality, seen in the smile of Joseph and Mary as they enjoy the renewed vibrancy of their home.

“We love the work Brothers Redevelopment did, and we can’t thank them enough for it,” said Mary.

 

 


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Recognized as an impressive nonprofit transforming the face of Denver and beyond, Brothers Redevelopment is pleased to announce that it has been honored as a winner of Denver Business Journal’s 2023 Partners in Philanthropy awards program.

Denver Business Journal’s Partners in Philanthropy awards program honors nonprofit organizations working to make the city, state, country, and world a better place. The program also recognizes businesses going above and beyond to support area nonprofits through donations, volunteer work and partnerships. Brothers Redevelopment and the other 21 Partners in Philanthropy winners will be recognized at the Partners in Philanthropy Awards Breakfast on Dec. 7 at the History Colorado Center.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Partners in Philanthropy award from Denver Business Journal, a testament to the unwavering commitment of Brothers Redevelopment to transform communities and make a lasting impact. This recognition underscores the collective efforts of our dedicated team, partners, and supporters who share our vision of creating positive change in Denver and beyond,” said Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez. “As we celebrate this achievement, we remain steadfast in our mission to enhance lives and build a better future for Coloradans.”

In its 52-year history, Brothers Redevelopment has grown to serve nearly 30,000 Coloradans annually through housing provision and housing programs. As an affordable housing developer and provider, Brothers Redevelopment owns and/or manages 24 affordable housing complexes across the metro area and Colorado Springs, offering housing to low-income families, older adults, those who experienced homelessness, people with disabilities, youth, and others.

Brothers Redevelopment works to address housing instability through a variety of other resources, including eviction prevention and rental assistance, homebuyer and financial capability counseling, home repair services, senior service provision, and much more.

Some of the agency’s biggest successes in 2022 and 2023 include:

  • Completing a landmark affordable housing development —Valor on the Fax — a 72-unit permanent supportive housing community along East Colfax for Coloradans with an acquired brain injury or related disability.
  • Preventing evictions for 357 households.
  • Providing mediation services to 300 residents to find amicable solutions to tenant/landlord issues.
  • Helping 169 homeowners get caught up on their mortgages.
  • Administering $6.2 million in rent and mortgage assistance funding and connecting tens of thousands of people to vital housing resources and information through its Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) helpline.
  • Helping over 3,000 older adults remain in their homes by providing health and accessibility-related home repairs/modifications, exterior painting, and crucial information and assistance.

All this work is possible thanks to strong, long-standing partnerships between Brothers Redevelopment and many for-profit organizations that complete the agency’s work and help implement its mission.

In particular, Huntington Bank — a corporate and organization winner in the 2023 Partners in Philanthropy awards program — is a key partner for Brothers Redevelopment in the implementation of the agency’s mission.

Over the past few years, Huntington has supported Brothers Redevelopment in various ways, including volunteering for the Paint-A-Thon Program and providing financial education at the nonprofit’s affordable housing communities in Westminster and Denver. Additionally, Jim Tanzillo from Huntington serves on Brothers Redevelopment’s Board of Directors.

Other partners in the community that support Brothers Redevelopment’s mission include the Colorado Division of Housing, the City and County of Denver, Tierra Colectiva, CHFA, Enterprise Community Partners, Fax Partnership, DRCOG, Colorado Legal Services, the City of Colorado Springs, Family Promise, NextFifty Initiative, and many others.

Make sure to follow Brothers Redevelopment’s social media pages in the coming weeks to see photos from the Partners in Philanthropy Awards Breakfast.


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Brothers Redevelopment is bringing tenants and landlords together to resolve common lease disputes and to prevent evictions.

Qualifying Coloradans facing eviction are entitled to mandatory mediation at no cost, due to a bill passed by state lawmakers earlier this year. Colorado tenants facing eviction may qualify for mandatory mediation if they receive Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, or cash assistance through the Colorado Works Program. Tenants are required to notify their landlord if they receive related benefits. Some exceptions apply including for tenants living in a home where the landlord owns less than six units.

