Housing Needs Assessment 

Request for Proposal (RFP) # HOST-95-2025 (link to full RFP)

Pre-Bid Zoom Meeting Link

Pre-Bid Recording Passcode: ^wfh^6R8

Pre-Bid Slide Deck

Q&A Addendum

Schedule of Events:

•RFP Issued –July 31st, 2025, at 10:00 AM MST

• Virtual Pre-Proposal Meeting –August 12th, 2025, at 10:30 AM MST

• Deadline to Submit Additional Questions – August 18th, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST

• Response to Written Questions/Addendum – August 22nd, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST

• Proposal Due Date –September 2nd, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST

• Evaluation Period – September 4th – September 11th (Tentative)

• Anticipated Award Date – September 22nd, 2025 (Tentative)

RFP Background Vision and Purpose

HOST invites proposals from qualified partners to complete the scope of work outlined in this RFP. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all project requirements independently. Evaluation will be based exclusively on the specified criteria, and all work must be carried out by the applicant.

The Department of Housing Stability is seeking a consultant to conduct a robust Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) for the City and County of Denver. The HNA will identify the type and amount of housing needed in the city to ensure current and future households at all income levels have access to quality housing that they can afford. An HNA evaluates demographic trends, economic characteristics, housing unit inventory, housing market conditions, development opportunities and constraints, and existing housing programs and services. The evaluation is combined with input from stakeholders and residents to identify where the market is providing suitable housing and where it is not. The HNA aggregates the information to estimate how much additional housing is needed to address current housing shortfalls and keep up with future growth. The HNA will include robust recommended policy and programmatic strategies to address gaps identified during the analysis.

In addition to the Denver HNA, deliverables will include a stand-alone Anti- Displacement and Reinvestment Strategy that addresses the findings of the residential displacement risk assessment in the HNA and establishes a comprehensive policy and programmatic framework to address different types and drivers of displacement in Denver.

Overarching Deliverables:

• A Housing Needs Assessment Final Report, incorporating deliverables from Tasks 1-7, please refer to full RFP Document. 

• A stand-alone Anti-Displacement and Reinvestment Strategy, Task 8

• Associated data and analyses, as available

The HNA final report must meet the Colorado HNA requirements enacted under SB24-174, as established by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA).

Proposals should address the specific area or areas of work mentioned in the RFP. Proposers are welcome to apply for one or more of the areas of work. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all project requirements. Teams may subcontract with a partner entity for one or more components of the RFP and should indicate the partnership in the application.
 

Proposers who feel they are unable to prepare and submit an electronic submittal should submit a request in writing to HOSTProcurements@denvergov.org, no later than the Question due date, for permission and instructions for submitting a hardcopy proposal. 

 (RFP) #HOST-96-2025

Link to RFP

Pre-Bid Link to Zoom

Schedule of Events:

•RFP Issued – August 20th, 2025, at 10:00 AM MST

•Virtual Pre-Proposal Meeting – August 21st, 2025, at 10:30 AM MST

•Deadline to Submit Additional Questions –September 4th, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST

•Response to Written Questions/Addendum – September 8th, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST

•Proposal Due Date – September 15th, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST

•Evaluation Period – September 19th – 29th (Tentative)

•Anticipated Award Date – October 15th, 2025, (Tentative)

RFP Background Vision and Purpose

HOST invites proposals from qualified Partners to complete the requirements outlined in this RFP. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the Proposer's capacity to meet all project requirements. Evaluation of proposals will be based exclusively on the specified criteria.

HOST is partnering with Denver Human Services (DHS) IDDEAS Mill Levy Program to support vulnerable Denver residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. With the exchange of expertise and resources, this partnership will elevate access to safe, stable housing wrapped with individualized, long-term support services. While HOST is ultimately publishing this Request for Proposals (RFP) and managing any future contracts, DHS will provide structural support, subject matter expertise and connections to resources during the procurement, scope of work negotiations, and throughout the duration of any awarded contracts. Funding for this project is made available by the Denver Human Services IDDEAS Mill Levy Program.

This procurement serves to accomplish the Homelessness Resolution goals by:

· Increasing city resources to connect vulnerable households experiencing homelessness to housing assistance and placement. 

