Frequently Asked Questions
Browse common questions about DCHP programs, housing resources, and services available to Douglas County residents. Select a category to expand it, then select a question to view the answer.
Douglas County Housing Partnership (DCHP) is a multi-jurisdictional housing authority formed under Colorado law and a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that connects residents with affordable housing resources, homebuyer support, down payment assistance, housing counseling, and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance. DCHP also works with private developers to provide affordable rental housing for low-income households in Douglas County.
DCHP supports renters, homebuyers, homeowners, older adults, people with disabilities, and families looking for affordable housing resources in Douglas County, Colorado. Program eligibility may depend on income, household size, citizenship, or eligible immigration status, funding availability, and the specific program you are applying for. Contact DCHP directly to learn whether you qualify.
DCHP is a multi-jurisdictional housing authority serving Douglas County (including unincorporated Douglas County), the City of Lone Tree, the Town of Castle Rock, the Town of Parker, and the City of Castle Pines. While DCHP is not a county department, it works closely with Douglas County and its partner jurisdictions to address housing needs in the area.
The Douglas County Housing Partnership main office is located at:
9350 Heritage Hills Circle,
Lone Tree, Colorado 80124.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time.
Appointments are encouraged; please call ahead to confirm availability before visiting.
Many DCHP services are offered at no cost, including HUD-grant-supported housing counseling and the in-person Homebuyer Education class.
The self-paced online homebuyer education course through eHome America has a $75 non-refundable registration fee.
DCHP is connected with affordable housing resources in Douglas County, including properties that DCHP owns or partially owns, as well as other affordable rental communities, and partnerships with private developers. Contact DCHP or review the resources on this website to explore what may be available.
Waiting list status changes periodically. Check the Public Notices section of this website for the most current information on waiting list openings, including dates, eligibility, and how to apply. DCHP announces waiting list openings in advance through public notice.
Yes. DCHP owns or operates several affordable rental communities in Douglas County. Visit the Properties section of this website to learn more about each community.
Not all affordable housing resources listed here are directly owned or operated by DCHP. Some properties are owned or partially owned by DCHP, while others are operated by separate housing providers in Douglas County. Contact the individual property or DCHP for more information about a specific listing. Find additional affordable rental housing options at Colorado Housing Search at http://www.coloradohousingsearch.com/, https://www.chfainfo.com/rental-housing/find-affordable-rental-housing, or at https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance.
Rental availability, eligibility requirements, income limits, and waitlist status vary by property. Reach out to the property directly or contact DCHP for guidance on current availability and how to apply.
DCHP’s Housing Navigator helps Douglas County residents identify and secure housing that meets their needs. The Navigator works one-on-one with residents to understand their situation, explain available housing options, connect them with appropriate resources, and help navigate services available through community partners throughout Douglas County. Contact DCHP to learn more or to request Housing Navigator services.
Yes. DCHP is a sub-contractor of the Colorado Division of Housing (DOH), which is the public housing agency (PHA) for the program. When the Douglas County waiting list opens, DCHP manages that waiting list on the State’s behalf. The Colorado Division of Housing administers the program overall, including voucher portability (ports), reasonable accommodation requests, and ongoing program administration. The program provides rental assistance vouchers to income-qualified households, helping households rent from private landlords in the private market.
Waiting list status changes periodically. Check the Public Notices section of this website for the most current information on waiting list openings, including dates, eligibility, and how to apply. DCHP announces waiting list openings in advance through public notice.
DCHP does not manage the voucher port process. The voucher port process is handled by the Colorado Division of Housing, not DCHP. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program allows participants to transfer, or “port,” their rental assistance when moving between housing authority jurisdictions, and in most cases, vouchers can be ported to Douglas County. If you have a voucher from another housing authority and want to move to Douglas County, contact the Colorado Division of Housing. Visit their website at: https://doh.colorado.gov/porting
Call: 720-775-5170 or Email: Jamie.Hensley@state.co.us
If you have a voucher currently administered by DCHP and want to move elsewhere, contact DCHP before making any plans.
Yes. Private landlords can rent to Housing Choice Voucher holders in Douglas County. The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord on behalf of the voucher holder. Contact DCHP for information on how to participate as a landlord.
