Resources for Homebuyers
The following provides information on various programs and resources available to Westminster residents seeking assistance buying, maintaining, or upgrading a home, as well as those facing homelessness.
CHFA Assistance
- CHFA page with complete list of support for first time homebuyers, veterans, and individuals returning to the homeowner market
- CHFA has multiple mortgage products serving residents with incomes up to $160,300 ($175,700 for families with 3+ members)
- Must have a credit score of 620 or greater
- Purchase amounts up to $726,200 in Adams and Jefferson County
- Applicants need to complete a homebuyer education course
- Down payment and Private Mortgage Assistance (PMI) is also available
- There is a list of participating lenders, and applicants can apply directly through CHFA
- Site accessible in Spanish
- Learn more
Metro Downpayment Assistance Fund (MetroDPA):
- Downpayment assistance fund created by Metro Mayors in 2019; updated last year
- Assistance provided to individuals obtaining FHA, VA or conventional loans (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac)
- Product serves residents with income up to $188,250
- Must have a credit score of 640 or greater
- Assistance provided in the form of an interest free, forgivable loan
- Learn more
Elevations Community Land Trust – Downpayment Assist:
- Downpayment assistance of between $50,000 and $150,000
- Must apply to the Elevation CLT Affordable Homeownership Program (Application on linked page provided above)
- Downpayment can be used with an Elevations property or anywhere in the state
- Applicant will be connected to a participating realtor
- Property must pass Elevations required housing inspection
- Site accessible in Spanish
- Learn more
Resources for Homeowners
Home Repairs
Emergency and Essential Home Repair Program
The City of Westminster’s Emergency and Essential Home Repair (EEHR) Program provides up to $10,000 in eligible home repairs to income-qualified, owner-occupied households in Westminster. From start to finish, repairs can be completed within weeks after a resident begins the application process. For emergency repairs, the City's partners can prioritize work to begin within days if needed.
Eligible repairs may include:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Furnace repair/replacement
- Water heater repair/replacement
- Accessibility improvements e.g. wheelchair ramps, hand railings
It takes three simple steps to get started:
Step 1: Determine if you are income-eligible
The Emergency and Essential Home Repair (EEHR) Program is available to residents who earn up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), which for a family of four is just under $90,000 a year.
Step 2: Determine what county you are in
Adams or Jefferson. If you are west of Sheridan Boulevard, you live in Jefferson County. If you are east of Sheridan Boulevard, you live in Adams County.
Step 3: Contact your local county partner to apply!
Adams County residents should contact Brothers Redevelopment, Inc.
Jefferson County residents should contact Foothills Regional Housing.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Shannon Picaso at the City of Westminster at 303-658-2191 or spicaso@westminsterco.gov.
Weatherization and Utilities Assistance
For assistance with payment of utility costs, see Energy Outreach Colorado or call the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) toll-free at 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or the county LEAP offices at 303-227-2378 (Adams County) or 303-271-1388 (Jefferson County).
To find out more about homeowners' weatherization programs, contact:
Arapahoe County LEAP Program
907 Salida Way
Aurora, CO, 80011
303-636-1982, fax: : 303-636-1997
Saving Energy and Utility Costs
See Alliance to Save Energy or the Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation.
Property Tax and Heating Expense Rebate
The State of Colorado provides a property tax rebate for heating expenses that can be claimed by homeowners and renters who meet the income qualifications. Information on the program may be found on the Colorado Department of Revenue's website.
Financial Assistance
There are a number of nonprofit and community organizations that provide assistance to residents facing foreclosure and/or homelessness.
Foreclosure Prevention Services
Community Resources and Housing Development Corporation (CRHDC) is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency offering free and confidential foreclosure prevention services. Experienced, bi-lingual staff will help homeowners understand their options and can negotiate directly with lenders for loan modifications or other resolutions that keep a family in their home and may provide a more affordable mortgage payment. Free services include foreclosure mitigation, credit and budget counseling, and financial fitness classes. Visit CRHDC's website or call 303-428-1448 to schedule an appointment at the Westminster office.
Adams County Housing Authority (303-227-2719) provides counseling concerning mortgage loans, budgeting, debt/money management, case management to establishing a reasonable plan for unexpected financial emergencies, property maintenance and the pursuit of all avenues to preclude a foreclosure.
