Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance: 2024 Application Guide

The COVID-19 Pandemic has had lasting effects on the economy and housing. Colorado’s emergency rental assistance programs aim to provide financial relief to tenants struggling to make ends meet and pay their rent. These initiatives are supported by federal, state, and local funds and are administered through various agencies and organizations to ensure broad reach and accessibility.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

A primary resource for Colorado residents is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Funded by the U.S. Treasury, ERAP provides substantial support to renters facing financial hardships due to the pandemic. The program covers up to 15 months of rent and utility payments, including arrears and future payments, offering critical relief for those most in need.

To qualify for ERAP, applicants must meet these specific criteria:

  • Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

  • Applicants must demonstrate a financial hardship directly or indirectly related to COVID-19.

  • Proof of residency and a valid lease agreement are required.

The application process involves submitting an online application along with necessary documentation such as income verification, proof of rental arrears, and identification. Both tenants and landlords can apply, facilitating a collaborative effort to secure housing stability.

Colorado Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP)

The Colorado Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), administered by the Colorado Division of Housing, provides another layer of support. EHAP is designed to assist renters who have lost income due to the pandemic and are at risk of eviction.


EHAP has similar eligibility criteria to ERAP, focusing on households experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The application process requires documentation of income loss, proof of tenancy, and the amount of rent owed. Applications can be submitted online, and local agencies are available to assist applicants through the process.

Local Assistance Programs

In addition to state-administered programs, various municipalities in Colorado offer local rental assistance programs. These programs cater to specific community needs and often provide more tailored support.

Denver's Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA)

Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program offers short-term financial assistance to low- and moderate-income residents facing unexpected financial hardship. TRUA can cover up to six months of rent and utility payments.

City of Aurora Rental Assistance Program

If you need emergency rental assistance in Aurora CO the city offers a program through House Aurora Partnership. The program uses CARES Act funding from Arapahoe and Adams counties. More information is available through Arapahoe county.

Boulder County Housing Helpline

Boulder County operates a Housing Helpline that connects residents to emergency rental assistance, housing counseling, and other supportive services. This helpline is a valuable resource for residents navigating housing instability and seeking immediate support.

El Paso County's Rent Assistance Program

El Paso County’s Rent Assistance Program provides targeted aid to residents at risk of eviction. The program collaborates with local nonprofits and community organizations to offer comprehensive support, including financial aid and case management services.

Eviction Prevention and Legal Assistance

Preventing evictions is a critical component of Colorado’s housing stability efforts. Several organizations provide legal assistance, mediation services, and counseling to help tenants facing eviction proceedings.

Colorado Legal Services

Colorado Legal Services offers free legal aid to low-income residents, helping them understand their rights and navigate eviction processes. This organization plays a crucial role in representing tenants in court and negotiating with landlords.

Mediation Services

Mediation programs, such as those provided by the Denver County Court, offer an alternative to eviction by facilitating negotiations between tenants and landlords. These services aim to reach mutually agreeable solutions and keep tenants in their homes.

Housing Counseling

Nonprofits like Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. provide housing counseling to assist tenants with budgeting, understanding their rights, and finding alternative housing options if necessary. These services are essential for maintaining long-term housing stability.

The Critical Impact of Rental Assistance Programs

Emergency rental assistance programs have had a profound impact on Colorado communities. By providing financial relief, these programs help prevent evictions, reduce homelessness, and support economic stability. A study by the Urban Institute indicates that rental assistance not only keeps families housed but also enables them to focus on other critical areas such as employment, education, and health.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite their successes, rental assistance programs face challenges such as funding limitations, bureaucratic hurdles, and the need for ongoing support. Colorado policymakers and housing advocates are working to address these challenges by advocating for additional funding, simplifying application procedures, and increasing outreach to ensure that all eligible residents can access these vital resources.

Getting Emergency Rental Assistance in Colorado

Emergency rental assistance programs in Colorado are essential in supporting residents facing housing insecurity. As these programs continue to evolve, ongoing advocacy and policy innovation will be key to addressing the housing crisis and building a resilient future for all Colorado residents.

For more information, see our overview on what to do when you’re struggling to pay rent and learn about other sources of help.

Connecticut Emergency Rental Assistance: 2024 Application Guide

There are several emergency rental assistance programs in Connecticut for residents who struggle with housing insecurity. This challenge is common, especially after the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Overview of Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Connecticut offers several emergency rental assistance programs designed to prevent evictions and homelessness. These programs are usually funded by federal, state, and local sources. This includes the U.S. Treasury's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) and local agencies administer them and aim to provide timely help to renters in need.

UniteCT Program

One flagship program in Connecticut is UniteCT. It's a state-run program that gives federal funds to help households that can't pay rent and utilities due to the pandemic. UniteCT provides up to $15,000 in rental assistance and up to $1,500 for electric utilities per household. This financial aid covers both past-due and future rent. It offers a critical lifeline for struggling renters.

To qualify for UniteCT, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

  • Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19.

