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As we journey through 2024, the challenges facing renters in Colorado persist. In Denver, eviction filings continue to rise, adding to the strain on those relying on rental assistance. The impending conclusion of the Temporary Rental Assistance Grant in June also exacerbates the situation.

April witnessed a staggering 1,669 eviction filings, marking a 61% increase from the same month in 2023 and a 30% surge year-to-date compared to last year’s unprecedented highs. These figures paint a stark reality for Colorado families, grappling with soaring rents amidst stagnant wages.

Behind these alarming statistics are real people — Colorado families who are struggling to stay in their homes. To make sense of the state’s eviction challenges, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) Program Director Patrick Noonan gives a voice to those on the front lines of the housing crisis in this Q&A.

Read on to learn more about what Colorado Housing Connects is seeing in today’s rental market.

What are the biggest changes you’ve observed in the Colorado rental landscape this year?

In response to the pandemic, the federal government provided significant funding to create a safety net for Coloradans facing housing instability. As the federally funded pandemic relief programs have faded away, the State of Colorado and City and County of Denver stepped up with historic funding in 2024 to blunt mass evictions in the face of deep-rooted economic challenges that low- and moderate-income families continue to face. Sadly, even though Colorado and Denver have stepped up in this critical way, eviction filings repeatedly surpass last year’s record setting rates.

Since demand for help has only increased, rental assistance programs have had to triage volume and set more restrictions on applications. This includes prioritizing or requiring a court summons as well as restricting applications to a lottery-based system. While efforts to fund this crucial safety net are commendable, far too many families are still facing displacement due to eviction.

What seems to be the most pressing concerns or pain points currently facing renters in the state?

A few factors are converging at once to drive Colorado’s housing affordability crisis. Since the Great Recession, Colorado hasn’t built enough housing to keep up with the state’s needs. In the last nine years, the average rent rate in the Denver metro area has jumped 56% or about 6% per year. Low to moderate income families haven’t seen their wages

increase proportionally during that same period. They’ve also been burdened with higher prices due to inflationary pressures since the pandemic.

When you take high housing costs and combine them with the price of other necessities rising dramatically where wages haven’t kept up, you’ve got a perfect storm. The most pressing concern for renters in the state is a simultaneous lack of housing affordability and intense pressure on families’ budgets.

How are the current rental conditions impacting where Colorado renters choose to live, or their ability to find housing at all?

Unfortunately, we’re seeing too many families pushed to the margins due to Colorado’s cost of living. That could be parents and children sleeping in cars, people moving away from their communities and support networks, or people moving out of Colorado all together. Fortunately, there are more and more affordable housing units coming online each week and creative programs like home sharing that take advantage of existing housing stock to provide relief for cost burdened Coloradans.

Recent numbers from the Apartment Association of Metro Denver show that rent prices are remaining flat. What does this mean for renters? Are they feeling any relief in their housing costs?

We’re excited to see rents plateau in the first quarter of 2024. It will help ease the pain for renters that have experienced year over year rent increases. For far too many families, there isn’t enough breathing room after about a decade of rent jumps where their wages haven’t kept up.

What are your most significant concerns about the future of the rental market in Colorado?

The most concerning element of Colorado’s rental market is the wind down of the state’s Temporary Rental Assistance Grant Program.

Legislators allocated $30M of rent relief for struggling households to be spent during the first half of the year. So far, we’ve seen 2024 eviction filings surpass 2023’s record rates even with this significant assistance in place. What will happen when that funding dries up? Even if there is additional support through more rental assistance funding, will it be enough to drive eviction filings down? What is in store for Colorado’s most vulnerable households later this year when key safety net programs contract or evaporate?

Christina Morales, a Housing Navigator with Colorado Housing Connects, assists a Denver resident with rental assistance applications at the Denver City and County Building. Every week, she’s there to be a lifeline for those facing eviction.

Christina Morales possesses the knowledge and firsthand experience necessary to offer essential services and resources to callers facing eviction through Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632).

Morales, employed as a housing navigator at Colorado Housing Connects, assists Coloradans in accessing vital eviction prevention resources. With personal experience navigating eviction struggles and affordable housing challenges, she empathizes with those facing similar situations.

In 2019, her husband passed away after suffering from a brain aneurysm, forcing her to move in with her son so that she could afford housing. But when the COVID-19 pandemic started, Morales’ son had to stop working to take care of her grandson because daycares were closed.