Foreclosure Resources
Residents who may be at risk for losing their home due to eviction may call local nonprofit organizations for advice and assistance.
These agencies include:
- Mile High United Way Social Services Hotline: Call 211
- Growing Home - 3489 W. 72nd Ave., Suite 112, Westminster: Emergency family shelter, food pantry, after-school programs, parent education and support, rental assistance: 303-426-0430
- Family Promise of Greater Denver: 303-675-0713
- Denver Rescue Mission Shelter - 1130 Park Avenue West, Denver: 303-294-0157
- Samaritan House: 2301 Lawrence St., Denver: 303-284-0241
- St. Francis Center - 2323 Curtis St., Denver: 303-297-1576
- The Action Center - 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood: 303-237-7704
- Colorado Homeless Families: 303-420-6634
- Family Tree Hotlines: House of Hope (shelter in Englewood), 303-762-9525; housing and family services, 303-467-2604 (main)
- Women in Crisis (emergency needs): 303-420-6752
Affordable Rentals and Housing (all types)
Senior Housing Resources
Housing resources for renters
Both Public Housing Authorities may also provide assistance with:
- Public housing programs
- Family self-sufficiency programs
- Supportive housing programs
- Tenant-based rental assistance programs
State of Colorado Department of Housing Section 8 Resource Information: Overview of the types of housing subsidy the Colorado Department of Housing provides to qualifying residents and property owners.
Fair Housing
Fair Housing Choice in Westminster
The City of Westminster is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing. The CDBG program provides a platform to affirmatively further fair housing through partnerships with other city departments and local organizations that promote self-sufficiency, help residents strive toward meeting their basic needs, and essentially reduce barriers to fair housing.
Types of Housing Discrimination
Whether people are trying to rent, buy, sell, or finance a home or apartment, as a tenant, homeowner, or landlord; rights and protections are provided by the Federal Fair Housing Act. Illegal housing discrimination can take many forms:
- Realtors showing apartments or homes only in certain neighborhoods
- Advertising housing only to preferred groups of people
- Denials of property insurance
- Discriminatory property appraisals
- Refusals to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
If you would like to report a fair housing complaint or ask questions related to fair housing, please contact any of the following:
The closest HUD Office by mailing a letter
The Housing Discrimination Hotline by email or at 1-800-669-9777 (voice) or 1-800-927-9275 (TTY)
The Denver Metro Fair Housing Center at 720-279-4291
About the Fair Housing Act
The federal Fair Housing Act was adopted in 1968 and amended in 1988. HUD is the agency charged with enforcing the Fair Housing Act. According to HUD, impediments to fair housing choice are any actions, omissions, or decisions taken because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin that restrict housing choices, or the availability of housing choices. HUD also considers any actions, omissions or decisions that have the effect of restricting housing choices or the availability of housing choices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin to be impediments to fair housing choice. The State of Colorado also has enacted legislation prohibiting housing discrimination, and state law offers the same protections as the Fair Housing Act, with additional protections based on marital status, creed, and ancestry.
Progress Toward Addressing Impediments
The City of Westminster actively works towards addressing impediments to fair housing. Through the Consolidated Plan, the city has certified that it will work toward eliminating impediments to fair housing choice. The city's efforts towards eliminating impediments will be documented each year in the CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER).
Denver Metro Fair Housing Center
The Denver Metro Fair Housing Center (DMFHC) is the voice of fair housing in Metro Denver. DMFHC works to eliminate housing discrimination and to promote housing choice for all people through education, advocacy and enforcement of fair housing law. DMFHC maintains that education and outreach play an equally important role to advocacy and enforcement in the fight against housing discrimination. Regular training seminars are held for both home seekers and housing providers to educate and inform about fair housing law, as well as both consumer-rights and risk management for housing providers. Public events help to ensure that all home seekers, participants in the housing industry and community members understand fair housing law and the value of integrated communities.
Fair Housing Resources
Homelessness Resources and Information
Visit the Homelessness Resources and Information page for details.
Contact Information
Stephanie Troller
stroller@westminsterco.gov
Economic Resilience Manager
Phone: 303-658-2318
4800 W. 92nd Ave.
Westminster, CO 80031