“Denver Economic
Development & Opportunity (DEDO) today announces the recent
completion of 36 contracts, providing a diverse range of public
benefit projects throughout 2019, including housing services,
workforce development, entrepreneurship, child care and other
programs supporting self sufficiency and asset building. The funded
projects were selected from 85 proposals received in response to a
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) that DEDO issued on August
31, 2018.
“These investments play a key role in Denver’s efforts to support
affordability, equity and economic mobility for individuals and
families, and our neighborhoods,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said.
“We’re especially proud to support innovative new programs this
year, designed to help ensure that our economy extends opportunity
to everyone.”
In total, these 2019 contracts are anticipated to benefit nearly 10,000
Denver households and individuals throughout Denver.
Households/individuals served are predominantly low- and
moderate-income.
A total of $7.9 million has been awarded among 24 housing programs supporting residents experiencing homelessness, as well as low- and moderate-income renters and current/aspiring homeowners. Programs support activities as outlined in Housing an Inclusive Denver, the city’s five-year housing policy, strategy and investment plan.
New this year in the solicitation for partners was a category for innovative housing programs or services. Examples of new contracts funded under this category include:
Eviction Legal Assistance – Free legal help, including in-court eviction representation, will be provided to an estimated 600 households through Colorado Legal Services. This program builds on the Eviction Legal Defense Pilot that was launched last year by Denver City Council.
Home Sharing – Sunshine Home Share Colorado will leverage its home sharing model, matching home owners with home seekers, as an immediate affordable housing option to serve more than 40 households in need. The nonprofit will promote home sharing options to individuals who are on the waiting lists for income-restricted housing.
Bridge to Permanent Supportive Housing – Highly vulnerable individuals and families will be provided with bridge housing, to serve as a transition from homelessness to placement in permanent supportive housing. The program awards support the Colorado Coalition for the Homelessness to lease 20 housing units for bridge housing, with each unit turning over approximately once per month to serve an estimated 200 households this year.
Approximately $1.1 million has been awarded across 12 neighborhood support contracts, providing adult and youth job training and placement, early childhood care, basic adult education, community-based wellness programs, and microbusiness and entrepreneurial development. Special populations to be served include the formerly homeless, immigrant/refugee women and teenage parents.
Approximately two-thirds of contract funding is federal, coming from Denver’s 2019 allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as well as the HUD Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) and HOME Investment Partnerships program. The remaining funds for housing programs come from Denver’s dedicated Affordable Housing Fund.
“We’re fortunate to partner with a talented roster of community organizations to positively impact the lives of nearly 10,000 families and individuals citywide, including Denver’s fast-changing neighborhoods,” said DEDO Executive Director Eric Hiraga. “Each and every one of these contracts directly supports our office’s vision of leading an inclusive and innovative economy for all Denver residents and neighborhoods. We look forward to celebrating the successes of our partners throughout the year ahead.””
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City of Denver 15 March 2019.