Yes. DCHP’s Down Payment Assistance Program helps low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers purchase a home in Douglas County by allowing them to borrow at a low interest rate. The program is designed to bridge the gap between low wages and high housing costs.
For most DCHP homeownership programs, yes. DCHP uses the HUD definition of a first-time homebuyer, which includes anyone who has not owned a home within the past three years. If you owned a home more than three years ago or have recently divorced, you may still qualify.
Yes. DCHP is a CHFA-approved Homebuyer Education provider and offers two ways to complete the homebuyer education requirement:
In-Person Class (Free): A free, six-hour class held on the third Saturday of each month, taught by a HUD-certified housing counselor. Attendees who complete the full class receive a Certificate of Completion that satisfies the homebuyer education requirement for CHFA loan programs and most other first-time homebuyer assistance programs in Colorado.
Online Self-Paced Option ($75): DCHP also offers access to a self-paced online homebuyer education course through eHome America for a $75 non-refundable fee, available any time. Both options satisfy CHFA and most other Colorado first-time homebuyer assistance program requirements.
Contact DCHP to register for the in-person class or to learn more about the online option.
Yes. DCHP is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.
Counseling services include:
- Pre-purchase (homebuyer) counseling
- Pre-purchase homebuyer education workshops
- Foreclosure prevention and mortgage delinquency counseling
- Reverse mortgage (HECM) counseling
- Financial literacy, budgeting, and credit workshops
DCHP does not provide emergency financial assistance directly; however, DCHP does provide mortgage delinquency and default resolution counseling. DCHP staff can help you understand your options, communicate with your lender, and work toward a resolution.
You can also call the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline at 1-877-601-4673, a free statewide resource for homeowners who have missed a mortgage payment, are in foreclosure, or are concerned they may fall behind.
Contact DCHP as soon as possible. Early action gives you more options. You can also call the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline at 1-877-601-4673. Do not wait until you receive a foreclosure notice before reaching out.
Yes. DCHP offers HUD-certified counseling for homeowners considering a reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). HUD-certified counseling is required before you can proceed with a reverse mortgage.
Forms and program documents are available on the DCHP website or by contacting DCHP directly. If you are not sure which form you need, reach out to DCHP before submitting any documents.
Required documents vary by program. In general, you may be asked to provide:
- Proof of income for all household members (such as pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit award letters)
- Identification for all household members
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Documentation of household size
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, if required by the program
Contact DCHP or the specific program you are applying for to confirm exactly what documents you will need.
DCHP currently serves existing Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participants only. There are no available vouchers at this time, and we do not anticipate opening a waiting list in 2026. If you are an existing HCV participant with questions about your voucher, please contact DCHP directly.
DCHP does not provide emergency rental assistance directly. Below are agencies that may be able to provide emergency assistance:
2-1-1 Colorado (United Way)
A free, confidential statewide resource line and database connecting residents to thousands of local services, including rent and utility assistance, housing and shelter, food assistance, and crisis support, when a need falls outside the local partner agencies.
Call: Dial 211 or Visit the Website: 211colorado.org
Colorado Housing Connects
A statewide housing helpline that can help with eviction prevention, rental assistance navigation, tenant-landlord questions, foreclosure concerns, and general housing questions.
Call: 1-844-926-6632 or Visit the Website: https://coloradohousingconnects.org/
Colorado Legal Services
A statewide nonprofit providing free civil legal aid to low-income and eligible residents, including help with housing and eviction cases.
Call: 303-837-1313 or Visit the Website: coloradolegalservices.org
HEART Team
The HEART Team is Douglas County’s front-line response team for individuals experiencing homelessness. Formed in 2022, HEART pairs trained navigators (experts in housing, behavioral health, and case management) with local law enforcement to provide outreach, case management, basic-needs support, transportation help, and referrals to community services. The public can also contact HEART regarding someone who may need help.
