Eligibility & Application Process
Our Housing Authority is committed to serving eligible applicants and will not discriminate against any person on the grounds of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability.
We provide quality housing for those with limited incomes. Our rents are subsidized with federal money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) so that those with limited incomes can live in quality housing. Therefore, income limits do apply for those wishing to participate in our programs.
Meet Income Guidelines
Applicants for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing Programs must meet the Very Low Income guidelines (earning no more than 50% of the area median income) established by HUD. Rental Assistance is available to families, single individuals, elderly, disabled and handicapped.
Maximum income at time of move in:
| Properties | Family of 1 | Family of 2 | Family of 3 | Family of 4 | Family of 5 | Family of 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calkins | $46,080 | $52,640 | $59,200 | $65,760 | $71,040 | $76,320 |
| Brubaker, Prairie Mesa, Overlook | $34,560 | 39,480 | 39,480 | $44,400 | $49,300 | $53,280 |
| Low Rent & Voucher Program | $28,800 | $32,900 | $37,000 | $41,100 | $44,400 | $47,000 |
Applying for Assistance
The Montezuma County Housing Authority of Cortez has a limited number of housing units and funds. Therefore, if we are unable to provide you with immediate housing assistance, the Housing Authority MUST put your name on a waiting list until we have a housing unit or funds to assist you.
This application provides the necessary information to put you on the waiting list for housing assitance. The information that you provide on this form (income, household members, etc.) will be verified at the time you are asked to come in for an elegibility interview. The eligibility interview takes place after your name reaches the top of the waiting list and we anticipate having assistance available.
It is your responsibility to report any change of address, income or household changes.
The Housing Authority will contact you ONLY BY MAIL. If a letter is returned or you do not respond within a set date (10 business days from the date the letter was mailed out) your name will be removed from all waiting lists for which you applied. The Housing Authority is not responsible for mail that is not timely forwarded to you by the Post Office. Social Security Cards and Birth Certificates MUST accompany pre-application.
Waiting List Application
The waiting list Application is available at our office located at 121 E 1st St Bldg A Cortez, CO 81321 or by contacting the Housing Authority of the County of Montezuma at 970-565-3831 and requesting the Application to be faxed, mailed or emailed to you. Then mail, fax, email or bring into our office for submission.
The application must be complete. Answer all applicable questions. For questions that are not applicable please write “Not Applicable” or “N/A” and return it to the Housing Authority along with original documents or copies of the following documents:
- Birth Certificate, CIB or passport
- Social Security Cards
- Valid IDs for everyone 18 years of age or older on the application.
For more information or questions regarding the application process, please e-mail our office for application information.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you may call Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity National Toll-Free Hotline @ 1-800-877-7353 for information and assistance.
Application Process
Affordable Housing is for working families and single individuals who must qualify for this program. Income qualifications are up to 80% of the Median Income. Call or stop by to pick up an application to see if you qualify.
Applicants must provide for all household members listed on the application:
Applicants must provide for all household members listed on the application:
- Birth certificate, CIB or Passport
- Social security card
- Provide valid Driver's License/ID for anyone 18+
Housing Choice Voucher Program / Subsidized Housing program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Subsidized Housing Program provides rental assistance to low-income working families, the elderly and the disabled so that they may afford decent, safe and sanitary housing that meets their individual needs in the private rental market.
Participants pay approximately 30% – 40% of their gross monthly income for rent and utilities, with the balance of the rent being paid by MCHA directly to the landlord.
The Housing Choice Voucher Waiting/ Subsidized Housing Program lists are currently open.
Eligibility for a Housing Choice Voucher or a Subsidized unit is dependent upon the following factors:
- The applicant must complete the application and all other necessary forms.
- The applicant/family must meet eligibility income requirements (see below).
- Proper submission of all required documents at time of eligibility: Photo IDs, Birth Certificates, Social Security cards and (if applicable) verification of court awarded custody for all applicants.
- Verification of eligible immigration status – if the applicant(s) are not U.S. citizens, documentation of legal residency of the United States and/or verification of eligible immigration status must be provided.
- ALL applicants must pass a criminal background check – applicants must not have engaged in any felony, violent or drug related criminal activity in the last five years and/or misdemeanor, violent or drug related criminal activity in the last three years. For more information call 970-565-3831.
- If an applicant, or a member of an applicant’s household, is subject to a Registrant requirement under a state sex offender registration program, they are NOT eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher.
- All applicants must be over the age of 18.
Applicants must meet the Very Low Income guidelines (earning no more than 50% of the area median income) established by HUD. ALL programs work from a wait list; which goes by the date and time your application was turned in complete to our office.
