Starting Wednesday, low- and middle-income Denverresidentsfaced with a housing crisis such as a steep rent hike or past-due utility bills can seek help from a new city assistance program.
The Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program, announced last month for its new $150 million housing fund, aims to help 300 households and, more broadly, help stabilize neighborhoods, city officials say.
Residents for substantial assistance: Depending on the need, the city is willing to cover up to 80 percent of a household’s monthly rent for as long as six months. Households also can apply for coverage of two months of utility payments, up to a maximum $1,000.
To qualify, households first must fall under income limits that amount to 80 percent of the metro area median income — $47,000 a yearfor an individual or $67,100 for a family of four.
And they must demonstrate “a current financial or other housing crisis,such as a notice of rent increase that makes existing housing unaffordable, evidence of uninhabitable living conditions like a notice of public health violations, a past due notice, or loss of a job,” according to a news release.
“We have heard loud and clear from Denver households that too often it is unforeseen circumstances or increased costs that can lead to a housing crisis,” Mayor Michael Hancock said in the release. “These tools are meant to provide temporary relief for people in a pinch to ensure that Denver residents can remain in their homes, and that we keep Denver affordable for all our people.”
Wednesday also marks the start of the city’s annual . During cold-weather seasons, that program pays a portion of home energy bills to cover heating costs for households earning up to 165 percent of the federal poverty index (a maximum annual income of $19,896 for an individual or $40,092 for a family of four).
The city’s news release urged anyone interested in either program to call the 311 city services line and select option 6 for help.
The city still is seeking public input on its broader, five-year housing strategy. Two public meetings remain: Wednesday at Servicios de La Raza,3131 W. 14th Ave., andNov. 8at Calvary Baptist Church,6500 E. Girard Ave. Both meetings are from6 to 8 p.m.