In 2023, Denver's city-affiliated rental assistance programs ran out far before the end of the year. The city broke eviction court case records in November, registering more eviction filings than during the Great Recession and the pandemic.
But with the start of a new year, Denver's Temporary Rent and Utility Assistance program (TRUA) is once again open for applications.
In recent years, rental assistance coffers saw an influx in funding from federal pandemic recovery money. But that dried up last year, leaving the city on its own to prevent more people from falling into homelessness as rents remain unaffordable for many low income families.
Mayor Mike Johnston initially budgeted for $12.6 million in rent assistance -- an increase in city funding compared to recent years but an overall decrease without federal dollars. City Councilmembers and activists successfully pushed him to add an additional $13.5 million, bringing the total to nearly $30 million.
Still, the money might still not be enough, and TRUA could run out before the end of 2024. One study estimated that Denver would need $55 million per year to meet the need for rental assistance. Meanwhile, eviction rates are likely higher than the number of cases because many families self-evict to avoid having a case on their record.
Here's who is eligible:
Applicants must live in Denver, or have been displaced from the city in the past 90 days. They must have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income -- $94,650 for a family of four, or $66,300 for a single person. Households must also have experienced an unexpected financial hardship or housing crisis.
Families applying for assistance do not have to disclose immigration status. That means that some of the thousands of recently arrived migrants in Denver who can provide the necessary documentation could be eligible for rental assistance.
To apply, residents need proof of income like pay stubs, tax returns or bank statements. Applicants also need proof of housing and rent due, like a lease agreement or eviction notice, and some form of photo ID. Households in need of rental assistance can apply online.
Residents interested in applying can find a full list of requirements and necessary documentation here.
