1999 Best Practices
Success Stories

Program Name:	Denver Rent Start
Program Focus:	Empowerment
Geographic Area:	Rocky Mountains

State:	Colorado
City:	Denver

Executive Summary
In Denver, CO, many homeless and low-income individuals can now rent an apartment or house of their own through the new Rent Start Program. With financial assistance from HUD’s Emergency Shelter Grant and the collaboration of organizations from the public and private sectors, Denver Rent Start Program helps individuals secure housing, learn how to maintain permanent housing, and understand the importance of a positive credit reference.

Through a creative and affordable loan payment program established by Nan Morehead and other Rent Start staff, individuals are able to secure sufficient funds to place the security deposit and first month’s rent on an apartment or house. The loan, which is offered at a maximum of $1,000, may be paid back over two years. Loan recipients receive incentives for making payments in a timely manner and for paying off the debt within two years. Incentives include receiving a 10 to 20 percent refund on the total balance of their loan. This reward reinforces the importance of maintaining a good credit history. In addition, recipients attend 48 hours of instruction on the topics, skills, and resources needed to physically and financially maintain a home. The topics covered in the sessions include home repair, housekeeping, finances (e.g., budgets, financial management), and tenant rights and responsibilities.

The Rent Start Program has achieved a number of successes. Many of the recipients who were approved for housing previously lived in shelters, hotels or with other families. To date, 75 percent of the recipients have successfully made their payments and are still residing in their homes. The Rent Start Program required a collaborative effort of public and private agencies and organizations, including the Denver Department of Human Services, Community Housing Sources, Key Bank, and the Denver Board of Realtors Foundation. These organizations understand that with education and the financial resources to get started, people can become self-sufficient renters and homeowners.

Partners: Denver Department of Human Services, Community Housing Services, Key Bank, and the Denver Board of Realtors Foundation.

Financing: HUD (through the Emergency Shelter Grant), Denver Department of Human Services, and the Denver Board of Realtors Foundation.

Point of Contact: Nan Morehead, Phone: 720-944-2857, E-mail: nancy.morehead@dhs.co.denver.co.us