Colorado Housing Connects sees uptick in inquiries as eviction filings reach pre-pandemic levels
As the Omicron coronavirus variant continues to rage throughout the country — affecting some resident’s livelihoods — Coloradans in crisis are once again turning to nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment’s housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632), for support.
During the week of Jan. 10, Colorado Housing Connects reported 998 calls and website inquires. That is the highest number of inquiries the housing helpline has reported since August 2021 when the federal eviction moratorium was lifted.
State data shows that landlords filed 2,634 eviction cases in December. Colorado Housing Connects Program Director Patrick Noonan said it feels like the eviction landscape for renters is entering a new phase.
“Over the last few months, COVID-19 transmission rates have spiked while the eviction moratorium and some safety net programs ended. Hearing from more renters facing the prospect of eviction, it is crucial to reach out for help immediately so tenants keep a roof over their head, especially given the threat of Omicron and cold winter months,” said Noonan.
Colorado Housing Connects has proven to be a reliable resource throughout the pandemic as more than 74,000 inquiries have been submitted to the housing helpline since March 2020. The housing helpline assists landlords, renters and homeowners by connecting residents to local resources like rental/mortgage assistance, legal assistance, HUD-approved housing counselors and more.
Residents who are behind on rent are encouraged to contact Colorado Housing Connects, apply for rental assistance, pay as much as they can toward their rent and to communicate with their landlord.
Denver County residents seeking rental assistance through the City of Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program should call Colorado Housing Connects to speak to a housing navigator to determine their eligibility and start the process. Those who live outside of Denver County can apply for the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program at https://cdola.colorado.gov/rental-mortgage-assistance.
