Eviction prevention services available in Denver

In an attempt to reduce the numbers of homeless living in Denver, several organizations provide comprehensive rental assistance programs. The most aggressive approaches focus primarily on eviction prevention.

Each tenant who falls behind on rent faces the reality of possible homelessness. Some may have friends and family to fall back on but many do not. To counter this problem, the following organizations provide resources to allow affected tenants either fight the eviction or to help them move on to more affordable housing.

Denver’s Road Home

The first name in local eviction prevention is Denver’s Road Home. This charity provides comprehensive rental assistance with a heavy emphasis on those who are being evicted. In fact, the organization provides a separate hotline dedicated to eviction prevention and homeless resources. Tenants in danger of homelessness may call 720-944-3666 to speak with a representative.

The rep will help answer any questions and make sure that each family is in a safe and secure location at least for the night. If not, they will provide a referral to the closest emergency shelter location.

Furthermore, they can set up an appointment to speak with a case manager. The strongest protection from eviction and homelessness is available through Denver’s Road Home due to the broad support provided by dozens of local organizations. In addition to services provided by this partnership, some clients have received direct cash funding of up to $750.

DENUM

Denver Urban Ministries (DENUM) is better known for its food pantry, yet provides eviction prevention through direct financial support to those facing homelessness. DENUM provides cash to pay for back rent plus utility balances owed.

As with any charity, funding limits dictate that each applicant must be screened to determine need. The actual amount of cash aid paid depends on the amount of the arrears and whether the payment would cease the eviction proceedings. A feasibility test will be used to ensure that the tenant can afford to remain in the home even after their rent is caught up. For more information, interested tenants should contact DENUM at 303-355-4896.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities can provide aid when other organizations have turned down requests. The Archdiocese of Denver provides an average of $379 to approved clients that need emergency support. The aid request may include eviction prevention funds and utility termination prevention assistance.

When social services and other aid agencies have denied a request, Catholic Charities is often able to step in. Call 303-742-0828 to get started.

Jewish Family Service

One other religious-based entity that can help is Jewish Family Service. The JFS Family Safety Net program provides support to prevent homelessness and financial distress. Interested applicants may call 303-597-5000.

Local Requests:

(Request from Sarah in Denver, Colorado)  I am in a desperate situation, and I don’t know what to do.  I have been working now for several months after being unemployed for a long time.  My landlord is evicting me on Friday and I need $3700 to catch up.  I simply cannot afford the court, legal, and late fees that have accrued, despite being able to pay my rent going forward.  They will not work with me and I don’t have anywhere to go or know what to do.

Dear Sarah,

There are several organizations that may be able to help. You will discover that these entities generally collaborate on services to the homeless. This means that even if you do not qualify for aid through one, that they can provide a better referral for you to one of the many organizations serving Denver.

Due to the amount of your arrears, it is unlikely that you will receive the full $3700 in eviction prevention funds that you would need to prevent the eviction. The landlord would require that full amount in order to cease the eviction.

Therefore, it is more likely that you may need to focus on getting help on permanent housing. It may not necessarily be in your best interests to fight the eviction at this point.

There is one other consideration though. Even if you are evicted, the landlord will still expect for the arrears to be repaid eventually. For this reason, a loan combined with eviction prevention funds is an unlikely but possible combination to consider, but only if you have reasonable credit. Your late rent payments should not be on your credit report yet, but any judgment may be on their soon.