At that time, Morales supported her son and grandson with her income — but when she caught the virus, she couldn’t work for weeks. Although she applied for rental assistance and communicated her situation to her landlord, she was evicted in the end, despite an eviction moratorium being in place at the time.

“I see myself going through it again and again and again. It’s part of a healing process,” said Morales. “It’s not okay what I went through, but I learned from it. I learned that I’m human, and life isn’t always easy. I learned to move forward and to not be discouraged and hard on myself.”

To get by after being evicted, Morales, her son and grandson moved in with her daughter in a one-bedroom apartment. Morales slept on a mattress in the kitchen of the apartment for three months until she was finally able to find affordable housing in Aurora. And thankfully, she was able to work with an attorney to get her eviction overturned.

Today, Morales continues her mission of assisting those in housing crises from a new vantage point. When she isn’t working with clients in a housing crisis over the phone, she is working at the courthouse at the Denver City and County Building, helping individuals access rental assistance when facing eviction. Furthermore, Morales has become a vocal advocate for housing rights, leveraging her experiences to champion fair and accessible housing opportunities.

“I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through. I can feel my clients’ pain,” said Morales. “Some people like me are broken, and we want to help others with whatever they are going through and give them resources and hope.”

Outside of her work with Colorado Housing Connects, Morales has testified before the Colorado Senate — recently in favor of HB 24-1098 — also known as For Cause Eviction. If the law is passed, tenants could continue to rent a property as long as they are paying on time and staying in compliance with other rules in their lease.

In 2022, Morales was also chosen by United for New Economy, a Colorado nonprofit that focuses on racial and economic justice, to travel to Washington, D.C., and share the plight of struggling renters during the National Multifamily Housing Council’s annual conference. She and other UNE represented marched in the streets outside the conference, staged peaceful demonstrations in the lobby, and walked through the doors of the conference to share their experiences on a stage.

Morales embodies resilience and compassion as she tirelessly assists individuals grappling with housing crises through her role at Colorado Housing Connects. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming eviction and housing instability, Morales brings empathy and understanding to her work, providing crucial support to those in need. Her story demonstrates the importance of accessible housing and the lasting impact that eviction can have.

“Colorado Housing Connects is a great resource for people that are facing evictions or a housing crisis. We have the tools and the resources to help those in need — that’s why I love working here,” said Morales.

Samantha Penry and her children enjoy a day at a Colorado Rockies game. Colorado Housing Connects stepped in to help Penry find a new home after she unexpectedly received notice to vacate her residence of five years.

Samantha Penry’s year got off to a rocky start when her landlord notified her that her lease wouldn’t be renewed at the home she has lived at for five years.

Penry was given a 30-day notice to vacate by her landlord and was suddenly facing the daunting prospect of homelessness. As a single mother of five children, the weight of the situation was particularly heavy, and Penry found herself navigating a landscape of uncertainty and fear.

“I was kind of like wow shoot, I’ve been here for five years and now have 30 days until I have to get out. I didn’t know where we were going to live,” said Penry. “It was very stressful, especially with being a single mom. You can’t just find somewhere affordable and be able to relocate on a drop of a dime. It’s scary.”

Amidst the turmoil, Penry reached out to Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) for assistance. Through a referral from her child’s school liaison, Penry connected with Colorado Housing Connects Housing Navigator Christina Morales, who swiftly responded to her needs and provided valuable resources and support.

“She was sending me resources on who had openings as far as units available and what not. And she sent me the information for the townhouse we just got approved for,” said Penry. “I reached out right away. It was a blessing.”

The news of approval for the townhome came as a wonderful surprise for Penry and her family, she said.

“It was a major stress relief. No parent wants to think about sleeping in the car with their kids,” said Penry.

As Penry and her children look to the future, she encourages others facing similar challenges to reach out to reach out to resources like Colorado Housing Connects that provide support. The family’s story is a testament to the impact of Colorado Housing Connects and the power of stable housing.

If you or someone you know is facing an uncertain housing situation, reach out to Colorado Housing Connects at 1-844-926-6632 or by visiting coloradohousingconnects.org.

Brothers Redevelopment is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $400,000 from the Colorado Department of Law to combat housing instability in Colorado.

This funding will further support Brothers Redevelopment’s financial counseling services through its statewide housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632), by pairing financial coaching and counseling with existing programs that provide funds for rental and mortgage assistance.

