Housing Assistance for Seniors in Colorado

Last updated: August 18, 2025

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If You Need Emergency Help

• Call 2-1-1 Colorado for 24/7 referrals to shelter, rent help, and utility assistance: https://www.211colorado.org/
• Contact Colorado Housing Connects (housing counseling, eviction prevention, application help): https://coloradohousingconnects.org/
• Facing eviction? Apply for legal help through Colorado Legal Services: https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/ and review tenant resources at the Colorado Division of Housing: https://cdola.colorado.gov/renter-eviction-resources
• Domestic violence safety and housing: reach Colorado’s statewide hotline via Safe Shelter Search and services through Colorado End Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

Emergency tips:

• If you receive a Notice to Quit or Summons, do not ignore it. Deadlines are short. Call a housing counselor or legal aid the same day.
• Keep proof of payments, lease, and notices in one folder.
• If heat is off or the home is unsafe, document with photos and call your local code enforcement and a housing counselor.

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Key Takeaways

• Most rent help in Colorado now flows through local programs. The statewide Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has ended. Use 2-1-1 and Colorado Housing Connects to find active city/county aid.
• Seniors have several paths to lower rent: Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), project-based senior apartments, and HUD Section 202 communities. Apply to multiple waitlists to improve your chances.
• Home repairs and accessibility changes can be covered by Weatherization, USDA Section 504 grants (for rural homeowners 62+), Medicaid home-mod benefits, and local CDBG/HOME-funded programs.
• Utility bills: Apply for LEAP each winter and ask about emergency furnace repair (Crisis Intervention Program). Energy Outreach Colorado can help year-round.
• Property tax relief exists for homeowners 65+: Senior Property Tax Exemption (if funded), Property Tax Deferral, and the Colorado PTC Rebate (for low-income seniors and people with disabilities).
• Get unbiased help from HUD-approved housing counselors, legal aid, Area Agencies on Aging, and your county’s veteran service office (for veterans).

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How housing help works in Colorado

• The Colorado Division of Housing (within the Department of Local Affairs) funds and oversees statewide housing programs, fair-housing education, and renter resources: https://cdola.colorado.gov/housing
• Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) finances affordable housing and offers homebuyer programs and housing counseling resources: https://www.chfainfo.com/
• Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). Find PHAs with HUD’s directory: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
• The State Unit on Aging (Colorado Department of Human Services) coordinates older adult services via Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): https://cdhs.colorado.gov/aging

Reality check:

• Most voucher and affordable senior housing waitlists are long and open briefly. Apply to many lists, check weekly, and keep documents ready. Consider project-based senior properties where you apply directly to the property.

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Quick help directory

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1) Lowering your rent: vouchers, senior apartments, and local aid

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

• What it is: A monthly rent subsidy you can use in private apartments. You typically pay about 30% of your income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest up to a local limit.
• Who runs it: Local housing authorities (PHAs).
• How to apply: Locate PHAs near you with HUD’s directory: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts. Join multiple waitlists (city + nearby counties). Watch their websites and social media for opening dates.

Tips and realities:

• Waitlists can be closed for long periods. Don’t wait—also apply to project-based senior housing in the meantime.
• If you get a “lottery number,” keep your contact info current or you may lose your spot.

Project-Based Section 8 and HUD Section 202 Senior Housing

• What it is: Affordable apartments where rent is tied to income and assistance stays with the unit (not a portable voucher).
• Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly: Senior-only properties with supportive services. Apply at each property.
• How to search:
  • HUD Resource Locator (subsidized properties): https://resources.hud.gov/
  • HUD Section 202 program overview: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202
• Tip: Call properties to ask about waitlist length, application hours, and required documents.

