With homelessness rising, rent and home prices soaring, and the Denver area 60,000 units behind what it needs in affordable housing, you're far from alone if you're struggling to find an affordable place to live.
But there's a chance, a slight chance, you could get a voucher to help with a home -- what used to be called Section 8 housing.
Mark your calendars: The city's quasi-governmental public housing agency, the Denver Housing Authority, will launch its Housing Choice Voucher lottery on Sept. 21, at 12:01 a.m. and close it just under 48 hours later on Sept 22, at 11:59 p.m.
Around 75% of the people awarded will make less than 30% of the area median income, or $26,100 for an individual or $37,250 for a family of four.
"This once-per-year lottery begins the application process for people who are interested in and eligible for affordable housing in Denver," noted Loretta Owens, Director of the Housing Choice Voucher program for the Denver Housing Authority, in a statement. "We expect to receive thousands of applications this year with the continued need for safe, decent, and affordable housing options."
The word to emphasize here is lottery.
In 2022, just 650 of the 18,563 people who applied for a voucher received one. That's less than 4% of those who wanted a place to stay.
All but 5% of those who won a voucher found housing, according to the Denver Housing Authority.
Vouchers last for 120 days, and once a person finds a home, leasing typically occurs within two to four weeks.
This year, Denver Housing Authority expects to again award roughly 650 vouchers. With evictions and homelessness up, the number of people applying could be much higher than last year.
Here's how to apply.
When the lottery-entry period opens, get to a phone, tablet or computer with internet access. Then fill out your application at the Denver Housing Authority website.
If you don't have computer access, DHA runs two centers, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: one at Westwood Homes at 855 South Irving St. and the other at North Lincoln Homes, at 1401 Mariposa St.
Denver Public Library also offers free computer access at its branches. For information about library locations and hours, go to the Denver Public Library website or call 720-865-1111.
Only one entry is allowed per household, so don't try to rig the system. And don't pay anybody to fill out the forms for you.
Most important: Good luck!
