The coronavirus has, no doubt, affected all of our lives in some way or another. As everyone’s situation may be different, one thing is for certain, we are entering uncharted waters. For tenants who are feeling the wave of this uncertainty, we want to help. Whether you’ve been laid off, your work hours have been cut, or your financial situation is subject to change, there are resources to help with your housing needs. With stay-at-home orders in effect, everyone needs a safe and certain place to be.
Here are a few of the leading resources we’ve found for tenants:
If you need assistance with rent and/or utilities, below are some local and state resources.
- The Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance program (TRUA) is the #1 option if you’re undergoing a housing crisis, can’t pay rent, need help with utilities, or live somewhere that is uninhabitable. To apply you are asked to provide them with proof of your household income, job loss, unsafe housing conditions, potential eviction, and/or shutoff notice. To apply call 3-1-1 and press 6 or visit:https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/housing-information/resident-resources/stay-in-your-home/rent-utility-help.html
- The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (Division of Housing) is offering rental assistance statewide. For more information, call 303-864-7810 or visit:https://cdola.colorado.gov/housing-covid19https://cdola.colorado.gov/housing
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is here to help... HUD’s mission is to “create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.” For more on how they can help your financial situation visit:https://www.hud.gov/states/colorado/offices
If COVID has affected your job standing, there are resources out there for you as well. If your hours have been cut, you’re recently unemployed, or you’ve been on sick leave the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment may be able to help. They’re offering unemployment insurance benefits and even paid sick leave. Find out more:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/information-and-resources-coronavirus
If you would like guidance on which resources to use, 2-1-1 Colorado can get you to where you need to go. This source acts as a one-stop-shop. You call, describe your need, and they connect you with a critical source that can help you. They update their database daily and act as a central location for all types of aid. Simply call 2-1-1 or visit their website: https://www.211colorado.org/
Things you should know…
Comcast is increasing all internet speeds for all customers. This will help those having to work from home.
Excel will not disconnect service during this time. They will arrange payment plans with customers if necessary.
Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborate is providing emergency childcare on a sliding scale to essential workers. Available for ages 8yrs and below.
Hunger Free Colorado has a Food Resource Hotline available for anyone who needs help locating food. Call 855- 855-4626
There are also programs from the SBA that can help small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan also known as EIDL provides low-interest loans to self-employed people. To apply for the EIDL, click here to go to the SBA website. Click here to go to the SBA website to see more programs that help small business owners.
We are all navigating this wild time together, if you are in need you simply have to reach out. Give one of these resources or your property manager a call, they are there to help. To view a full list of programs click here to see several options from the Apartment Association of Metro Denver.
