The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority is a state agency that funds affordable housing and rental programs

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is a state-created agency that finances affordable housing across Colorado. It does not directly house people or run local programs — instead, it funds and oversees housing initiatives that local nonprofits, developers, and housing authorities carry out. If you are looking for rental help, a down payment program, or affordable housing in Colorado, CHFA either runs the program or funds the organization that does.

CHFA operates several programs that affect homeowners and renters. The agency manages down payment information for first-time buyers, rental help during hardship, affordable housing development, and programs for people experiencing homelessness. Understanding which CHFA program might explore to your situation — and how to reach the right office — saves time and prevents you from being sent in circles.

Key Takeaways

  • CHFA funds and oversees affordable housing programs across Colorado but does not run local intake or case management itself.
  • CHFA administers down payment information for first-time homebuyers and emergency rental help during financial hardship.
  • To reach CHFA directly, call 303-297-2537 or visit chfainfo.org; for local rental or housing help, ask your county or city housing authority which CHFA program serves your area.
  • CHFA programs have income limits and other requirements that vary by program and by county.
  • Many CHFA-funded programs are delivered through local nonprofits and housing authorities, not directly by CHFA staff.

CHFA's main programs for renters and homeowners

Emergency rental information is one of CHFA's largest programs. During the pandemic, CHFA distributed federal funds to help renters behind on rent. That program has ended, but CHFA continues to manage other rental help initiatives. If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, contact your local housing authority or call 211 to find out whether rental help is currently available in your county — CHFA funds it, but your local agency runs the intake.

Down payment information for first-time homebuyers is another core CHFA function. The agency offers loans and grants that reduce the amount of money you need to bring to closing. These programs have income caps (usually between $60,000 and $100,000 depending on family size and county) and require you to complete a homebuyer education course. You explore through a CHFA-approved lender, not directly to CHFA.

CHFA also funds affordable housing development — money that goes to nonprofits and developers to build or preserve rental properties and homes for sale at below-market prices. If you see a new affordable housing project in your area, CHFA likely provided some of the financing. These projects have their own income limits and process processes, separate from CHFA's direct programs.

How to contact CHFA and what to expect

CHFA's main phone line is 303-297-2537, and their website is chfainfo.org. If you call, have your county and the type of help you need ready — CHFA staff can tell you which programs serve your area and whether you meet the basic requirements. They can also refer you to the local organization that actually runs the program.

CHFA does not take applications directly for most programs. Instead, you explore through a local partner — a housing authority, nonprofit, or approved lender depending on the program. CHFA sets the rules and funds the work, but the local partner handles your paperwork and decision. This means the timeline and process can differ between counties.

If you are looking for rental help, do not call CHFA first. Call your county or city housing authority, or dial 211 (a free referral line). They know which CHFA-funded programs are open in your area right now and can start your intake when ready. CHFA can tell you what programs exist, but your local authority can tell you whether the fund is currently accepting new people.

Income limits and other requirements vary by program and location

CHFA programs have income caps, but the exact limit depends on the program, your family size, and your county. A family of four might be may be able to access for down payment help in one county but not another because the area median income is different. Before you spend time on an process, ask the local program administrator what the income limit is for your household size.

Most CHFA programs also require proof of Colorado residency, a valid ID, and documentation of your income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer). Rental help programs typically need a signed lease and proof that you fell behind because of a recent hardship. Down payment programs require a homebuyer education certificate and a pre-approval letter from a lender.

When CHFA programs are closed or out of money

CHFA-funded programs operate on annual budgets and sometimes run out of money before the year ends. When that happens, the program closes to new people until the next funding cycle. This is especially common with emergency rental help, which can exhaust its budget in a few months if demand is high.

If a program is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can get on a waiting list. Some programs reopen in the next fiscal year (July 1 in Colorado); others may reopen sooner if additional funding becomes available. Your local housing authority or the 211 line can tell you the status and timeline for the specific program you need.

CHFA versus your local housing authority

CHFA is a state agency; your local housing authority is usually a county or city agency. CHFA makes policy and distributes money; your local authority runs the day-to-day work of intake, case management, and payment. If you need help, start with your local authority because they know what is available right now and can move faster than a state office.

To find your local housing authority, search "[your county] housing authority" or call 211. They can tell you which CHFA programs they administer and whether you meet the basic requirements. If they do not run a program you need, they can refer you to the nonprofit or lender that does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore directly to CHFA for rental help or down payment information?

No. CHFA sets the rules and funds the programs, but you explore through a local partner — your housing authority, a nonprofit, or an approved lender. Call CHFA at 303-297-2537 to find out which local organization runs the program you need, then contact them directly.

What is the income limit for CHFA programs?

Income limits vary by program and county. Down payment information usually caps out between $60,000 and $100,000 for a family of four, but rental help and affordable housing programs have different limits. Ask the local program administrator for your county and family size before you explore.

How long does it take to get a decision on a CHFA-funded program?

Timeline depends on the program and the local partner running it. Rental help can take two to six weeks; down payment programs may take longer because they require a homebuyer course and lender coordination. Ask the local program when you explore so you know what to expect.

What if I do not live in Colorado but want to buy a home there?

CHFA programs require Colorado residency. You must be able to show that you live in the state and intend to occupy the home you are buying. If you are relocating, you may be able to show intent through a job offer or lease; ask an approved lender whether your situation qualifies.

Where do I learn about a CHFA program is currently open?

Call your local housing authority or dial 211 — both can tell you which programs are accepting people right now. CHFA's website lists programs, but it does not show real-time status. Your local partner knows whether the fund is open, closed, or on a waiting list.