Brothers Redevelopment offers free tenant/landlord mediation services in Denver and Adams counties. Our Denver tenant-landlord mediation program serves for all manner of housing disputes, including maintenance issues, lease disputes, security deposit disagreements, and more. Meanwhile, our Adams County tenant-landlord mediation services focus on diverting parties away from court-sanctioned eviction proceedings and to work toward mutually agreed alternatives between renters and landlords — including rental assistance, payment plans, lease compliance, and other solutions.

Mediation is an effective, confidential tactic that can both protect housing for those facing eviction as well as save landlords time and money. Tenants who can benefit from our tenant-landlord mediation services include Coloradans concerned about paying rent, renters who are worried that rental assistance won’t come soon enough, and those who are experiencing lease disputes or violations. Landlords who can benefit from our mediation services include those concerned about the costs associated with filing and completing an eviction, unit vacancy, turnover expenses, and the price of providing mediation.

“Through Brothers Redevelopment’s tenant-landlord mediation services, we are not just resolving disputes; we are fostering understanding and collaboration. Our aim is to bring tenants and landlords together, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for shared solutions,” said Colorado Housing Connects Program Director Patrick Noonan. “The recent legislation supporting mandatory mediation for qualifying Coloradans is a major change to the eviction process, and it’s critical tenants and landlords alike understand what this means. We believe in the power of mediation—confidential, effective, and transformative—to reach solutions that can de-escalate an eviction or housing conflict.”

Eviction filings have surged in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The Denver Post reported that more than 9,200 Denver households have faced an eviction filing already this year — higher than the entirety of last year. The city is on track for more than 12,000 filings by the end of the year, the most since at least 2008.

Renters facing eviction, or landlords interested in learning more, should reach out to Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) to speak to one of our navigators who will help walk them through resources as it relates to rental assistance and opportunities to participate in free tenant-landlord mediation.


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As Brothers Redevelopment’s leadership and staff began the process of working on our strategic plan in 2022, it became clear that the way we connect our team to our mission had changed.

The pandemic, along with explosive growth in our programming, made it clear that moving forward, it will be essential to bolster our culture and re-invigorate a mission-minded team.

We are dedicated to creating a positive, healthy working environment. And part of achieving that mission is ensuring that we maintain an open-door policy to leadership, HR and colleagues, and to ensure management has the training to successfully lead teams working in remote, hybrid and in-person environments. That’s why earlier this month, our program directors and managers participated in a formal harassment prevention training for supervisors and managers.

The training session was led by an Employers Council attorney and delved into crucial aspects of fostering a respectful workplace. Our management explored topics such as harassment and hostile work environments, behavioral boundaries in the workplace, and management’s role in preventing harassment. The sessions were enriched with insights into laws governing various forms of harassment, real-world case studies, and practical strategies for identifying and addressing inappropriate behaviors. Our management team emerged not only equipped with the legal knowledge necessary for compliance but also armed with tools to cultivate a workplace that values respect, inclusivity, and professionalism.

Earlier this year, Brothers Redevelopment’s staff also participated in a diversity, equity and inclusion training which covered topics like benefits of diversity, unconscious bias, inclusion, micro-aggressions, and more. By proactively investing in the development of our team, we are confident in our ability to uphold our mission and to strive for a future where our positive, healthy working environment is a catalyst for transformative change in the communities we serve.

“We believe that fostering a respectful workplace is not just a legal obligation — it’s the right thing to do. By equipping our team with the tools and insights necessary to create an environment where respect, inclusivity and professionalism thrive, we are confident in our ability to continue to make a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez.


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When the COVID-19 pandemic upended lives in March 2020, the City of Denver began housing some people experiencing homelessness in hotels amid concerns about health risks in group shelters.

But as federal COVID-19 emergency funding dwindled, the city faced the challenge of discontinuing hotel placements for those vulnerable to the virus, leaving many without a place to turn. Amid this transitional period, some of the individuals formerly accommodated in hotels received housing vouchers, marking the beginning of a crucial phase in their journey toward traditional housing. That’s when Brothers Redevelopment’s Landlords Opening Doors Program emerged as a lifeline, dedicating itself to assisting these individuals in securing stable housing solutions.