· Strengthen community partnerships to streamline housing placements for a rapid transition into permanent housing 

· Increasing program outcomes into stable/permanent housing after program completion

The community served through this procurement are people and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity living with intellectual and developmental disabilities or developmental delays. Eligible households are described and defined in D.R.M.C. Sec 53-550 and the DHS Rules Governing the Implementation of the IDDEAS Program. This program aims to support stabilization navigation through case management and referrals to eligible housing programs, specifically referring I/DD households who meet the definition of literal homelessness to the HOST managed Rapid Rehousing (RRH) program as part of this RFP paid for by IDDEAS mill levy funds. The Stability Navigation program and RRH both aim to increase housing stability and connect I/DD households to individualized resources and benefits for lasting impact. 

Through this RFP, HOST will direct housing resources through two pathways of support: Stability Navigation and Rapid Rehousing (RRH). Navigation defined as case management support for individuals and families with confirmed I/DD or developmental delay (or households seeking an I/DD determination), in accessing public benefits, Medicaid benefits, income and/or employment and housing support through homelessness prevention and/or RRH. RRH is defined as a supportive housing intervention designed to help individuals and families quickly exit literal homelessness and secure permanent housing. All RRH program referrals will be determined by the Stability Navigation program. This RFP invites applicants to apply for either Stability Navigation and/or RRH to serve eligible households based on individualized needs. RRH applicants will be required to follow best practices as published by National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) Home - National Alliance to End Homelessness.

In order to maximize the resources available and best leverage the skills of the providers, respondents may choose to apply to one or both of the following components: 

· Stability Navigation Case Management 

· Rapid Rehousing (RRH) 

Stability Navigation overview:

· Mission: To reduce housing insecurity for residents with I/DD and their families by helping them understand, plan for and pursue housing options and supportive services in Denver.

· Connect households experiencing housing insecurity in accessing affordable housing options that meet their needs, mediating and advocating with landlords/property managers, applying for housing voucher programs, providing crisis intervention services such as locating emergency shelter, offering emergency rental assistance, mental health support, addressing basic needs, and eviction prevention. 

· Place clients who are housing insecure or homeless on local, state, and federally funded voucher waitlists and supporting individuals going through voucher processes (voucher applications, attending voucher briefings, searching for apartments, advocating to landlords and voucher providers, etc.). 

· Assist clients with locating, applying to, moving into, and maintaining a housing unit or other type of residential setting.

· Key responsibilities include supporting with goal setting, vital document acquisition, assistance with requesting an I/DD determination with the State-designated Case Management Agency (CMA), applying and enrolling in Medicaid Home and Community Based Services and data maintenance into HMIS and connecting participating households with resources that increase self-sufficiency, self-determination and/or the ability to live in the least restrictive setting possible.

· Connecting participants with suitable employment opportunities or other pathways to increasing income such as applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 

· Coordination with RRH team to refer eligible households for housing support. Eligible households will receive support from both the RRH team and the housing navigation team. Households who are literally homeless may be assessed and referred to RRH based on factors including but not limited to: 

o higher level of care needs disrupting their ability to work on housing goals without immediate housing placement

o eligibility for the State’s CAT voucher program or other state or federally funded permanent housing opportunities

o opportunities to become paid caregivers for a family member with I/DD

o youth with I/DD transitioning out of foster care and/or children’s services 

o Families with limited English Proficiency needing support with obtaining employment

RRH overview:

· A subset of households within the stability navigation program, who are experiencing homeless and have unique barriers to housing permanency, as described above, will be identified for further support in the form of RRH 

· Mission: Utilizing RRH model to transition eligible participants into suitable housing at or below 110% FMR within the City and County of Denver and aiding in long-term ongoing housing stability. 

o Respondents are encouraged to propose the total number of households this RRH program will serve through the three-year contract term. Applicants may request to serve a special population within the I/DD community, as described above with, unique barriers and opportunities to housing stability 

· Timeframe: Between 3 to 24 months of participation based on NEAH best practices. 

