Updates from the Division of Housing: COVID-19 Response, Resources, and Guidance

NEWS & UPDATES

MAR. 2020

Letter from the Director

Times are challenging Coloradans in ways we never expected to be challenged. Your work and our partnerships during these times are critical to getting much needed resources in the hands of those that need assistance the most. On Friday, March 20th, Governor Jared Polis signed Executive Order D 2020 012 addressing evictions, foreclosures, utility disconnections, and unemployment insurance. We appreciate your continued partnership as we work together to reduce the severity and duration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. DOH is closely working with Colorado’s Departments of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Human Services (CDHS) and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) monitoring the rapidly changing crisis, and we are committed to providing accurate information and guidance related to COVID-19 and its impact on our housing markets. We all are working harder than ever to meet Coloradans housing needs. Our staff is available to support your efforts to continue to serve Coloradans in need.

- Alison George, Housing Director

Latest Info on COVID-19 Outbreak

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Public Health Agencies (LPHA), and Colorado communities to provide updated information about COVID-19. For the latest information on the outbreak of COVID-19, visit covid19.colorado.gov. The website includes the latest public health orders as well information on telehealth and nurselines, testing, prevention & community spread, communication resources, data, and frequently asked questions.

Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Executive Order Limiting Evictions, Foreclosures, and Public Utility Disconnection

On Friday, March 20th, Governor Jared Polis announced Executive Order D 2020 012 temporarily limiting evictions, foreclosures, and public utility disconnection to mitigate, respond to, and recover from the current economic disruption due to the presence of COVID-19 in Colorado.

Executive Order Limiting Evictions, Foreclosures, and Public Utility Disconnections

Housing & COVID-19 Webpage: The Colorado Division of Housing (DOH) in DOLA is working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), and State, City, County, and Federal Partners, to develop and implement a coordinated COVID-19 response. DOH is compiling resources and guidance relevant to the COVID-19 response and recovery effort availible here. This site helps our providers and partners to stay up-to-date on resources and information as well as meet the needs of individuals seeking assistance. As this is an emerging, rapidly evolving issue, DOH and its partners will provide information and guidance and it becomes available. Please visit this and other referenced pages often for updates.

Housing & COVID-19 Webpage

Eviction Prevention Efforts: In addition to direction included in Executive Order D 2020 012, Governor Polis has encouraged financial institutions that are holding residential or commercial mortgages to follow the lead of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and halt foreclosures and related evictions when foreclosure and foreclosure-related evictions arise from a substantial decrease in household and business income due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. DOH has developed an Eviction Resources Map that can be used with 211 to help renters avoid eviction.

Multifamily Housing COVID-19 Guidance: Colorado is working to limit and slow potential spread of this disease, and all Coloradans can help. DOH has received many questions about operating multifamily housing during a pandemic. Together with CDPHE, DOH developed guidance with several helpful links for operators of multifamily housing. We will update this resource as additional guidance becomes available.

Homeless Resources: Persons experiencing homelessness may be at risk for infection during an outbreak of COVID-19. Guidance from CDPHE supports response planning by homeless service providers, including overnight emergency shelters, day shelters, and meal service providers serving people experiencing homelessness. DOH’s Office of Homeless Initiatives (OHI) is encouraging emergency and cold weather shelters to stay open and, where possible, explore new sheltering opportunities that are non-congregate. If staffing/volunteers are a barrier for continued operation or expansion, contact Help Colorado Now.

Help Colorado Now

On March 18, 2020 Governor Jared Polis announced the launch of Help Colorado Now, an effort where Coloradans can donate or volunteer working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families most affected by the emerging health, economic, and social impacts of COVID-19. Help Colorado Now incorporates the efforts of the Colorado COVID Relief Fund hosted by the State of Colorado and Mile High United Way which has already raised nearly $3 million to help Coloradans impacted by COVID-19.

Help Colorado Now

Virtual Meetings

Until April 30th unless extended, all DOH public meetings will be held virtually. Visit the DOH webpage for details for call-in/web access for meetings. This includes:

March 27, 2020 - Public Hearing for DOH’s Public Housing Administrative Plan

April 14, 2020 - State Housing Board meeting

April 20, 2020 - Private Activity Bond committee meeting

Information on Virtual DOH Meetings

2020 Census Reminder

The U.S. Census Bureau continues to carefully monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and follow guidance from federal, state and local health authorities. The safest way to participate in the Colorado Census 2020 is online (using a computer, a smartphone, or a mobile device), over the telephone, or by using a paper form. As of today, over 5 million have responded online to the 2020 Census. Currently, the planned completion date for data collection for the 2020 Census is July 31, 2020, however, that date can and will be adjusted if necessary as the situation evolves in order to achieve a complete and accurate count.

Everyone Counts - Colorado Census 2020

Strategic Housing Working Group Postponement

On March 9, 2020, DOH announced our Strategic Housing Working Group and posted an application for members. We are still very excited to launch this group, but due to the current situation we are pushing back the deadline for applications and the anticipated start date for the group. We will leave the application process open until June 19, which will push the first convening back to the fall. We will remind everyone again of the application due date in late May. Information about the group and the application available here.

Strategic Housing Working Group Application

Rulemaking Postponement

DOH published a “Notice of Rulemaking Hearing” on March 10, 2020 for the purpose of updating rules for the Housing Investment Trust Fund (CRS 24-32-717). The Housing Investment Trust Fund is a revolving loan fund for the purpose of building or rehabilitating low- or moderate-income housing. The Notice indicates that the Rulemaking Hearing will be held on April 14, 2020 at 1313 Sherman Street. We are postponing the Rulemaking Hearing until June 9, 2020. The new date and time will be published in the Colorado Register and provided to our stakeholders in May.

Training & Workshops

Developer's Tool Kit: Everything you ever wanted to know about the housing development process can be learned in this two-day workshop.

May 19-20 - Grand Junction
Information and registration availible here.

Developer's Toolkit 2020 - Grand Junction