Colorado NAHRO
Rent Assistance Fund for Affordable Housing
Funding available for Public Housing Authorities

Please note, the program guidelines have changed significantly as of July 1, which we anticipate will make it much easier to get funding to residents in need.
Read below for more details.

Colorado NAHRO, a non-profit organization working to enhance the affordable housing industry and promote viable communities in Colorado, has been awarded $1,800,000 in emergency funding from the State of Colorado (Governor Polis’ Executive Order D 2020 012) as part of its efforts to address evictions and foreclosures for households economically impacted by COVID-19.

This program enables Colorado NAHRO to work directly with Colorado Public Housing Authorities (PHA) and affordable housing providers to provide rent relief to residents below 80% of the area median income (AMI) whose income was impacted by COVID-19. 

Colorado NAHRO, through documentation submitted by the PHA on behalf of eligible residents, will identify residents eligible for the program (see eligibility requirements below). Funds will be allocated to the PHA to apply rental assistance to support any demonstrated economic loss due to COVID-19, after also accounting for other benefits provided to the applicant (i.e. Unemployment Insurance, rent discounts issued by the PHA directly, Federal stimulus payments, etc.).

Colorado NAHRO will administer the program on an ongoing basis. In the event that we receive applications that exceed available funds, funding allocations will be determined at the discretion of the Colorado NAHRO Board of Directors, prioritizing small and rural agencies to account for areas of greatest need and other parameters.

Please note, you do not have to be a Member of Colorado NAHRO to apply, and small and rural housing authorities are strongly encouraged to participate.


Summary of Program Changes as of July 1, 2020
  • Applicants with current income at or below 80% of AMI for their county/household size. ("Current" = month's income for the month prior to month assisted.)
  • Income is calculated via a TIC conducted within the current lease term, or for the month prior to the month they need assistance (e.g. income for March is used to determine eligibility for assistance with April's rent/mortgage. Only collect income documentation for THAT month.)  
  • Applicants will self-report and self-certify/attest on the new application form that they are financially impacted by COVID-19 (no third party documentation required).
  • Third party verification of assets is no longer required. Applicants will self-report and self-certify assets (whether less than, or more than $5,000).
  • CARES Act federal stimulus payments are no longer included in calculation of income (and are still not included as potential duplication of benefit).
  • Housing Costs in arrears from March 1 (back rent, back mortgage) can be paid, and all in one application/transaction. Applicants should apply for all back-costs at once with their application for current month's cost.
  • There is no longer a maximum number of months for which an applicant can be assisted.  
  • The entire housing cost (full lease rent, or mortgage PITI) can be covered by the program (or the balance after duplicated benefits are used first).
  • A bit looser/more flexible on the list of documents acceptable to establish identity.

Eligibility Requirements

Click here for complete program details, including eligibility requirements.

FAQs

Short Term Rental Assistance Funding Guidelines from Colorado Department of Housing

If you have additional questions, please submit them via email.

Program Forms

To begin the application process for the program, please complete this onboarding form and additional details will be sent to you.

About Colorado NAHRO

The Colorado Chapter of NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) is a membership driven organization whose purpose is to provide professional development, advocacy and networking opportunities for public housing and community development agencies as well as other individuals and organizations working to enhance the affordable housing industry and promote viable communities in Colorado.

This program is open to all Colorado PHAs who meet the eligibility requirements, not just members of Colorado NAHRO. However, if you are interested in becoming a Member, click here.