Public Housing (some senior-designated)

• Some housing authorities operate senior-designated buildings with reduced rent. Check your local PHA listings via HUD directory: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts

Local and nonprofit rental assistance

• Statewide ERAP ended. Current help is local. Use:
  • 2-1-1 Colorado to find active rent/utility programs: https://www.211colorado.org/
  • Colorado Housing Connects to navigate applications and landlord issues: https://coloradohousingconnects.org/
• Nonprofits that often assist older renters:
  • Senior Housing Options (affordable senior communities): https://seniorhousingoptions.org/
  • Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (housing + case management): https://www.coloradocoalition.org/
  • Volunteers of America Colorado (housing and supports): https://www.voacolorado.org/
  • Mercy Housing (affordable senior and family housing): https://www.mercyhousing.org/locations/colorado/
• City examples (programs change—always verify availability):
  • Denver Department of Housing Stability (HOST) rental help and the TRUA program: https://denvergov.org/ResidentResourcesHousing
  • Larimer County & Fort Collins: Neighbor to Neighbor rental assistance and counseling: https://www.n2n.org/
  • Colorado Springs: Check Housing Authority updates: https://csha.us/ and call 2-1-1 for current aid
  • Pueblo: Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo resources and referrals: https://www.hapueblo.org/

Table: main rent help options

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2) Help with utilities, weatherization, and home repairs

Utility bill help

• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP): Helps with winter heating costs, typically November–April. Apply online or by mail. Details and dates: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap
• Crisis Intervention Program (CIP): Emergency home heating system repair/replacement for LEAP-eligible households. Ask about CIP when you apply for LEAP: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap
• Energy Outreach Colorado: Year-round utility assistance, furnace repair partners, and energy efficiency supports via a statewide network: https://www.energyoutreach.org/

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• What it does: Free energy upgrades like insulation, air sealing, heating/cooling system improvements, and safety checks for eligible households.
• Where to apply: Colorado Energy Office WAP page lists local providers: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/weatherization-assistance-program

Home repairs and accessibility modifications

• USDA Section 504 Home Repair (Rural)
  • Loans up to $40,000andgrantsupto$10,000 for homeowners age 62+ with very low income in eligible rural areas.
  • Use the program to remove health/safety hazards or make essential repairs. Start here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/co
• Medicaid Home Modifications (Health First Colorado)
  • For Medicaid-eligible seniors through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers (e.g., Elderly, Blind, and Disabled waiver). Can cover ramps, grab bars, bathroom modifications, etc., when medically necessary.
  • Learn more and find your case management agency: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/long-term-services-supports-ltss and https://hcpf.colorado.gov/case-management
• VA Home Modification Grants (Veterans)
  • Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Special Housing Adaptation (SHA), and Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants for eligible veterans. Program details and how to apply: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
• Local CDBG/HOME-funded repairs
  • Many cities/counties offer minor home repair or emergency repair programs funded by federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) or HOME funds. Check your city or county housing department or call 2-1-1 for current programs.
  • Example (verify availability): Denver Emergency Home Repair and Accessibility programs via HOST: https://denvergov.org/ResidentResourcesHousing

Table: repair, weatherization, and modification programs

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3) Property tax relief and cash-back options for seniors

• Senior Property Tax Exemption (Homestead)
  • If funded by the state budget, this exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of your primary residence’s actual value for qualifying seniors (65+ who’ve owned/occupied the home for at least 10 years). Administered by county assessors.
  • Learn requirements and check status at the Division of Property Taxation: https://cdola.colorado.gov/property-taxation
• Property Tax Deferral Program
  • Lets eligible homeowners (including seniors) defer a portion of property taxes, typically paid when the home is sold. Now available to more Coloradans under recent changes. Administered by the Colorado Department of the Treasury.
  • Details and application: https://treasury.colorado.gov/property-tax-deferral
• Colorado PTC Rebate (Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit)
  • Cash rebate for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who paid property tax, rent, or heating bills. Apply through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
  • Program info and application: https://tax.colorado.gov/ptc-rebate

Table: property tax and rebate options

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4) Buying, refinancing, and foreclosure prevention