  • Proof of residency and a valid lease agreement are required.

The application process is straightforward but requires thorough documentation. Applicants must fill out an online form and also submit income verification and evidence of rental arrears. Landlords are also encouraged to join. 

Eviction Prevention Services

In addition to direct rental assistance, Connecticut offers several eviction prevention services. The Eviction Prevention Fund provides legal aid, mediation programs, and housing counseling to help tenants who are facing eviction.

Legal Assistance

Organizations like Connecticut Legal Services and the New Haven Legal Assistance Association provide free legal help to low-income renters. These agencies help tenants understand their rights and represent them in court and negotiate with landlords to find friendly solutions.

Mediation Programs

The Connecticut Fair Housing Center provides renters with critical mediation services. Mediation plays a key role in resolving disputes between landlords and tenants. Mediation provides a platform for both parties to discuss their issues with a neutral third party. The goal is to reach a settlement that stops eviction.

Housing Counseling

Non-profit organizations like the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) offer housing counseling services. These experienced counselors offer personalized advice that covers topics like budgeting, tenant rights, and finding new housing if needed.

Local Assistance Programs

Beyond state-administered initiatives, many municipalities in Connecticut offer their own rental assistance programs. These local programs have more flexible rules and can also provide additional help to residents not covered by state or federal programs.

Hartford's Emergency Assistance Fund

Hartford has set up an Emergency Assistance Fund to help residents who do not qualify for UniteCT or need immediate help. This fund offers short-term financial assistance to prevent evictions and stabilize housing situations.

New Haven's Rental Assistance Program

New Haven provides a rental assistance program focused on low-income families and individuals. This program works with local non-profits and community organizations to provide full support, including money and help in finding housing.

Rental Assistance Programs and the Community

Emergency rental programs have helped thousands of residents in Connecticut and had a big impact on communities. These programs provide financial relief and prevent evictions keeping residents in their neighborhoods. This helps keep communities stable and reduces the strain on homeless shelters and social services.

A recent analysis by the U.S. Department of the Treasury highlighted the impact of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, which has provided over $46 billion to support housing stability for eligible renters throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has made over 10 million assistance payments, significantly helping low-income renters and renters of color. Research shows that the ERA program has played a crucial role in preventing evictions, with more than 80% of ERA assistance in 2021 going to very low-income households.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the successes, rental assistance programs face challenges like bureaucratic delays, limited funding, and the need for ongoing support. The pandemic's economic effects linger and there is a growing need for steady funding and simpler processes to ensure that help reaches those in need quickly.

Connecticut policymakers and housing advocates are continuously working to improve these programs. We are trying to increase outreach, to simplify applications, and secure more funding from federal and state sources.

Finding Emergency Rental Assistance in Connecticut

No one wants to feel helpless about paying their rent. The Connecticut emergency rental assistance program that existed during the pandemic may be gone, but that should not be a barrier to confidently supporting your housing situation. 

Whether you’re seeking emergency rental assistance in Hartford, CT, or looking for help in Fairfield County, you are never far from the aid you need. For more information regarding rental assistance programs, check out our overview for those struggling to pay rent.

Delaware Emergency Rental Assistance: 2024 Application Guide

With the cost of living on the rise, many individuals and families are in need of an emergency rental assistance program. Delaware offers programs and resources to help residents maintain stable housing and avoid eviction. 

Emergency rental assistance programs in Delaware help ensure that individuals and families can stay in their homes during times of financial hardship. This guide provides an overview of the various programs and resources available across the state of Delaware in 2024.

Emergency Assistance Funds

The state of Delaware provides emergency assistance funds to help low-income Delaware residents cover the cost of rent and utilities. Individuals and families seeking emergency assistance funds from the state of Delaware must:

  • Receive or be eligible for cash assistance such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (GA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or certain Medicaid programs. 

  • Show that the housing emergency was the result of unforeseen circumstances that were outside the recipients’ control.

  • Be able to maintain their housing after the emergency is addressed.

This program aims to provide a safety net for residents who are facing temporary setbacks, ensuring they do not lose their homes due to circumstances beyond their control.

Eviction Defense Project

Facing eviction can be a daunting and stressful experience. Delaware residents who are facing eviction can consult the resources provided by the Eviction Defense Project. These resources include legal aid as well as financial support to keep Delaware residents housed. Legal aid services can help residents understand their rights and navigate the eviction process, potentially preventing displacement.

The Eviction Defense Project is an essential resource for those who need immediate assistance and advice. By providing both legal and financial support, the project helps residents avoid eviction and stabilize their living situations.

New Castle County Resources

Individuals and families seeking emergency rental assistance in New Castle County can visit one of the following service centers to confirm their eligibility and apply: 

These centers provide a range of services and support to ensure residents can access the help they need promptly. Each center is equipped to handle applications and provide guidance on the emergency assistance funds available.