· Key responsibilities include: Provide Housing Focused Case Management to address client housing needs including connecting them with long-term services and supports; food access, transportation, income and employment, community connection, mental and physical health, etc., identify an exit plan and work with clients to outline goals and action steps necessary for client to successfully transition from program at end of rental assistance, resolve conflicts and address concerns with landlords/clients to maintain positive relationships and prevent housing instability.

Coordination with Landlords to initiate participant lease up process and ongoing tenant/landlord mediation to address concerns jeopardizing a tenant’s housing. 

Add Zoom Link 

Questions received up to deadline to submit question in the Schedule of Events will be answered in writing per the Schedule of Events. Answers to questions from any Proposer will be provided to all Proposers.  All communications regarding this proposal shall only be through the email listed above. No communication is to be directed to any other City personnel.
      Proposers who feel they are unable to prepare and submit an electronic submittal should submit a request in writing to HOSTProcurements@denvergov.org, no later than the Question due date, for permission and instructions for submitting a hardcopy proposal. 

Community Development Block Grant Funded Home Repair and Modification Request for Proposal (RFP) #HOST-88-2025

Home Repair and Modification Request for Proposal (RFP) #HOST-88-2025

Pre-Bid Slide Deck - no available zoom meeting recording for this meeting 

Schedule of Events:

•RFP Issued – August 15th, 2025 , at 10:00 AM MST

•Virtual Pre-Proposal Convening – August 22nd, 2025 at 10:30 AM MST

•Deadline to Submit Additional Questions – September 2nd, 2025 at 5:00 PM MST

•Response to Written Questions/Addendum – September 8th,2025 at 5:00 PM MST

•Proposal Due Date – September 15th, 2025 , at 5:00 PM MST

•Evaluation Period – September 19-26 (Tentative)

•Anticipated Award Date – October 3rd (Tentative)

RFP Background Vision and Purpose

1.Background CDBG and Program Information

This procurement addresses the following HOST Five-Year Strategic Plan Goals:

Housing Stability: Help Households Remain in their Home and Neighborhood of Choice

Housing deterioration is harmful to both a home’s inhabitants and surrounding neighborhoods, often leading to financial strain, reduced home values, involuntary displacement, and/or adverse health conditions. Since the 1970’s, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has provided assistance to low- and moderate-income earners through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Due to this ongoing infusion of funds, local governments and communities continue to prioritize community development and revitalization projects, particularly efforts that seek to address substandard living conditions. The City and County of Denver’s Department of Housing Stability receives annual CDBG allocations from HUD to support programs and services that provide low and moderate-income Denver residents with home accessibility modifications and repairs.

The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University estimates that homeowners in the United States spent $331 billion on home improvement needs in 2021, a 53% increase from the amount spent in 1995. JCHS also asserts that lower-income households are disproportionately likely to reside in substandard housing conditions with limited financial resources to address any urgent and/or chronic structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical issues1. While low-income households spend significantly less in home repairs on average, it is typically lower-income homeowners that spend a higher share of their household income on home repairs, with three-quarters of their aggregate expenditures going toward maintenance, replacements, and disaster repairs. . According to research published by JCHS on the burdens of home repairs for lower-earning homeowners, the lowest-income households spent an average of 16% of their household income on improvements and maintenance while the highest income earning homeowners spent just under 4% of their incomes on similar expenditures. 

In 2023, 2.9 million homeowners lived in moderately or severely inadequate housing with hazards ranging in severity from deteriorated walls, floors, and roofs to heating failures, sewer failures, and pest infestations1. Even with variances in geographic region, households with lower incomes and households of color are disproportionately impacted by these hazards. The 2021 American Community Survey found that 4% of White households lived in inadequate housing while more than twice as many Black households (8.2%) reside in inadequate housing. Additionally, 7.1% of Hispanic households were found to reside in substandard housing conditions. This data further emphasizes how lower-income households of color are particularly vulnerable to the costs of home repairs and the associated risks to their financial stability.

With average lower median incomes to address critical home repairs, BIPOC households are more likely to spend zero to very little of their income on home repair or modifications, increasing their likelihood of living in inadequate housing conditions and limiting their opportunities to increase wealth through higher property values4. Similar disparities can be found in the barriers households face to financing their home repairs. The typical white household has about four times the amount of cash savings than Black households which are often used to finance home improvement projects. Without cash assets, Black households will more often turn to refinancing or home equity loan options, both of which are riddled with racial inequities in practice and policy.

