The dollar amount of requests for assistance to prevent evictions and foreclosures in January 2021 eclipsed the total for requests in all of 2020, according to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

The $42 million worth of requests for assistance came through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program, DOLA officials said Friday.

As a result of the significant increase seen in 2021 thus far, DOLA has created an online application portal for homeowners and tenants to apply for funds. 

“We are excited about program improvements we have made” to the programs, EHAP and the Property Owner Preservation (POP). The departmetn added an administrative firm to assist with the high volume of applications, said Director of Housing Alison George. “We served over 16,000 households in 2020 in response to the pandemic, and we already have nearly 14,000 requested in January.”

In addition to the $42 million that is currently processing, the department awarded $1.2 million through the Colorado State Housing Board for affordable housing in Colorado throughout January.

Some of the recipients include the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authorities and NeighborWorks of Southern Colorado, which were awarded money to assist in individual down-payment assistance programs. 

DOLA also awarded $650,000 to Artspace Project Inc. to help with the construction of 30 new affordable rental house units in downtown Ridgway. 

These units will be available to households with incomes between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income (approximately $16,000 to $42,200), and development is rent- and income-restricted for at least 50 years to guarantee long-term affordability. 

“We understand the anxiety and frustration that comes with the struggle to pay your housing costs,” George said. “We are working tirelessly to try and support every Coloradan who needs help to remain stably housed.”