Executive Order Issued in Response to COVID-19
On March 20, 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued Executive Order D 2020 012, which, among other things, temporarily limits evictions, foreclosures, and public utility disconnections, providing support to unemployed Coloradans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Coloradans in a variety of ways, including some Coloradan’s ability to meet the financial obligations related to housing. In response, Governor Polis issued an executive order limiting evictions and foreclosures in order to help ensure stable housing during a difficult time. The Office of Governor Polis has released a fact sheet with information pertaining to this order for individuals or families concerned about eviction, foreclosure, or disconnection of utility services during this time.
Even with the protections under the executive order, some may still be at risk for disruption or denial of housing because of discrimination. The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD), as a Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) partner with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) wants to remind everyone of the following:
The spread of COVID-19 has serious potential to adversely impact the fair housing and civil rights of individuals, particularly on the bases of race, national origin, and/or disability. For example, housing providers may refuse to negotiate with persons that the housing provider perceives, on the basis of race or national origin, to be associated with an area where a COVID-19 outbreak is prevalent.
HUD also recognizes that persons with disabilities, including persons who live in institutional settings or older persons who have impairments that put them at higher risk for infection, may face unique issues that have fair housing and civil rights implications.
HUD COVID19 Information and Resources If you believe that you are being subjected to unfair or discriminatory housing practices based on your protected class, then initiate a Fair Housing complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division via Case Connect.