AFFORDABLE HOUSING
For affordable housing development, do you provide funding for individuals to develop and manage affordable housing?
Due to the complexity of these programs and the required long term reporting and compliance required by HUD, the City primarily funds non-profit and for-profit organizations in the development of affordable housing. These organizations typically have the staff and experience in these programs to manage the data requirements and obligations that come with the public financing of projects. These projects require long-term obligations for data collection and reporting, property standards, and myriad legal responsibilities. Call Chad Wright for more information (719) 385-5334.

Does the City own and manage affordable housing?
No. The City provides funding and technical assistance to organizations to support the preservation and creation of affordable housing. Forms of funding include grants (in limited cases) and low-interest loans for projects, direct rental assistance (through the local Housing Authority and ESM) and technical assistance. Technical assistance includes assistance to other organizations in structuring projects, management assistance, program review, etc.

Does the City utilize funds from the general City budget for affordable housing development?
The funds utilized for the development of affordable housing are federal in origin and come to the City through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
What are Capital Improvements?
They include: sidewalks, curb & gutters, pedestrian ramps, park & trail development, pedestrian crossing signals, street lighting, and other infrastructure improvements. Call Don Sides for more information (719) 385-6881.

What is a Neighborhood Strategy Area Designation?
The City of Colorado Springs receives funding from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that is earmarked for activities that benefit low and moderate income persons. Capital Improvements and neighborhood revitalization in Neighborhood Strategy Areas meeting the federal requirements for the funds.

What are the requirements to become a Neighborhood Strategy Area?
A neighborhood must first meet the low income guidelines set by the federal government. A minimum of 51% of the residents must have income that is 80% or below the median income for the Colorado Springs area. Additionally, the neighborhood must have an active neighborhood organization.

FAIR HOUSING
My neighbor and I do not get along and my landlord refuses to let me out of my lease. What can your office do about this? You handle Fair Housing, don't you?
Yes, Housing Development coordinates Fair Housing compliance in Colorado Springs. However, we will only get involved if the tenant believes that he/she has been discriminated against or civil rights have been violated.

What can you do for me if I believe that my civil rights have been violated?
We will help you file a formal complaint with Colorado Civil Rights Division.

How do I know if my civil rights have been violated?
The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, and familial status. Colorado statute protect the same classes and adds ancestry, marital status, and creed.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to let me out of my lease?
You should consult an attorney. Be sure to have your lease handy. If you cannot afford legal counsel, and qualify financially, Colorado Legal Services might be able to help.

HOUSING REHABILITATION
My neighbor got a loan from you to fix up his home and he doesn't have to make a payment. Is that true? Can I get the same kind of loan?
A deferred payment loan at zero percent (0%) interest is one of the options that we will consider if you qualify through the Owner Occupant Rehab loan program. Household income is one of the factors that we consider in order to provide a loan. You can call Eileen McMullen (719) 385-6877 to find out if you qualify.

My house needs a lot of work and it looks like I'm in your income guidelines. Can I apply for a Community Development Block Grant to get the work done?
Our Division receives Community Development Block Grant funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In turn, we make low or no interest loans available to qualified customers for eligible rehabilitation.

I'm getting married soon and plan to rent out my home when I move in with my husband but the house needs rehab before it can be rented. Can you help me if I don't live in the home?
We will consider your application under the provisions of the Investor Owner Rehab loan program.

I live outside of the city limits of Colorado Springs. Can I still apply for a rehab loan? I have low income and live in my home.
Our Division administers the El Paso County Rehab Program through an Intergovernmental Agreement with the county. This program is available for owner occupants with low income living outside of the Colorado Springs city limits.

HUMAN SERVICES
Who can apply for Human Service Funding?
The Housing Development Division provides funding to local 501(c)(3) and 509(a) non-profit agencies for the provision of human services to low and moderate income person in the community. These activities are governed by federal regulations for the Community Development Block Grant Program. Priority is given to non-profit agencies that provide Emergency Care and Shelter, Youth Services, and Self-Sufficiency Services.

When can I apply for Human Service Funding?
The application process for funding begins in January and funding is available in January of the following year for City funds and April for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds.

Where can I apply for Human Service Funding?
There is one main human service funding effort. The City has partnered with Pikes Peak United Way to create a seamless application process for human service agencies. The application and instructions are posted in December on the City's Housing Development's website (www.springsgov.com) as well as Pikes Peak United Way's website (www.ppunitedway.org.).