The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) announced today that the next round of rental assistance will open for pre-application starting on June 25, 2024. Pre-applications will be open to the public for three (3) days until 5:00 p.m. on June 27, 2024. The random selection will be open to all Coloradans and those facing eviction will continue to be prioritized. After the submission period for pre-applications is over, DOLA will administer a randomized selection to distribute funds to applicants.
“For many Coloradans, rental assistance is not just a lifeline — it’s a beacon of hope,” said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of DOLA. “As we announce the continuation of our program, we are ensuring that Coloradans have access to the support they need for the stability to stay in their homes.”
The Department is currently winding down the Temporary Rental Assistance Grant (TRAG) initiative, which is on track to distribute $30 million in funding by June 30, 2024. Concurrently, available Federal emergency rental assistance is also winding down. DOLA will continue to have a monthly random selection process using the lessons learned from TRAG by incorporating features designed to streamline the application process and reduce burdens for applicants, even those with limited internet access.
The eligibility will remain the same as with TRAG. Applicants can check their eligibility on DOLA’s rental assistance webpage. Applicants will now be required to create an account. This is a very easy process, and this step will help reduce fraudulent applications and allow for applicants to confirm submission of their application. DOLA and community partners will continue to offer applicant support through the CARE Center. This transition period will pave the way for the Department’s new program funded by Proposition 123, set to launch in the fall.
Thanks to the Colorado General Assembly’s legislative priorities and Governor Polis’ leadership on housing, DOLA has served 44,000 households, across all 64 counties in Colorado, since 2021, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to ensuring housing stability for Coloradans, particularly amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic and rising inflation.
For more information on how to access the limited emergency rental assistance funds and updates on the upcoming program, please visit our website (doh.colorado.gov/emergency-rental-assistance).
Source: Colorado Department of Local Affairs
