Housing Crisis Prevention Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Boulder County’s Housing Crisis Prevention Program addresses a pressing community issue in a way that both meets residents’ immediate needs and prepares them for continued stability. The program targets low-income families in crisis and provides up to four months of financial assistance, while requiring the families to attend training and education in financial self-sufficiency. Applicants apply for an initial two months of financial aid, after which they must attend financial management/life skills classes before becoming eligible for the final two months of funding. Thus far, a total of $329,474 of financial assistance was awarded to 185 families. Of those families, 74% were able to avoid foreclosure or eviction due to non-payments of mortgages or rent and another 69% were able to avoid eviction due to non-payments of utility bills. This program recognizes that there are many factors affecting a family’s stability. Financial education and counseling help clients learn to manage their money and avoid pitfalls that can lead to or exacerbate financial crises.