• CHFA Homeownership and Down Payment Assistance
  • CHFA offers fixed-rate loans and down payment assistance; its HomeAccess program serves borrowers with disabilities or those with disabled household members (helpful for accessibility needs).
  • Learn more: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership
  • HomeAccess program overview: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/homeaccess
• Reverse mortgage counseling (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, HECM)
  • If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, HUD requires counseling. Find HUD-approved counselors: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hecm/hecmhome
• Foreclosure prevention and counseling
  • Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor early. Start with Colorado Housing Connects: https://coloradohousingconnects.org/
  • Colorado’s foreclosure information and counseling resources are compiled by the Division of Housing: https://cdola.colorado.gov/housing

Reality check:

• Be cautious with high-fee refinancing or home equity products. Compare offers, ask for APR, total costs, and prepayment terms. Never sign if you feel pressured. Use a HUD-approved counselor before major decisions.

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5) Understanding senior living and long-term care options

You may prefer to age at home with support or move to a community setting. Costs vary widely by location and level of care. Use the Genworth Cost of Care Survey to view current estimates for Colorado and your city: https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html

Common settings:

• Independent living: Private-pay apartments with amenities; not medical care.
• Assisted living / Alternative Care Facilities: Help with daily activities and medications. Some residents get services paid by Medicaid’s HCBS waiver in approved facilities.
• Memory care: Specialized secured units for dementia care; private-pay and sometimes Medicaid in specific settings.
• Nursing homes: 24/7 medical care. Medicaid can pay for eligible residents after income/resource review.

Programs that may help pay:

• Health First Colorado (Medicaid) long-term services and supports, including nursing home care and home- and community-based waivers: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/long-term-services-supports-ltss
• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): Coordinates Medicare and Medicaid services for eligible older adults to help them live in the community: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/program-all-inclusive-care-elderly-pace
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman (resident advocacy for assisted living and nursing homes): https://disabilitylawco.org/programs/long-term-care-ombudsman

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6) Fair housing, tenant rights, and legal help

• Renter rights and eviction resources: Colorado Division of Housing hub with tenant guides and links: https://cdola.colorado.gov/renter-eviction-resources
• Legal help:
  • Colorado Legal Services (civil legal aid statewide): https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/
  • Metro Volunteer Lawyers (Denver-area pro bono): https://www.denbar.org/mvl
• Mobile Home Park Oversight Program (for manufactured housing residents): Complaints, resources, and dispute resolution: https://cdola.colorado.gov/mobile-home-park-oversight
• Fair housing complaints:
  • Colorado Civil Rights Division (state anti-discrimination agency): https://ccrd.colorado.gov/
  • HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO): https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing

Tip:

• Save every notice, email, text, and photo. If conditions are unsafe (lack of heat, major leaks, electrical hazards), report to your local code enforcement and seek legal advice—retaliation is illegal.

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7) Inclusive resources

Veterans

• HUD-VASH vouchers combine HUD rental assistance with VA case management. Contact your VA social worker or the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System: https://www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care/
• VA disability housing grants (SAH/SHA/HISA) for home modifications: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
• Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs; find your County Veterans Service Office for help with claims and housing referrals: https://vets.colorado.gov/cvso

Seniors with disabilities

• Medicaid HCBS waivers (Elderly, Blind, and Disabled) can fund in-home supports and home modifications: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/long-term-services-supports-ltss
• Disability Law Colorado (protection & advocacy; long-term care ombudsman): https://disabilitylawco.org/

LGBTQ+ seniors

• The Center on Colfax (LGBTQ+ older adult programs, community, and referrals): https://lgbtqcolorado.org/
• If you face discrimination in housing, file with the Colorado Civil Rights Division: https://ccrd.colorado.gov/ and HUD FHEO: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing

Tribal members

• Southern Ute Indian Tribe Housing: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/ (search Housing Department)
• Ute Mountain Ute Housing Authority: https://www.utemountainute.com/ (search Housing)
• HUD Office of Native American Programs (Southwest ONAP): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/onc/swonap

Rural seniors

• USDA Section 504 grants/loans for critical home repairs in rural areas: https://www.rd.usda.gov/co
• Use 2-1-1 Colorado to find county-specific rental help and home repair programs: https://www.211colorado.org/
• Weatherization providers serve rural counties—apply through the Colorado Energy Office: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/weatherization-assistance-program

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8) Resources by region (examples)

Note: Programs change. Always verify current status before applying.