Home repair and modification programs continue to serve as a critical community resource for mitigating displacement among low-to-moderate income homeowners and renters. CDBG-funded home repair and modification programs grant opportunities for particularly vulnerable households to achieve adequate living conditions, build wealth through increased property values, and ultimately grant them the ability to remain in their homes and neighborhoods of choice. 

2. Program Vision

This RFP provides CDBG funding for home repair and modification programs and services for residents of the City and County of Denver. HOST is particularly interested in proposals that address best practices and/or any gaps in home repair and modification service delivery that exist in the Denver Metro area.

Proposers are welcome to apply for one, two, or all of the eligible activities listed below: 

Renter/Homeowner Access Modification (RHAMP) Program: The intent of this activity is to provide eligible households (renters and homeowners) with accessibility improvements to their renter/owner-occupied housing (primary residence) in the City and County of Denver. The household income of eligible applicants cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined annually by HUD. Eligible households must have a person with a disability who meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of a disability. Eligible renter households must have a 12-month lease with their landlords to participate in RHAMP. RHAMP is designed to make grants up to $15,000 available to qualified households. If the amount of the rehab exceeds the $15,000 maximum, a written waiver must be provided to the assigned HOST Program Officer to approve prior to the commencement of construction. 

Eligible accessibility modifications could include, but is not limited to:

• Lead-based paint mitigation or abatement in properties built before January 1, 1978

• Retrofitted bathrooms and kitchens

• Hazardous sidewalk and driveway surfaces

• Hazardous floor coverings that cause severe tripping hazards 

• Installation of roll-in bathtubs or showers including grab bars

• Installation of stair lifts, handrails, ramps, and other accessibility improvements 

Single Family Rehabilitation (SFR) Program: The intent of this activity is to provide low-and no-interest rehabilitation loans to income qualified homeowners in the City and County of Denver. The household income of eligible applicants cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined annually by HUD. The SFR program is designed to offer loans up to $75,000 to low-and moderate-income homeowners who occupy their home as their primary residence. Loans may be used to address critical home repairs that are the sole responsibility of the homeowner (i.e. work performed is not the responsibility of an HOA or shared responsibility of multiple owners). In cases where the SFR loan amount exceeds the $75,000 maximum, a written waiver must be provided to the assigned HOST Program Officer to approve prior to the commencement of construction. 

Eligible home repairs could include, but is not limited to:

• Lead-based paint mitigation or abatement in properties built before January 1, 1978

• Environmental hygiene work including mold, asbestos, and radon gas mitigation

• Roofs

• Unstable foundations

• Mechanical issues, such as faulty furnaces and water heaters

• Microwave range / vent combination if necessary to replace ventilation function above stove

• Sewer system failure, or broken sewer piping between house and city main sewer 

• Replacement of windows, doors, storm windows, insulation and weather stripping

• Plumbing failure

• Electrical failure or hazard

• Exterior and interior painting

• Exterior fencing 

• Smoke detectors as required by code

• Infestation remediation

• Unsafe or unsanitary conditions such as dilapidated porches, unsanitary kitchens, unsafe steps and railings 

• Repairs to attached garages if they pose a hazard to the main portion of the home

• City of Denver enforced items as required and notified during permit review process

Emergency Home Repair (EHR) Program: The intent of this activity is to provide no-interest, deferred emergency repair loans to income qualified homeowners in the City and County of Denver.  The household income of eligible applicants cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined annually by HUD. The EHR program is designed to offer loans up to $15,000 to low-and moderate-income homeowners who occupy their home as their primary residence. Loans may be used to address emergency home repairs that are the sole responsibility of the homeowner (i.e. work performed is not the responsibility of an HOA or shared responsibility of multiple owners). In cases where the EHR loan amount exceeds the $15,000 maximum, a written waiver must be provided to the assigned HOST Program Officer to approve prior to the commencement of construction.