Financial coaching empowers people to make smart decisions with money, overcome financial obstacles, and build a secure financial future. Customized to individual needs, financial counseling strategies are culturally sensitive, focused on outcomes and data, and administered by skilled professionals. In 2023 alone, Brothers Redevelopment provided financial counseling services to 196 Coloradans.

“We are honored to receive this funding and support from Attorney General Phil Weiser, the Colorado Office of Financial Empowerment, and the Colorado Department of Law. This funding will allow us to further our mission of providing essential support to individuals facing housing instability,” said Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez.

It’s not the first time that Brothers has teamed directly with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office to address the state’s most pressing housing challenges. During the foreclosure crisis of the early 2000s, the Attorney General’s Office served as a significant collaborator with the Brothers Redevelopment-managed Colorado Foreclosure Hotline — working together to resolve consumer complaints, identify predatory lenders and financial scammers. Brothers and the AG’s Office even teamed on an advertising campaign to encourage struggling homeowners to seek help.

As foreclosures have waned, Colorado Housing Connects has operated in partnership with the state through Brothers Redevelopment, offering a range of housing services to prevent evictions and foreclosures. Alongside financial counseling, Colorado Housing Connects provides vital eviction prevention services, ensuring immediate assistance. Additionally, for homeowners seeking guidance, Colorado Housing Connects offers HUD-approved housing counseling services to halt foreclosures.

Catering to a diverse range of inquiries, including renters, landlords, first-time homebuyers, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those with fair housing concerns, Colorado Housing Connects logged over 47,700 contacts from Coloradans seeking housing assistance last year.

“This grant will supplement our efforts to empower neighbors statewide to achieve financial stability and secure housing,” said Colorado Housing Connects Director Patrick Noonan. “When families understand and control their finances, they unlock possibilities and reach new heights.”

Since 1981, Brothers Redevelopment has been a stalwart provider of financial counseling to Coloradans across the state. The agency’s financial counseling and coaching services offer personalized plans to navigate financial crises, develop strategies for self-resilience and stability, build credit, and identify resources for budget relief.

To learn more about Colorado Housing Connects or to submit an inquiry, visit coloradohousingconnects.org or call 1-844-926-6632.

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.

In early 2022, Kesha moved nearly 1,300 miles away from her Michigan home with her two teenage children to live with her oldest son in Colorado Springs.

But after her family split ways, Kesha and her children suddenly found themselves homeless for eight months in a new part of the country. The family stayed at different motels and couch surfed to stay afloat. But the burden of struggling with homelessness was larger than having unstable housing — it contributed to a negative effect on Kesha’s mental health.

“It was tough, it was really tough. It added to depression, it caused depression,” Kesha said. “It was kind of unreal to just have something like that up and happen all of a sudden.”

While seeking resources that could help her find housing, Kesha was referred to Brothers Redevelopment’s statewide housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632). And thanks to that connection, she began working with Colorado Housing Connects Housing Counselor/Navigator Katrina Brown who took Kesha under her wing.

Brown helped Kesha and her children access security deposit assistance for an apartment along with finances for her first month of rent so that the family could finally have a stable housing situation. She also assisted the family in accessing food assistance, furniture for their new apartment and even recruited her friends to donate gift cards to Kesha for places like Walmart and Target.

“When I say Colorado Housing Connects basically helped us with everything, I really mean it. It was comforting to know that we had someone in our corner, and we weren’t going to go through everything alone,” Kesha said.

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.

Q&A: Colorado Housing Connects breaks down the state’s rental crisis

What are the biggest changes you’ve observed in the Colorado rental landscape this year?

What seems to be the most pressing concerns or pain points currently facing renters in the state?

How are the current rental conditions impacting where Colorado renters choose to live, or their ability to find housing at all?

Recent numbers from the Apartment Association of Metro Denver show that rent prices are remaining flat. What does this mean for renters? Are they feeling any relief in their housing costs?

What are your most significant concerns about the future of the rental market in Colorado?

Colorado Housing Connects’ Christina Morales’ Journey from Eviction to Advocacy

Finding Hope with Colorado Housing Connects: Samantha Penry’s Journey to Stable Housing

Colorado Housing Connects Secures $400,000 Grant from Colorado Department of Law to Financial Counseling and Coaching Initiatives

Navigating Rent Struggles During the Holidays: Expert Insights from Colorado Housing Connects

Colorado Housing Connects rescues woman from homelessness

Brothers Redevelopment Tenant-Landlord Mediation: Resolving Conflicts and Preventing Evictions