As the cost of housing and basic necessities continues to rise across Colorado, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) is receiving an increasing number of inquiries from residents struggling to keep up with housing payments.
Working in partnership with and collaboration with several state and local agencies across Colorado, Colorado Housing Connects has been a vital resource for residents during troubling times. The housing helpline’s navigators focus on long-term, sustainable solutions by connecting Coloradans to rental and mortgage assistance, educating renters about the eviction process and their rights, providing legal referrals, and guiding residents through the affordable housing landscape.
Since August, 7,291 Coloradans have reached out to the housing helpline for assistance with affordable housing navigation and help with rent or mortgage payments. The 7,291 inquiries represent a 37% increase over Colorado Housing Connects’ monthly average of 5,336 inquiries in 2024.
Finding affordable housing has been the biggest concern for people reaching out to Colorado Housing Connects for housing help, followed by inquiries from Coloradans facing eviction.
According to a 2024 poll conducted by The Colorado Health Foundation, 89% of respondents rate housing affordability as an extreme or very serious problem. The poll was carried out by a bipartisan team of researchers who collected responses from 2,404 Coloradans between May 20 and June 24. Meanwhile, a separate report from Forbes ranks Colorado as the 11th most expensive state in terms of cost of living.
“We’re seeing a significant increase in the number of Coloradans reaching out for help, which highlights the ongoing housing crisis in our state,” said Patrick Noonan, Program Director of Colorado Housing Connects. “Our goal is to provide people with the resources and guidance they need to navigate these challenging times and to ensure that no one has to face housing instability alone.”
The recent numbers have exceeded those seen during the peak of the Great Recession, when foreclosures in Colorado were at an all-time high and the helpline received just over 4,000 calls.
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 and dozens of affordable housing communities. In 2023, Brothers administered nearly $9 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.
To contact Colorado Housing Connects, call 1-844-926-6632 or visit coloradohousingconnects.org.
“Every call we receive represents a person or family facing real challenges, and we’re committed to being there for them,” added Noonan. “We’re here to provide support, connect them with the resources they need, and ultimately help them achieve housing stability and security.”