Eligible home repairs could include, but is not limited to:

• Lead-based paint mitigation or abatement in properties built before January 1, 1978

• Sewer system failure, or broken sewer piping between house and city main sewer

• Exceptionally unsanitary or unsafe conditions

• Loss of utilities (gas, electricity, and/or water)

• Furnaces that have been deemed inoperable or a hazard to the occupants

• Leaking roofs which threaten habitability of the structure

• Malfunctioning or inoperable water heaters

• Plumbing failure

• Electrical failure or hazard

• Removal of asbestos in association with furnace installation 

• Removal of trees that compromise the integrity of the structure of the home and provide exceptionally unsafe conditions 

Ineligible modifications/repairs across all program types include:

• Construction of any type of garage or rehabilitation of detached garages

• Luxury improvements such as swimming pools or hot tubs

• Improvements that are not a permanent part of the property such as free-standing refrigerators or stoves

• Existing debt services

• Public Improvements

Minimum Qualifications

Proposals should reflect the respondents’ knowledge, understanding, and prior/current experience serving low-to-moderate income residents at risk of housing instability. HOST is particularly interested in proposals demonstrating prior and/or current experience implementing home repair and accessibility modification programs in the City and County of Denver as well as a familiarity with applicable HUD-CDBG Program regulations, rules and requirements. 

At minimum, awarded subrecipients should expect to fulfill and remain responsible for the following program requirements across any and all of the CDBG activities funded by this RFP:

Application Review, Eligibility Determination and Program Implementation:

1. Accept all applications for the program and collect all source documentation necessary for program eligibility determinations

2. Determine applicants’ eligibility for the program and issue final approval or denial of applicable program grants and/or loans:

• a. For RHAMP only: Verification of applicants’ disability can be determined through physician attestation or a social security disability award letter. Both the program applicant and the RHAMP program administrator will sign a ‘Participation Eligibility Determination’ form attesting to the qualifying disability
• b. For RHAMP only: If the program or service is assistance a rental unit

               i.Collect and file a copy of the applicant’s lease. The minimum lease    term is 12 months

               ii. Obtain and file a waiver for modifications signed by the applicant’s landlord

3. Develop, review, and actively revise program guidelines 

4. Maintain program or service activity records and produce reports as set forth in the contract

5. Service loans issued for home repairs (SFR & EHR only):

• a.Prepare loan documentation, underwrite and approve/deny the loan, disburse loan proceeds to qualified households
• b.Provide ongoing servicing for loans provided to homeowners under this program/activity, including collection of payments and contacting participants with late/default notices as applicable
• c.Conduct fund management activities including reporting on fund status (loan status, program income (loan repayments) and unused funds to be loaned or granted). 
• d.Work with HOST to develop and implement policies related to the frequency and amount of assistance that may be provided over extended periods of time as needed (eg Must not have previously received financing through this loan program for the previous 5 years and must not have previously received cumulative financing for this program in excess of $75,000 for the past 10 years)  

6. Determine rehabilitation/emergency repair needs; develop comprehensive work specifications and corrective actions

Contractor Management:

1. Structure contractor bidding and selection process in a competitive manner 

2. Maintain a list of approved and certified contractors 

3. Collect all source documentation from contractor as applicable

4. Issue payments to contractors

5. Encourage contractors to become certified in the Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) Division of Small Business Opportunity’s Minority-Women Based Enterprises (MWBE) Program

Communications and Marketing:

1. Advertise annually for qualified contractors

2. Actively market the program(s) and maintain a waitlist of eligible participants, as needed

Monitoring and Compliance:

1. Prior to commitment of funding and before any construction contracts are signed to perform rehabilitation work on the property, an environmental review that results in a determination that the property is in compliance with the National Environmental Compliance Act will be conducted

2. As applicable, verify Homeowners’ Insurance

a. Determine if the property is located within a 100-year floodplain and verify floodplain insurance as applicable 

3. Monitor all activities related to the rehabilitation of the unit 

4. Comply with lead-based paint regulations and ensure that tenants, owners and contractors are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and options for remediation/abatement

5. Schedule and conduct a final inspection on each rehabilitation project once completed with the contractor and the program administrator; sign off on the job being completed as stated in the description of work. When a conflict arises between the Subrecipient, the homeowner/renter, and contractor, a HOST inspector will participate in the final inspection.

