DENVER — In January, the state of Colorado saw 5,682 eviction filings. In Denver alone, there were over 1,500. Based on current numbers, evictions across the state could reach an all-time high in 2024.
"Evictions are really bad, and they harm people," said Zach Neumann, co-founder of the Community Economic Defense Project (CEDP). "We are seeing it at far too great a level throughout the state right now."
In October 2023, 63,000 households were behind on rent, according to the state's Department of Local Affairs (DOLA).
The state has a plan to deploy $30 million in rental assistance through the Temporary Emergency Rental Assistance Grant Program by June 30, 2024. The first deadline passed Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Renters can apply monthly when applications open up for the next three months, at least through April and possibly May, depending on how much funding is still available.
According to DOLA, applicants need to be under 80% average median income level (AMI) or below. They must also be at risk of eviction or displacement from their primary residence. Tenants with court summons will be prioritized.
"The use of rental assistance right now is really targeted to folks who are imminently at risk of losing their homes," Neumann said.
The number of expected applicants is expected to exceed funds available. The funds will be distributed by five nonprofits: Community Economic Development Project, La Puente, Total Concept, Neighbor to Neighbor, Brothers Redevelopment.
The $30 million in funds are projected to help at least 3,700 households.
"At which point, all the funds are anticipated to be spent and in state law need to be spent. So, the money has to all be out the by June 30th," Neumann said.
Based on the timing, resources will likely be limited during the second half of the year.
"Eviction filings are continuing to increase. We have yet to land on a long-term solution as a state about what we are going to do about evictions, high rent. Until we solve the underlying issue of affordability, this is the conversation we are going to keep having," Neumann said.
The state still has over $10 million in Emergency Rental Assistance, which is technically from a different funding mechanism. Roughly 100 households are given rental assistance each week from that fund, which needs to be spent by September 30, 2025. The state also has rental assistance that will be deployed next year from funds allocated by voter-approved Proposition 123.
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