Denver Metro

• Denver Department of Housing Stability (HOST) – rent, utility, and homeowner repair resources: https://denvergov.org/ResidentResourcesHousing
• Denver Housing Authority – vouchers and properties: https://www.denverhousing.org/
• Colorado Housing Connects – metro-wide counseling and navigation: https://coloradohousingconnects.org/

Northern Colorado

• Housing Catalyst (Fort Collins area PHA): https://www.housingcatalyst.com/
• Neighbor to Neighbor (Larimer): rental assistance, counseling: https://www.n2n.org/
• Greeley-Weld Housing Authority: https://gwhaco.org/ (check for waitlist updates)

Southern Colorado

• Colorado Springs Housing Authority: https://csha.us/
• Silver Key Senior Services (Colorado Springs): transportation, nutrition, housing navigation referrals: https://www.silverkey.org/
• Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo: https://www.hapueblo.org/
• SRDA (Senior Resource Development Agency) – Pueblo: https://srda.org/

Western Slope & Mountain

• Grand Junction Housing Authority: https://gjhousing.org/
• Habitat for Humanity of Colorado (find local affiliates for repairs/builds): https://www.habitatcolorado.org/
• 2-1-1 for Garfield, Mesa, La Plata, and mountain counties program listings: https://www.211colorado.org/

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9) Application tips, reality checks, and red flags

• Apply widely: Submit to multiple voucher waitlists and several senior properties. Keep a simple spreadsheet of where and when you applied.
• Documents to gather: ID, Social Security card, proof of income (Social Security, pension), bank statements, lease or mortgage, utility bills, proof of disability (if applicable), DD-214 (veterans).
• Response time: Local rent funds can run out quickly; reapply when funding refreshes. Ask when to check back.
• Accessibility needs: Tell landlords and PHAs if you need accessible features or a reasonable accommodation. Put requests in writing.
• Beware of scams:
  • No real voucher will require you to pay an “application fee” online to a third party.
  • Do not wire money or pay with gift cards.
  • Verify organizations through official sites or 2-1-1 Colorado.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Colorado’s ERAP still open?
A: No. The statewide Emergency Rental Assistance Program has ended. For current rent help, check your city/county programs via 2-1-1 Colorado and Colorado Housing Connects.

Q2: Where can I find senior-only affordable apartments?
A: Search HUD-subsidized and Section 202 senior properties with the HUD Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov/. Apply at each property and ask about waitlist times.

Q3: How do Housing Choice Vouchers work for seniors?
A: If you receive a voucher, you generally pay about 30% of your income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest up to a local cap. Apply to local housing authorities listed in HUD’s directory: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts. Waitlists can be long—apply to many.

Q4: Can Medicaid help me stay at home?
A: Yes. Health First Colorado (Medicaid) offers home- and community-based services and home modifications for eligible seniors through HCBS waivers. Learn more: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/long-term-services-supports-ltss

Q5: I own my home. Are there senior tax breaks?
A: You may qualify for the Senior Property Tax Exemption (if funded), Property Tax Deferral, and the Colorado PTC Rebate. See: Division of Property Taxation (https://cdola.colorado.gov/property-taxation), Treasury Deferral Program (https://treasury.colorado.gov/property-tax-deferral), and PTC Rebate (https://tax.colorado.gov/ptc-rebate).

Q6: Who can fix my broken furnace in winter?
A: Apply to LEAP and ask about the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for emergency furnace repair or replacement: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap. Energy Outreach Colorado also coordinates help: https://www.energyoutreach.org/.