Thanks to the work of our landlord recruitment specialists, Brothers Redevelopment successfully housed 83 people with housing vouchers who had been living in hotels since the start of the pandemic. In total, our Landlords Opening Doors Program has already found housing for 193 people in 2023 — surpassing the 180 people we found housing for in 2022.

The Landlords Opening Doors Program helps residents with housing vouchers find housing by working with landlords and property management companies. Our clients receive housing vouchers through the Colorado Transitions Program, which assists select members of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program).

“Our mission at Brothers Redevelopment’s Landlords Opening Doors Program goes beyond housing; it’s about restoring dignity and hope. With 193 individuals already finding homes in 2023, we’re breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible,” said Senior Landlord Recruitment Specialist Anne Pierce. “We’re not just opening doors — we’re paving pathways to a brighter future for those in need.”

The Landlords Opening Doors Program’s success is a testament to our collaborations with landlords, property management companies, and organizations throughout the state. Pierce also attributes the success to strategic factors, including the opening of additional housing buildings and the expansion of the program’s staff earlier this year.

Brothers Redevelopment first launched its Landlords Opening Doors Program in 2015, and it continues to redefine what’s possible in providing stable housing solutions. For more information about the program, visit https://brothersredevelopment.org/affordable-housing-available/landlords-opening-doors//.


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Colorado’s only statewide housing helpline — Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) — is hearing from more Coloradans in need of housing assistance more than ever before in the housing helpline’s 17-year history.

For thousands of callers, the assistance is urgent as they face an eviction or foreclosure due to falling behind on their rent or mortgage. In August, 8,073 inquiries were submitted to Colorado Housing Connects for housing assistance. Eviction prevention continues to represent the dominant need from Colorado Housing Connects’ clients followed next by affordable housing and tenant-landlord issues.

Still other callers are desperately searching for affordable housing as rents and inflation continue to climb across the state. Older adults are calling for urgent repairs that can help them in stay in their homes as winter approaches.

“It’s tempting to think that the upheaval of the pandemic is receding. The spike in calls for help we’re receiving says otherwise,” said Colorado Housing Connects Program Director Patrick Noonan. “It’s more desperate than ever before for a lot of the families we hear from. The threat of homelessness and displacement looms large for far too many people. Our team works incredibly hard to respond with the compassion and insight our clients need to make it through this influx of instability. It will only get more difficult for those struggling to make ends meet as student loan payments resume.”

The more than 8,000 inquiries represent a 60% increase in clients reaching out to Colorado Housing Connects compared to August 2022 when the housing helpline received 5,047 inquiries. Last month, 66% of inquiries submitted to Colorado Housing Connects were from Colorado renters seeking eviction prevention resources and rental/utility assistance.

The recent numbers even surpass those that the helpline received during the height of the Great Recession, when foreclosures reach an all-time high in Colorado.  At that time, calls peaked at just over 4,000.

“Our goal is to maintain our capacity to help during this current crisis,” Noonan said.  “People are desperate.”

A chart showing the increase in inquiries Colorado Housing Connects has received recently. Last month, Colorado Housing Connects logged 8,073 inquiries with eviction prevention continuing to be the dominant need.

Often working in partnership and collaboration with several state and local agencies, Colorado Housing Connects has been a beacon of hope for Coloradans during troubling times. Since the pandemic began, the CHC navigators have been focused on preventing evictions by connecting Coloradans rental and mortgage assistance and other long-term sustainable solutions, informing residents about the eviction process and their rights, and by connecting residents to legal referrals.

Brothers Redevelopment, the housing nonprofit that operates Colorado Housing Connects, offers a variety of other resources to struggling renters including Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program. Since 2018, Brothers has administered more than $10 million in rental and mortgage assistance to neighbors across the state.