6. Ensure that all City permitting and ADA standards are met

7. Ensure compliance with all program and federal guidelines

Participant & Property Eligibility:

Rental/Homeowner Access Modification (RHAMP) Program:

• Must be a renter or homeowner in the City and County of Denver and must reside in the housing for which the modification is being requested
• Must have a gross household income at or below 80% area median income levels as adjusted for the City and County of Denver area by HUD. Income calculations must be conducted no more than 6 months prior to start of rehabilitation. 
• Program participants or someone in their household must be a person with a disability who meets the American with Disabilities Act definition of disability
• Rental grantees must have an existing 12-month lease with their landlord to participate. Owners must have occupied the property as an owner for no less than 30 days prior to start of rehabilitation activity and the property must serve as their primary residence.

Single Family Rehabilitation (SFR) Program:

• Must be a homeowner in the City and County of Denver and must reside in the housing for which the modification is being requested
• Must have a gross household income at or below 80% area median income levels as adjusted for the City and County of Denver area by HUD. Income calculations must be conducted no more than 6 months prior to start of rehabilitation 
• Must be current on loan payments and up to date on property taxes
• Must not have liquid assets more than $25,000
• Must have occupied the property as an owner occupant for no less than 30 days prior to start of rehabilitation activity and the property must serve as their primary residence.

Emergency Home Repair (EHR) Program:

• Must be a homeowner in the City and County of Denver and must reside in the housing for which the modification is being requested
• Must have a gross household income at or below 80% area median income levels as adjusted for the City and County of Denver area by HUD. Income calculations must be conducted no more than 6 months prior to start of rehabilitation 
• Must be current on loan payments and up to date on property taxes
• Must not have liquid assets more than $25,000
• Must have occupied the property as an owner occupant for no less than 30 days prior to start of rehabilitation activity and the property must serve as their primary residence.
   

All assisted properties for SFR and EHR shall meet the following criteria:

•  Eligible properties must be single family detached or duplex homes. Other units such as triplexes, condominiums, and townhouses may be considered provided that the work to be completed is considered to be the sole responsibility of the homeowner and is not a common area maintenance (i.e. not the responsibility of a homeowner’s association or a shared responsibility across multiple homeowners.
• Approved deferred loans must not exceed 97% Loan-to-value (LTV). Approved payback loans must not exceed 97% LTV or as otherwise described in Program Guidelines
• Improved properties shall be rehabbed according to rehab guidelines/specifications and in compliance with all applicable housing building and maintenance codes, fire prevention and other public standards.
• The post improvement value of the properties must not exceed 95% of the median purchase price for Denver as defined by HUD.

Ineligible properties for SFR and EHR are those that:

• Contain more than 2 units without prior HOST approval
• Are intended for investment or recreational use
• Have a portion of the residence specifically designed for a commercial use or where 50% or more of the total area of the residence is used in a trade or business
   

Pre-Proposal Meeting

Topic: Host Procurements' Zoom Meeting CDBG Pre-Bid

Time: Aug 22, 2025 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://denvergov-org.zoom.us/j/87331217120?pwd=jERvvhh2YKqTimusOEVhqjGwy4FKMb.1

Meeting ID: 873 3121 7120

Passcode: 922589

One tap mobile

+17209289299,,87331217120# US (Denver)

Join instructions

21

https://denvergovorg.

zoom.us/meetings/87331217120/invitations?signature=xtxwNwQYSkaP90RDuRo3pf4KVYI7

gXEme--d-U1feIs
 

Proposers who feel they are unable to prepare and submit an electronic submittal should submit a request in writing to HOSTProcurements@denvergov.org, no later than the Question due date, for permission and instructions for submitting a hardcopy proposal. 

