Where Denver's affordable housing programs are and how to reach them

Denver has several programs that help renters and buyers find housing below market rate, but they operate through different agencies and have different rules. The main paths are the Denver Housing Authority (which runs public housing and vouchers), the Colorado Division of Housing (which manages state programs), and nonprofits like the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Community Resources. Each one handles different income levels and housing types, so knowing which one serves your situation saves weeks of searching.

The fastest way to start is calling 211 Colorado (dial 211 or visit 211.org). They maintain a current list of what programs are open, which ones have waiting lists, and which are accepting new people right now. This matters because Denver programs often fill up and close to new applicants for months. A 211 counselor can tell you in one call whether you should explore to the Housing Authority, a nonprofit, or a state program.

Key Takeaways

  • Denver Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers; call them directly at (720) 944-7996 to ask about current waiting lists and income limits.
  • The Colorado Division of Housing manages state rental information and down payment help; their programs change by year and income, so check their website for what is open now.
  • Nonprofits like Community Resources and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless focus on people experiencing homelessness or very low income; they often have shorter waiting lists than the Housing Authority.
  • 211 Colorado can tell you in one call which programs are currently accepting people and which have closed waiting lists, saving you time on dead ends.
  • Most Denver programs require proof of income, a lease or rental history, and Colorado residency; have these documents ready before you call.

Denver Housing Authority programs and how to get on the list

The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) runs two main programs: public housing (apartments they own) and Section 8 vouchers (subsidies you use at any landlord who accepts them). Both have waiting lists, and both are currently closed to new applicants, though this changes. Call DHA at (720) 944-7996 to ask when they expect to reopen and whether you can get on a future list.

Public housing apartments are cheaper than Section 8 vouchers but less flexible—you live in a DHA building and pay 30 percent of your income as rent. Section 8 vouchers let you choose any apartment, and the program pays the landlord the difference between your 30 percent and the market rent. Both require proof of income, a Social Security number, and Colorado residency. If you have an eviction on your record, you may still be considered, but DHA will ask about the details.

Waiting lists for DHA can be years long. While you wait, ask 211 about temporary rental information or nonprofits that help people in your income bracket right now.

Colorado state rental information and down payment programs

The Colorado Division of Housing runs rental information for people behind on rent and down payment help for first-time buyers. These programs are state-funded and separate from the Denver Housing Authority. Rental information typically covers arrears (rent you already owe) rather than future rent, and you must have a lease and proof that your hardship was recent—usually within the last 90 days.

Down payment information through the state can cover 3 to 5 percent of a home's purchase price, depending on the program and your income. You must be a first-time buyer, meet income limits (which vary by county), and work with a lender who participates in the program. The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) runs most of these programs; their website lists current offerings and income cutoffs by county.

Both programs have income limits and may have waiting periods. Call CHFA at 1-800-877-2432 or visit their website to learn what is open and what documents you need to gather.

Nonprofit housing organizations in Denver

Nonprofits often move faster than government agencies because they have smaller waiting lists and can make decisions locally. Community Resources, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, and Denver Rescue Mission all run affordable housing programs. Community Resources focuses on families and individuals with low income; the Coalition focuses on people experiencing homelessness; Denver Rescue Mission serves people in crisis. Each has different programs, so call the one that matches your situation.

Nonprofit programs often include transitional housing (temporary, usually 6 to 24 months), permanent supportive housing (long-term with services), and rapid rehousing (help finding an apartment quickly). Some also offer case management, job training, or mental health support alongside housing. Income limits are usually lower than government programs, meaning they serve people with very little income.

Start by calling 211 and asking which nonprofits currently have openings. They can refer you directly and sometimes speed up the process by calling on your behalf.

Income limits and what counts as income in Denver programs

Denver programs set income limits based on the area median income (AMI), which is recalculated every year. A program might serve people at 30 percent AMI (very low income), 50 percent AMI (low income), or 80 percent AMI (moderate income). The higher the percentage, the more you can earn and still be considered. In 2024, 30 percent AMI in Denver is roughly $24,000 for a single person and $34,000 for a family of four, but these numbers change yearly.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or emergency information. If you are self-employed, programs usually ask for two years of tax returns. If your income is irregular, they may average it over the past 12 months.

Ask the program directly what your income limit is before you spend time on an process. 211 can tell you this in one call.

how the process works and what documents to have ready

Most Denver programs ask for the same core documents: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency), a photo ID, and your Social Security number. If you are explore for rental information, bring proof of your current rent and proof that you are behind (a notice from your landlord or an eviction filing). If you are explore for housing, bring a rental history or references from previous landlords.

Gather these documents before you call or visit. Programs move faster when you have everything ready. If you are missing something, ask what they will accept as a substitute—a letter from a shelter or social worker can sometimes replace a lease, for example.

After you explore, ask how long approval takes and how they will contact you. Most programs call or email within two to six weeks. If you do not hear back after six weeks, call and ask for a status update.

Waiting lists, closures, and what to do if a program is full

Denver programs regularly close their waiting lists when they have more applicants than they can serve. The Denver Housing Authority's waiting list has been closed for years. When a list is closed, you cannot explore until it reopens, which might be months or years away. Some programs let you get on a future list so you are notified when they reopen; others do not.

If your first choice is closed, ask 211 which other programs are open right now. There are usually multiple options—a nonprofit might have space when the Housing Authority does not, or a state program might be accepting people when the city program is full. Do not assume you have no options; call and ask.

While you wait for a program to reopen or for approval, look into temporary help: emergency rental information (usually run by your county), food banks, utility information, and job training programs. These do not solve housing long-term, but they can keep you stable while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Denver to use these programs?

Most programs require Colorado residency, but not all require Denver residency specifically. The Denver Housing Authority serves Denver and some nearby areas. State programs serve all of Colorado. Call the program and ask—some will serve you if you work in Denver even if you live outside the city.

What if I have an eviction or criminal record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you from most programs, but they will ask about it. Be honest and explain what happened. Nonprofits are often more flexible than government agencies. A criminal record is handled case-by-case; violent felonies and drug convictions are treated differently by different programs, so ask directly rather than assuming you are ineligible.

Can I explore to multiple programs at the same time?

Yes. explore to every program you meet the income limits for. They do not share information, so one program will not know you applied elsewhere. Having multiple applications going increases your chances of getting housed faster.

How long does it take to get into housing after I am approved?

It depends on the program. Public housing can take weeks to months because they have to find an available unit. Section 8 vouchers can take weeks to issue but then you have to find a landlord willing to accept them. Nonprofits sometimes have units ready and can move you in within days. Ask the program what the typical timeline is after approval.

What if I cannot afford the rent even with a subsidy?

Tell the program. Some can adjust your rent based on your actual income, or they can refer you to a lower-income program. If you are in a nonprofit program with case management, your caseworker can help you find additional support like food information or utility help to free up money for rent.