Those who are behind on rent or facing eviction are encouraged to contact Colorado Housing Connects to speak to an eviction prevention expert, apply for rental assistance, and to seek assistance with life’s other needs like food, medical needs, employee assistance, and more.


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Brothers Redevelopment was thrilled to welcome Denver City Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval to Sheridan Glen Senior Apartments where she met with some of the affordable housing community’s tenants.

Sandoval visited Sheridan Glen, one of Brothers Redevelopment’s 24 affordable housing communities, on Aug. 30 where she listened to our residents’ concerns about a bus stop near the property, walkability in the surrounding area, and more. The councilwoman’s visit was made possible thanks to one of our resident service coordinators who scheduled the meeting after hearing from tenants about their fears when using the nearby bus stop.

“It was an honor to welcome Councilwoman Sandoval to Sheridan Glen. Her genuine engagement and compassionate interaction with our residents shows the positive impact of community leadership,” said Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez.

Resource navigation is only a step away for low-income older adults, families, and others at seven Brothers Property Management affordable housing communities.

At our Aurora, Westminster, Denver, and Edgewater communities, Brothers Property Management employs resident service coordinators who help our tenants access educational and supportive services that can help them in achieving their housing and service needs. Those services can include getting access to food, transportation, health care, federal and state benefits, clothing, and other necessities that help our residents thrive.

So far this year, our resident service coordinators have provided our tenants with $110,282 in cost savings — meaning our tenants received monthly benefits or services that amounted to $110,282.

Brothers Redevelopment’s Aging in Place Program also offers similar services to the general community at no charge. The program connects older adults to government benefits and resources our clients are entitled to and provided $1.5 million in cost savings last year.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the Aging in Place Program, call Colorado Housing Connects at 1-844-926-6632 or visit brothersredevelopment.org.


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At Brothers Redevelopment, we know that financial assistance for rent and mortgages is more than just that — we are assisting livelihoods and creating housing stability for all Colorado residents.

Throughout this past year, we have issued record high amounts of financial assistance and helped maintain housing support for Colorado’s most vulnerable community members. This is thanks to strong partnerships with entities like the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the City and County of Denver who have each trusted us to administer funds to help people stay housed.

Now we face a new challenge: helping Denver homeowners avoid foreclosure during a time of skyrocketing costs.

In partnership with the City and County of Denver, Brothers Redevelopment is pleased to announce that we are now administering funds for the City’s Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program. Designed for households at or below 80% Area Median Income, this program provides HOA/mortgage financial assistance for up to $20,000 per household.

Applications for the Denver Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program can be found in English and Spanish at https://brothersredevelopment.org/rental-assistance/. Households with technology or language barriers can contact our housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects, at 1-844-926-6632 or by visiting coloradohousingconnects.org.

“We are thrilled to partner with the City and County of Denver to extend a helping hand to ensure that individuals can catch up on mortgage and HOA payments,” said Brothers Rental and Mortgage Assistance Manager Enrica Bustos-Creviston. “We’re committed to ensuring that no one faces the risk of losing their home and look forward to helping individuals and families regain their financial footing.”

Outside of financial requirements, Denver homeowners can qualify for the Denver Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program if they are the legal owner of the home and have a current financial or other housing crisis. Applicants must not have cash or assets on hand that is equal to or greater than the relief funds being requested as well.

In Denver, Brothers also offers financial assistance for rental and utility payments through the City of Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program. And during the pandemic, we partnered with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to offer financial assistance for rent/mortgage payments through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program. Through these services, Brothers provided $8,650,140 in rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to Coloradans in 2022.

Those who are facing foreclosure can also speak with one of Colorado Housing Connects’ HUD-approved housing counselors who can help homeowners understand their options by visiting http://coloradohousingconnects.org/homeowners-i-need-help-avoiding-foreclosure/.

 

 


2250 Eaton St., Suite B,
Denver, CO 80214

Main Phone Number: 303-202-6340
CHC Phone Number: 844-926-6632
Brothers Property Management:
877-751-9990
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info@brothersredevelopment.org

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