Kent County Resources

Individuals and families seeking emergency rental assistance in Kent County can visit one of the following service centers to confirm their eligibility and apply:

Kent County's service centers are dedicated to helping residents in need of emergency assistance. The staff at these centers can help applicants understand the requirements and complete their applications efficiently.

Sussex County Resources

Individuals and families seeking emergency rental assistance in Sussex County can visit one of the following service centers to confirm their eligibility and apply:

Sussex County offers multiple locations where residents can seek help. Each center provides personalized assistance to ensure that every applicant receives the support they need.

Milford Resources

Individuals and families seeking emergency rental assistance can visit one of the following service centers in Milford to confirm their eligibility and apply: 

Milford's service centers are strategically located to serve the community efficiently. These centers are vital for residents who need immediate help with rental assistance.

Non-Profit Organizations and Community Groups

In addition to the resources mentioned above, several non-profit organizations and community groups offer support and guidance to those facing housing insecurity. These groups often provide supplemental assistance and can help residents connect with additional services such as food banks, job training programs, and financial counseling.

Further Help

Navigating the complexities of emergency rental assistance can be challenging, but Delaware offers a robust network of resources to support residents in need. Whether you are facing eviction or simply struggling to make ends meet, there are programs and organizations ready to help. By reaching out to local service centers and utilizing available resources, Delaware residents can find the support they need to maintain stable and secure housing.

If you’re struggling to pay rent, check out Affordable Housing Hub’s overview of resources. This page provides information on resources available across the United States for people experiencing housing emergencies. You can also visit the Delaware State Housing Authority website for more information on emergency rental assistance programs. 

Florida Emergency Rental Assistance: 2024 Application Guide

In Florida, emergency rental assistance programs saw closures and rollbacks across all counties in 2023. This removed some access points to rental assistance that were available to many Floridians at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if you are in need of emergency rental assistance, Florida still offers several options.

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance Program (TCA) provides financial support to individuals and families with minor children who need a bit of a boost. This program provides monthly cash assistance payments to qualifying Floridians for up to a lifetime total of 48 months. Families can receive extra income from this program based on the number of children currently living in the home, as well as the age(s) of said child(ren). 

To receive TCA funding, individuals and families must provide evidence that they make less than 185% of the current Federal Poverty level. There are several other criteria that applicants must meet, including:

  • Possession of a Social Security Number, or proof that applicants have applied for one.

  • Proof of residence in the state of Florida.

  • Proof of work activities, in some cases.

  • Countable assets totalling to equal or less than $2,000.

  • Up to date immunizations for children under age 5.

More information about TCA can be found on the Fact Sheet compiled by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program was first put in place in Florida in 1996. Since then, the program has helped countless families in need, and it has been so productive that it recently earned renewal through 2026.

The TANF program offers monetary assistance to families that the state of Florida deems “needy.” in order to fall into this category, families must meet many of the same criteria as those applying for TCA. However, TANF eligibility is more flexible for those who lose TCA eligibility due to employment, or for two-parent homes that may not fully meet TCA requirements. In addition, Floridians who are 18 years of age or younger and who are heads of household may qualify for additional assistance through TANF.

As with other programs, applicants must be residents of Florida to receive benefits and must sometimes provide proof of work or employment, if possible. 

Emergency Solutions Grant

If you are currently homeless, or actively facing homelessness, you may consider pursuing assistance from the Emergency Solutions Grant. Supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this grant funds, among other things, rental assistance programs and shelter locations for those affected by homelessness.

If you are currently under threat of homelessness, or have recently become homeless, you can access any relevant resources and funding through your local Continuum of Care.

What are Continuums of Care?

In Florida, Continuums of Care (CoCs) are local networks of organizations involved in providing a range of services. These groups can include homeless services providers, public housing agencies, school districts, and many others. All CoCs are constructed with the goal of locating and supporting homeless individuals in their areas and putting them back on the path to stable housing.

All CoCs are unique to different areas of Florida. Be sure to reach out to the CoC that is most relevant to your location.

Section 8 Housing

Housing assistance from the state is not the only housing assistance option in Florida. Section 8 housing, the federal government’s most widely-known housing assistance program, is available throughout the state of Florida. 

Section 8 housing is often commended for its flexibility in applicable housing situations. Those eligible for Section 8 vouchers can choose to live in single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, and the like. As with TCA and TANF, Floridians must demonstrate appropriate financial need in order to qualify for participation in Section 8.

All Section 8 housing is coordinated through local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). These groups are dedicated to pairing affordable housing with individuals in need. To find your nearest PHA, use our simple Search Tool.

Finding Rental Assistance in Florida

No one wants to feel helpless about paying their rent. The Florida emergency rental assistance program that existed during the pandemic may be gone, but that should not be a barrier to confidently supporting your housing situation. Whether you’re seeking emergency rental assistance in Jacksonville, FL, or looking for help in Santa Rosa County, you are never far from the aid you need.

For more information regarding rental assistance programs, check out our overview for those struggling to pay rent.