What Colorado's housing authority does

Colorado does not have a single statewide housing authority. Instead, each city and county runs its own authority — Denver Housing Authority, Boulder Housing Authority, Colorado Springs Housing Authority, and so on. Each one manages public housing, administers rental vouchers, and runs emergency information programs within its own area.

When you need help with housing in Colorado, you contact the authority that covers your city or county, not a state office. The authority you reach depends on where you live, not on what program you need. If you live in Denver, you work with Denver Housing Authority. If you live in Pueblo, you work with Pueblo Housing Authority.

Most Colorado housing authorities manage three main things: public housing (apartments they own and rent at reduced cost), the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8, which pays part of your rent at a private landlord's property), and emergency rental information when funds are available.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado has multiple local housing authorities, one per city or county, and you contact the one in your area rather than a state agency.
  • Each authority manages public housing, voucher programs, and emergency information, but the programs available and wait times vary by location.
  • Wait lists for public housing and vouchers are often years long in Colorado's larger cities, and many are currently closed to new names.
  • You can find your local authority's contact information and current program status through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs or by searching your city or county name plus "housing authority".
  • Emergency rental information is temporary and runs out of money; your local authority can tell you whether funds are currently open.

Finding your local housing authority

Start by identifying which city or county you live in, then search that name plus "housing authority." For example, search "Fort Collins Housing Authority" or "Larimer County Housing Authority." Most authorities have websites listing their programs, current wait list status, and how to contact them.

If you cannot find your local authority online, call your city or county government offices and ask for the housing authority's phone number. They will direct you to the right department. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs also maintains a directory of authorities, though it is not always current — calling your local government is usually faster.

Once you have the authority's number, call and ask which programs are currently open. Many authorities have closed their public housing and voucher wait lists because the lists are already years long. Knowing whether a program is open before you spend time on paperwork saves you frustration.

Public housing and how wait lists work

Public housing means apartments owned and operated by the housing authority. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — rather than market rate. The authority owns the building, maintains it, and handles repairs.

Nearly every Colorado housing authority has a closed wait list for public housing. In Denver, the wait list has been closed for years and has thousands of names on it. In smaller cities, wait lists may be shorter but still measured in months or years. When a wait list is open, the authority accepts new names for a limited time, then closes it again.

If you want to get on a wait list, call your local authority and ask when they next plan to open it. Some authorities open their lists once a year; others have not opened in several years. Ask to be notified when the list opens, if that option is available. Do not assume you can walk in and sign up — you must explore during the open period.

Housing Choice Vouchers and Section 8

The Housing Choice Voucher program (still called Section 8 by many people) gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's property. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the program pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

Like public housing, voucher wait lists in Colorado are long and often closed. Denver's wait list has been closed since 2008. Colorado Springs, Boulder, and other large cities also have closed lists with thousands of people waiting. Smaller authorities may have shorter waits or may still be open.

Call your local authority to ask whether their voucher program is open and, if not, whether they maintain a wait list you can join. Some authorities will add your name to a closed list so you are contacted if it reopens. Others do not maintain a closed list at all. The answer depends on your specific authority.

Emergency rental information in Colorado

When Colorado housing authorities have emergency rental information funds available, they use them to pay rent you already owe (arrears) or, in some cases, upcoming rent if you are at when ready risk of eviction. The program pays your landlord directly. You need a signed lease, proof of income, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind.

Emergency funds run out quickly. A program may be open one month and closed the next because the money is gone. Your local authority is the only source that can tell you whether funds are currently available. Call and ask directly — do not assume based on what you read online, because the status changes frequently.

If funds are available, the authority will tell you what documents to bring and whether you can explore in person, by mail, or online. Processing usually takes two to six weeks. If you have an eviction notice, tell the authority when ready — many programs prioritize active cases and some can contact the court on your behalf.

Income limits and how they work

Public housing, vouchers, and emergency information all have income limits. The limits are based on the area median income (AMI) for your county. A program might serve households at 50 percent of AMI or 80 percent of AMI — the percentage varies by program and by authority.

Your local authority's website or staff can tell you the income limit for each program. Income limits change yearly, usually in April. If you are close to the limit, ask the authority how they count income — some programs count only wages, while others include child support, Social Security, or unemployment benefits.

Income limits are higher in counties with higher costs of living. The limit in Denver is higher than the limit in a rural county. If you move between counties, you may no longer meet the income requirement for a program you were already in, or you may now meet it when you did not before.

What happens after you contact your authority

When you call or visit your local housing authority, staff will ask you questions about your income, household size, and what program you are interested in. They will tell you whether that program is open, what the wait time is (if any), and what documents you need to bring or send.

If you are explore for public housing or a voucher, you will fill out an process and be added to the wait list if one exists. You will not hear back when ready — you will be contacted when a unit or voucher becomes available, which could be months or years away. Keep your contact information current with the authority so they can reach you.

If you are explore for emergency information, the process is faster but the outcome is not may provide. The authority will review your process and let you know whether you meet the requirements and whether funds are available. If both are true, they will contact your landlord and arrange payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which housing authority covers my address?

Search your city or county name plus "housing authority" online. If you cannot find it, call your city or county government and ask which housing authority serves your area. Some counties have multiple authorities — for example, a city authority and a county authority — and you may be able to work with either one.

Can I be on the wait list for more than one housing authority?

Yes. If you live near a county line or in an area served by multiple authorities, you can explore to each one. Being on multiple lists increases your chances of being contacted, but you must keep your information current with each authority and let them know if you no longer want to be on the list.

What if my local authority's wait list is closed?

Call and ask when they plan to open it next. Some authorities open their lists once a year for a few weeks; others have not opened in years. Ask whether you can be notified when the list opens. In the meantime, explore other options like emergency rental information (if you are behind on rent) or private rental information programs in your area.

Do I have to live in Colorado to explore?

Most authorities require you to live in their service area or to be moving there soon. Some require proof of residency or a lease. Call your local authority and ask what documentation they need. If you are homeless or living outside the area, ask whether they make exceptions.

What if I do not meet the income limit?

You cannot participate in that program. Income limits exist for all three main programs — public housing, vouchers, and emergency information. If your income is too high, you do not meet the requirement. Ask the authority whether there are other programs in your area that serve higher incomes, or explore private rental information or nonprofit programs.