Community Development Block Grant Funded Tenant Landlord Counseling (RFP) #HOST-97-2025

Link to RFP 

Schedule of Events:

• RFP Issued – August 22nd,2025, at 10:00 AM MST
• Virtual Pre-Proposal Meeting –September 4th,2025, at 10:30 AM MST
• Deadline to Submit Additional Questions –September 8th,2025, at 5:00 PM MST
• Response to Written Questions/Addendum –September 11th,2025, at 5:00 PM MST
• Proposal Due Date –September 18th,2025, at 5:00 PM MST
• Evaluation Period – (Tentative) September 23-29,2025
• Anticipated Award Date –(Tentative) October 3rd, 2025

RFP Background Vision and Purpose:

HOST invites proposals from qualified partners to complete the scope of work outlined in this RFP. The use of subcontractors is neither required nor permitted under this solicitation. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all project requirements independently. Evaluation will be based exclusively on the specified criteria, and all work must be carried out by the applicant.

This procurement addresses the following HOST Five-Year Strategic Plan Goals: 

Housing Stability: 

a) Help Households Remain in their Home and Neighborhood of Choice 

b) Reduce Evictions

c) Reduce Foreclosures in Income-restricted Homes

For most major cities in the United States, high housing costs and stagnated wages are contributing to a larger housing affordability crisis, requiring interventions to combat involuntary displacement among our community’s most vulnerable populations. Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) funds a variety of renter and homeowner assistance programs designed to help keep Denver residents in their homes and neighborhoods of choice despite disruptions in their life, health, or income. Through robust community partnerships, HOST works to help households navigate a system of community stabilization resources while advocating for adequate and fair housing protections for renters and homeowners that comply with current eviction, foreclosure, and antidiscrimination laws. 

In 2024, there were 15,960 eviction filings in the City and County of Denver- a historically high rate of eviction filings, representing a nearly 24% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Denver’s eviction filing rates are also on pace to exceed 2024 rates by the end of 20251. From 2020 to 2023, Denver’s median rent also experienced a 22.6% increase2, contributing to an ongoing affordability crisis. Additionally, 2022 data suggests that nearly 51% of renter households and 24% of homeowner households in the Denver Metro Area were considered to be cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their monthly income on housing related expenses3. 

Across Colorado, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) found that when compared to White households, Black households are three times as likely and Hispanic households are twice as likely to be renters with extremely low incomes (defined as incomes at or below either the federal poverty guideline or 30% of the area median income – whichever is greater)4. A similar overrepresentation was identified among nationwide eviction filings, where rates of eviction filings and subsequent judgements were higher for Black renters than white renters on average5. 

Tenant-Landlord Counseling programs serve as a critical community resource for cost-burdened Denver Homeowners and Renters who find themselves at-risk of involuntary displacement. Using a central telephone number, the Tenant-Landlord Counseling Program provides assistance to low and moderate-income Denver residents in resolving their immediate housing crisis. The program’s referral assistance offers dispute resolution information, referrals for legal assistance, and information about alternative housing resources. HOST is seeking proposals for CDBG-funded Tenant-Landlord Counseling Programs for a 12-month period beginning January 1, 2026. Successfully awarded contracts are contingent upon availability of federal funds and approval of local funds in the Mayor’s 2026 Budget and may also be extended for future program years depending on program performance and availability of funds. 

Respondents should be familiar with the requirements of administering activities utilizing federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Eligible Tenant-Landlord Counseling activities being procured for in this RFP include:

Resource & Referral:

•Provide referrals and information to low-and moderate-income persons experiencing housing instability including but not limited to condominium conversions, building sale, rent increases, utility shut-off and increase notices, eviction or foreclosure procedures, security deposit refunds, and/or warranty of habitability issues. Provide referrals to homeless prevention interventions that provide callers with the tools and resources to deal with issues that may lead to episodes of homelessness.

•Provide information to callers on landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities under Federal and State Fair Housing Laws. Provide referrals for remediation as needed.

•Assist Denver residents in resolving housing issues with information on dispute resolution, mediation, referrals to legal assistance, and information on available affordable housing opportunities within the City and County of Denver.

•Maintain and utilize a database of housing listings within the Denver area to assist individuals and families with referrals to an appropriate housing placement.

