What the Jefferson County Housing Authority does

The Jefferson County Housing Authority (also called Jeffco Housing Authority) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs across Jefferson County, Colorado. They manage public housing units, administer voucher programs that help tenants pay rent in the private market, and oversee supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. If you live in unincorporated Jefferson County or in one of the municipalities they serve, you may interact with them as a tenant, a landlord, or someone looking for affordable housing options.

The Authority is not the same as the City and County of Denver Housing Authority, which serves Denver proper. Jeffco's service area includes unincorporated county land and several municipalities, though coverage varies by program. Understanding which programs Jeffco runs and how to reach them is the first step if you need housing support or have questions about a lease or property in their jurisdiction.

Key Takeaways

  • The Jefferson County Housing Authority manages public housing, voucher programs, and supportive housing across Jefferson County and partner municipalities.
  • You can reach Jeffco Housing Authority by phone at their main office or through their website to ask about current program openings and waitlist status.
  • Waitlists for public housing and vouchers are often closed or have long delays, so asking about current status before gathering documents saves time.
  • Landlords working with Jeffco tenants or voucher holders should contact the Authority directly to understand lease requirements and payment procedures.
  • If you are experiencing homelessness or housing crisis, call 211 Colorado to be referred to Jeffco programs or other emergency resources in your area.

How to contact Jeffco Housing Authority

The main phone line for Jefferson County Housing Authority is 303-989-1989. This number connects you to their administrative office in Golden, Colorado, where staff can answer questions about programs, waitlist status, and how to move forward. Call during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to reach someone who can direct you to the right department.

You can also visit their website or stop by their office in person at 1222 South Ulysses Street, Golden, CO 80401. If you are calling about a specific program — such as a voucher you already hold or a public housing unit you occupy — have your case number or lease information ready. Staff can move faster when they can pull your file when ready.

For emergencies outside business hours, such as a maintenance issue in a public housing unit that poses a safety risk, ask the phone system for the after-hours emergency line. Different programs may have different emergency procedures, so confirm what applies to your situation.

Public housing and voucher waitlists

Jeffco Housing Authority maintains separate waitlists for public housing units and for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). Both waitlists are often closed, meaning the Authority is not accepting new names at that moment. Waitlists reopen periodically when funding allows or when the Authority decides to process a batch of applications, but there is no set schedule.

Before you gather documents or make a formal request to join a waitlist, call 303-989-1989 and ask directly: "Is the waitlist for [public housing / vouchers] currently open?" This one question saves you hours of preparation if the list is closed. If it is open, ask how long the current wait typically is — this varies year to year and depends on funding and turnover.

If you are in a housing crisis and cannot wait for a voucher or public housing, mention this when you call. The Authority may refer you to emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or other crisis programs that move faster. You can also call 211 Colorado (dial 2-1-1) for a referral to all available resources in Jefferson County.

Working with Jeffco as a tenant

If you live in a Jeffco Housing Authority public housing unit, your lease is with the Authority, and your rent is set as a percentage of your income (typically 30 percent). Maintenance requests, lease questions, and rent payment go through the Authority's tenant services department. Call the main number and ask to be connected to the property manager for your building or complex.

If you hold a Housing Choice Voucher from Jeffco, you rent from a private landlord, but the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You are responsible for finding a unit, negotiating the lease with the landlord, and paying your share of the rent. The Authority's voucher program staff inspect units, approve leases, and handle payment to landlords. If you have a question about your voucher amount, your lease, or a landlord dispute, contact the voucher program directly through the main office.

Tenants with maintenance emergencies — such as no heat in winter, no water, or a safety hazard — should call the emergency line first. For non-emergency repairs, submit a work order through your property manager or the tenant portal if one is available. Document what is broken, when you reported it, and follow up in writing if repairs are delayed beyond a reasonable timeframe.

Working with Jeffco as a landlord

Landlords who rent to Jeffco voucher holders or who own buildings managed by the Authority need to understand the payment process and lease requirements. Jeffco pays the landlord's portion of rent directly, usually by check or electronic transfer on a set schedule. The tenant pays their share separately. Never accept payment from the tenant for the Authority's portion — this creates confusion and can delay future payments.

Before you sign a lease with a voucher holder, contact Jeffco's landlord liaison or voucher program to confirm the voucher is active and the payment amount. The Authority will also conduct a housing quality inspection of your unit before approving the lease. This inspection checks for safety, sanitation, and basic maintenance standards. If your unit fails inspection, you will have a set time to make repairs before the lease can be approved.

Landlords with questions about lease language, tenant rights, or payment disputes should call 303-989-1989 and ask for the landlord services or voucher program department. Having your property address and the tenant's name ready speeds up the conversation.

Supportive housing and homelessness programs

Jeffco Housing Authority also administers supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. These programs combine affordable housing with case management, mental health services, or other support. may be able to access and availability vary by program, and many have specific requirements (such as a disability, chronic homelessness, or involvement with the criminal justice system).

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or housing instability, the fastest way to learn about Jeffco programs and other resources is to call 211 Colorado. This free referral line connects you to local agencies, emergency shelters, rapid rehousing, and supportive housing. You can also call Jeffco directly at 303-989-1989 and ask about supportive housing options, though 211 often has more current information about which programs have openings.

Understanding waitlist and income limits

Both public housing and voucher programs have income limits that change yearly. These limits depend on your household size and are set at a percentage of the area median income for the Denver-Boulder region. A household that exceeds the income limit is not may be able to access, even if you were on the waitlist before your income increased. Jeffco will verify income through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents when you move toward the top of the waitlist.

Waitlist position does not may provide housing. The Authority prioritizes based on date of process, local preference (if you work or live in the county), and sometimes by need (such as homelessness or disability). Even if you are near the top of the waitlist, approval depends on a unit becoming available, your income staying within limits, and your background check and rental history meeting the Authority's standards.

Ask about income limits and waitlist priorities when you call. These details help you understand your realistic timeline and whether you should explore other options in the meantime, such as emergency rental information or private market rentals with tax credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing from Jeffco?

Wait times vary widely depending on funding and turnover. Some waitlists have waits of several years; others may move faster. Call 303-989-1989 and ask the current wait time for the program you are interested in. This gives you a realistic picture rather than a guess.

What if I have a dispute with my landlord over repairs or rent?

If you are a public housing tenant, contact your property manager or the tenant services department at Jeffco. If you are a voucher holder, you have a lease with the private landlord, so you may need to pursue the dispute through small claims court or a tenant rights organization. Jeffco can advise you on your rights under the voucher program. Call 303-989-1989 to discuss your situation.

Can I transfer my voucher if I move out of Jefferson County?

Housing Choice Vouchers can sometimes be transferred to another housing authority if you move, but this depends on the receiving authority's policies and available funding. Contact Jeffco's voucher program before you move to understand the process and whether your voucher will be accepted elsewhere.

What happens if my income increases while I am on the waitlist?

Income limits are checked when you are offered housing, not when you join the waitlist. If your income exceeds the limit at that time, you will not be able to move into public housing or receive a voucher. Report income changes to Jeffco if you are already a tenant or voucher holder, as this affects your rent calculation.

Is there emergency housing help if the waitlist is closed?

Yes. Call 211 Colorado to learn about emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, emergency shelters, and other crisis programs in Jefferson County. These programs often move faster than the voucher or public housing waitlist and may have current openings even when Jeffco's main programs are full.