Housing experts from the state’s only centralized housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632), and representatives from Colorado Legal Services, which provides legal assistance for low-income Coloradans, will host a free virtual eviction prevention workshop at 6 p.m. on Feb. 25.  

Attendees will learn about the eviction process in Colorado, what late fees tenants can be charged, resources someone can turn to if they are behind on their rent and tenant’s rights if they do fall behind on their rent. Spanish interpretation will be available, and those who are interested in attending the event can register at http://bit.ly/2-25evictionworkshop.  

“Tenants often do not know that they need to take action to protect themselves and that they are exempt from paying certain late fees. During this workshop, nonprofit attorneys and housing experts will help tenants understand their options during the eviction process including rental assistance resources, steps necessary to protect yourself under the current eviction moratorium, late fee restrictions and more,” said Colorado Housing Connects Manager Patrick Noonan.  

The workshop will also provide an update on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium. In January, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky extended the moratorium through March 31.  

Colorado Housing Connects is operated by Brothers Redevelopment — a nonprofit based in the Denver metro area that provides housing and housing-related services across the state. The helpline, which can be reached at 1-844-926-6632, offers counseling services for renters looking to become homeowners, tenant and landlord laws and rights, eviction advice, mortgage payment issues and more. Colorado Housing Connects can also provide information to callers about programs offered by Brothers Redevelopment like its affordable communities, Home Modification and Repair Program, which repairs and rehabilitates homes for disabled and elderly homeowners, Landlords Opening Doors Program, a program that helps residents of nursing or rehabilitation facilities find apartments, and other important services.  

“For almost a year, Coloradans have fought not only the COVID-19 pandemic but also the financial fallout accompanying it. Many Coloradans find themselves struggling to pay the rent, and anyone who is worried about affording their rent should join us for the COVID-19 eviction prevention workshop,” said Noonan.