•Support residents in connecting with relevant resources and programs as needed for their specific housing concern. Such resources include but are not limited to:

• Financial assistance programs for renters and homeowners including the State of Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP), the Denver Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program, the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program, and the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program 
• Eviction and Foreclosure Legal Defense Programs
• Utility assistance programs such as the Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Energy Outreach Colorado, and/or TRUA
• Property Tax Relief and Deferral Programs
• Home Modification/Repair Programs
• Denver Metro Fair Housing Center (DMFHC)
• Denver Office of Financial Empowerment and Protection (OFEP)

•Provide culturally competent technical assistance and language support to callers, include capability for language translation and interpretation services that promote equitable access to housing stabilization resources.

•Maintain an extensive library of both electronic and printed, culturally competent materials concerning landlord/tenant rights, fair housing, and affordable housing resources on agency’s website and/or provide such resources by mail as requested.

•Arrange periodic community outreach events that promote landlord/tenant rights presentations to low-and moderate-income households, coordinating with other community providers who host similar events in Denver as applicable and relevant to the program’s target population(s).

•Distribute fair housing brochures to landlords, tenant unions, realtors, HOA’s and other populations vulnerable to involuntary displacement.

•Implement innovative strategies to assist callers in maintaining or relocating to suitable housing such as providing information on being effective renters, coordinating across information silos for effective service delivery, providing resources for alerting landlord/property owners of warranty of habitability violations, for example.

•Income data must be collected to verify that at least 51% of program participants are low- or moderate-income persons as a requirement of this program. 

Service Requirements 

1.Budget  

Funding available through this RFP primarily comes from the City and County of Denver’s annual allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Available funding for this RFP is dependent on availability of CDBG funds. The HUD-CDBG Program has specific rules, regulations, and applicable laws. Proposers are strongly advised to become familiar with specific and appropriate program eligibility and overall requirements before submission of a proposal. Information on the HUD-CDBG Program can be found on the HUD Exchange: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg/ 

For-profit organizations that apply and are successfully awarded are not eligible to receive HUD CDBG funds and may therefore be awarded local City dollars, as needed, dependent on availability of local funds.

HOST encourages respondents to submit a budget which reflects all programmatic and operational needs of the proposed activities. Proposers should expect to fully expend all awarded funds by 12/31/2026. Subsequent budget periods are subject to the availability of funds, program authority, satisfactory performance, and compliance with the terms and conditions of the award. 

2.Minimum Qualifications

Proposers must have knowledge about best practices and prior experience serving low-to-moderate income residents at-risk of housing instability, households experiencing housing discrimination, and populations with limited English proficiency. Proposers must also demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating into and coordinating with existing service delivery systems of anti-displacement programs to streamline qualified applicants’ access to all emergency housing resources. Additionally, proposers must have a plan to develop and/or expand upon existing partnerships with housing stabilization service providers that will enhance resource delivery and avoid any duplication of services, including but not limited to a thorough outreach and communications plan to increase awareness of these services throughout the community.

Program assistance must be provided according to Fair Housing requirements that protect citizens from discrimination on the basis race, color, religion or creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital or familial status, military status or physical or mental disability.
 

Pre-Proposal Meeting

A pre-proposal conference will be conducted the date and time listed in the Schedule of Events, front page. This meeting will be conducted using the City’s Zoom meeting platform. This will be the only meeting to discuss this proposal request. 

Join Zoom Meeting 

Host Procurements is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CDBG Tenant Landlord Counseling 

Time: Sep 4, 2025 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://denvergov-org.zoom.us/j/89450962623?pwd=22vViSIx5R7nIGOnrrPAnv2xgbZgHW.1

Meeting ID: 894 5096 2623

Passcode: 048690

---

One tap mobile

+17209289299,,89450962623# US (Denver)

Join instructions

https://denvergov-org.zoom.us/meetings/89450962623/invitations?signature=ADFjy161I2RrOy2caOl2pbGyg0Y_gv6fD2_VZYTQ7FU

Questions received up to deadline to submit question in the Schedule of Events will be answered in writing per the Schedule of Events. Answers to questions from any Proposer will be provided to all Proposers.  All communications regarding this proposal shall only be through the email listed above. No communication is to be directed to any other City personnel.

Proposers who feel they are unable to prepare and submit an electronic submittal should submit a request in writing to HOSTProcurements@denvergov.org, no later than the Question due date, for permission and instructions for submitting a hardcopy proposal.