Q7: My landlord won’t make repairs. What can I do?
A: Colorado’s warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain safe housing. Document issues, send written requests, call local code enforcement if needed, and seek advice from Colorado Legal Services: https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/ and check renter resources: https://cdola.colorado.gov/renter-eviction-resources.

Q8: I think I faced housing discrimination. Where do I report?
A: File a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division: https://ccrd.colorado.gov/ and HUD FHEO: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

Q9: I’m a veteran. What are my best housing options?
A: Ask the VA about HUD-VASH vouchers and contact your County Veterans Service Office for benefits and referrals: https://vets.colorado.gov/cvso. For home modifications, see VA SAH/SHA/HISA grants: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/.

Q10: Where can I get unbiased help filling out applications?
A: Contact Colorado Housing Connects for counseling and navigation: https://coloradohousingconnects.org/, your local AAA via CDHS: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/area-agencies-on-aging, or a HUD-approved housing counseling agency listed by CHFA: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/homebuyer-education.

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Resource tables you can use today

Table: utility and weatherization contacts

Table: where to search for affordable senior housing

Table: homeowner tax and cash-back programs

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Sources and official references

• Colorado Division of Housing (DOLA) – Renter and eviction resources: https://cdola.colorado.gov/renter-eviction-resources
• Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA): https://www.chfainfo.com/
• HUD Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov/
• HUD Section 202 program: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202
• HUD PHA directory: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
• LEAP (Colorado DHS): https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap
• Energy Outreach Colorado: https://www.energyoutreach.org/
• Colorado Energy Office – Weatherization: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/weatherization-assistance-program
• USDA Rural Development Colorado (Section 504): https://www.rd.usda.gov/co
• Health First Colorado LTSS (HCPF): https://hcpf.colorado.gov/long-term-services-supports-ltss
• PACE (Colorado HCPF): https://hcpf.colorado.gov/program-all-inclusive-care-elderly-pace
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Disability Law Colorado): https://disabilitylawco.org/programs/long-term-care-ombudsman
• Colorado Civil Rights Division: https://ccrd.colorado.gov/
• HUD FHEO: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing
• Mobile Home Park Oversight Program (DOLA): https://cdola.colorado.gov/mobile-home-park-oversight
• Property Tax Deferral (Colorado Treasury): https://treasury.colorado.gov/property-tax-deferral
• Division of Property Taxation (DOLA): https://cdola.colorado.gov/property-taxation
• Colorado PTC Rebate (DOR): https://tax.colorado.gov/ptc-rebate
• Colorado Legal Services: https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/
• Colorado Housing Connects: https://coloradohousingconnects.org/
• Genworth Cost of Care Survey: https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html
• VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System: https://www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care/
• VA disability housing grants: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
• Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (CVSO directory): https://vets.colorado.gov/cvso
• 2-1-1 Colorado: https://www.211colorado.org/
• Senior Housing Options: https://seniorhousingoptions.org/
• Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: https://www.coloradocoalition.org/
• Volunteers of America Colorado: https://www.voacolorado.org/
• Mercy Housing Colorado: https://www.mercyhousing.org/locations/colorado/
• Denver HOST (resident resources): https://denvergov.org/ResidentResourcesHousing
• Housing Catalyst (Fort Collins): https://www.housingcatalyst.com/
• Neighbor to Neighbor: https://www.n2n.org/
• Colorado Springs Housing Authority: https://csha.us/
• Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo: https://www.hapueblo.org/
• Grand Junction Housing Authority: https://gjhousing.org/
• The Center on Colfax (LGBTQ+): https://lgbtqcolorado.org/
• Southern Ute Indian Tribe (site directory): https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/
• Ute Mountain Ute Tribe: https://www.utemountainute.com/

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Disclaimer

Programs, eligibility rules, funding levels, and application windows change. Always verify details with the official agency or program before applying. This guide is for general information and is not legal or financial advice.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.