DOLA launches new rental assistance website, awards $6.025M in affordable housing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Brett
McPherson
brett.mcpherson@state.co.us | 303-656-7464
Colorado Department of Local Affairs launches new rental assistance website, awards $6.025M in affordable housing
Denver, CO – July 1, 2021 – The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Housing (DOH) has published a new website to simplify obtaining emergency rental assistance as well as upcoming homeowner relief, and awarded $6.025M through the Colorado State Housing Board (SHB) for affordable housing in June.
DOH has thousands of emergency rental assistance applications that need to be completed by landlords, tenants, or both. This new website is easier to navigate for new and returning applicants, to complete the process and get the help they need.
“The most important thing to providing Coloradoans rental relief is that tenants and landlords finish their applications entirely,” said DOH Director Alison George. “This new website makes it easier to do that, and to apply for new emergency relief, which means getting paid for completed applications faster.”
The federal Homeownership Assistance Fund (HAF) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is providing Colorado $175.08M to address homeownership needs throughout the state. DOH is developing a plan to administer the HAF funds and require public feedback to help prioritize funding for homeowners who have faced housing challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DOLA is seeking input from all Coloradans in a survey that is now open both in English and en Español.
DOH awarded Homeward Pikes Peak and Dominium $1.5M for construction of The Commons in Colorado Springs, a 50-unit supportive housing development for homeless families and veterans, with various services and case management available to individuals in need.
DOH awarded Animas View Mobile Home Park Co-op $1.8M for acquisition and infrastructure improvements of the Riverview Mobile Home Park in Durango, Colorado. Residents of the park formed the cooperative corporation to purchase the park under a single entity between them after they were informed that the park would be sold otherwise.
DOH awarded Four Corners Development $945K to assist with the construction of Highland Trails, an 88-unit, 4-story mix of one- and two-bedroom units in unincorporated Jefferson County reserved for seniors who are over 55 with incomes between 20 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).
DOH awarded Commonwealth Development Corporation $500K for construction of the new 77-unit Village at Solid Rock, consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on underutilized church property in Colorado Springs. The project is part of Interfaith Alliance of Colorado’s Congregation Land Campaign, which seeks to pair faith groups with experienced developers to meet community housing needs.
DOH Awarded Maiker Housing Partners $1.1M for the construction of Crossing Pointe South in Thornton, Colorado, two four-story buildings with 142 apartments for families and individuals with incomes between 30 and 70 percent of the AMI.
DOH awarded Chaffee Housing Trust $180K to assist with the construction of the M & 3rd project in Salida, Colorado, six units of rental and for-purchase housing open to families with incomes below 80 percent of the AMI.
“With the CDC national moratorium extended until July 31, we hope that many more Coloradans will finish their applications for rental assistance to catch up on rent and stay in their homes,” added George. “We are working diligently to complete applications, especially using new texting capabilities through our customer service number 1-888-480-0066.”
The State Housing Board and DOLA’s Division of Housing continue to support the creation of affordable housing that is accessible, safe and secure for all Coloradoans. For complete information, visit cdola.colorado.gov/state-housing-board.