With many people across the state facing rent, mortgage and other financial shortfalls related to the coronavirus pandemic, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs has put out a list of resources to help alleviate the pressure. Here are those recommendations:
What can I do if I am facing eviction?
The Department of Local Affairs has been granted $3 million from the state’s disaster emergency fund to boost short-term rental and mortgage assistance for low-income households, specifically those making 50% or less of their area median income.
Those funds are being distributed in two ways:
The department has created an interactive eviction resources map available at bit.ly/2V9l1uz that directs users to the best options in their area. For Denver, the map recommends getting in touch with the TRUA program by dialing the city’s 3-1-1 line and pressing 6.
Help through the state’s 2-1-1 line is also available to help direct people to the proper organization to request rental assistance.
State public safety officials have been working with sheriff’s departments, mayors and others officials around the state to push for a suspension of evictions enforcement until at least April 30, according to DOLA.
What can I do if I am facing foreclosure?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act that Congress passed last month included protections for residential mortgages regardless of their delinquency status.
The act mandates that no foreclosures be processed for at least 60 days dating back to March 19 unless the property being foreclosed on is vacant or abandoned. It further orders that lenders provide up to 180 days before taking action against a borrower with another 180-day extension available at the borrower’s request.
The Department of Local Affairs has worked with the American Bankers Association on recommendations it is passing on to the homeowners. The association is keeping a running list of measures being employed by specific banks online at bit.ly/2xPvGmv.
What can I do if my power, water or other utilities could be shut off?
The state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies has been working with municipal and privately owned utility companies to track the relief they are offering to customers. Xcel and dozens of other providers (a full list is available at rb.gy/wod5af) have agreed to the following measures during the crisis, according to the state:
Beyond offering tips and resources to residents, the state has also provided recommendations for landlords and lenders, including urging them to stop evictions through at least April 30 and to waive fees for late rent for anyone who has lost income as a result of the public health crisis. Gov. Jared Polis has not issued any orders freezing eviction proceedings in the state during the crisis.
This content was originally published here.