Call or Text: 303-660-7301 or Visit the Website: douglas.co.us/homeless-initiative/heart
DCHP works closely with Douglas County’s Older Adult Initiative, which connects residents aged 60 and over with housing, transportation, in-home services, and other essential supports. DCHP provides the Housing Navigator service through the Initiative and conducts housing needs assessments specific to older adults. Visit the Douglas County Older Adult Initiative website for the full list of services and resources. Visit the website: DC Older Adult Initiative
Below is a list of other local partners that provide housing services, including food assistance, financial aid, case management services, and legal assistance:
Catholic Charities of Central Colorado
The Castle Rock office serves Douglas, Elbert, and Park county residents with individualized case management, referrals, emergency needs support (such as rent and essential baby items), and a food pantry to help individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency.
Call: 720-215-4521 or Visit the Website: ccharitiescc.org/get-help/castle-rock-services
SECOR Cares
A faith-based nonprofit serving Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert counties, SECOR addresses suburban poverty through its Free Food Market, Mobile Market, and outreach programs. Guests shop a grocery-style market stocked with fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and pantry staples, typically leaving with 10–14 days of food.
Call: 720-842-5621 or Visit the Website: secorcares.com
Manna Resource Center
A nonprofit strengthening individuals and families in Douglas County and the surrounding area through holistic programs focused on self-sufficiency, wellness, and family development, including one-on-one coaching, mental wellness services, and resource navigation.
Call: 720-515-8814 or Visit the Website: mannaresourcecenter.org
Help and Hope Center
Serving Douglas and Elbert county residents since 1984, the Help and Hope Center meets the immediate needs of neighbors in financial distress or at risk of homelessness, offering a choice food pantry, limited emergency rent and utility assistance, ID documentation help, referrals, and clothing and household goods through its Treasures Thriftique thrift store.
Call: 303-688-1114 or Visit the Website: helpandhopecenter.org
Parker Task Force (for Parker, Elizabeth, and Franktown residents)
A 100% volunteer-run, short-term crisis intervention agency serving Parker, Elizabeth, and Franktown. The Task Force provides a choice food bank, limited financial assistance for rent and utilities, holiday programs, and connections to support services to help clients return to self-sufficiency.
Call: 303-841-3460 or Visit the Website: parkertaskforce.org
Family Center of Douglas County (for households with minor children)
A partnership of Catholic Charities of Central Colorado and Manna Resource Center, the Family Center serves Douglas County households with at least one child under 18, connecting families to community resources and providing confidential support to help them build healthy relationships and achieve greater stability.
Call: Castle Rock 720-215-4521, Highlands Ranch 720-505-3689 or Visit the Website: familycenterdougco.org
Family Tree (general housing assistance)
Family Tree’s Homelessness Program serves the Denver metro area, including Douglas County, with housing navigation and comprehensive support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including financial assistance for rent, deposits, and utilities, case management, and referrals to community resources.
Call: 303-467-2604 or Visit the Website: thefamilytree.org/homelessness
TESSA (Douglas County Safehouse)
A trusted provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services since 1977, TESSA partners with Douglas County to operate the Douglas County Safehouse, which opened in 2025 to provide secure, emergency housing for individuals and families escaping abuse. Services include emergency shelter, case management, trauma-informed clinical counseling (including bilingual services and EMDR therapy), age-appropriate children’s programming, and housing support to help survivors secure safe, stable long-term housing. Anyone in the community may contact the 24/7 SafeLine for immediate crisis support, safety planning, and resource navigation.
Call or Text: 303-535-3917 (24/7 SafeLine) or Visit the Website: https://www.tessacs.org/
douglas.co.us/community-services/domestic-violence-survivor-support
The Crisis Center (domestic violence recovery)
Serving Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties since 1985, The Crisis Center provides free, confidential, trauma-informed services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, including a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, individual and group therapy, and legal advocacy.
Call: 303-688-8484 or Visit the Website: thecrisiscenter.org
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)
The state agency that connects job seekers with employment, administers unemployment (temporary wage replacement) benefits, oversees workers’ compensation for on-the-job injuries, and enforces fair labor practices.
Call: 303-318-8000 or Visit the Website: cdle.colorado.gov
Volunteers of America (Veteran’s housing assistance)
VOA Colorado’s Back Home SSVF program provides permanent, housing-first support for veterans and veteran families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including case management, housing search assistance, employment and education counseling, and temporary financial assistance.
Call: 303-297-0408 or Visit the Website: voacolorado.org
Douglas County Veterans Service Office
The county’s Veterans Service Office helps veterans and their families apply for benefits and access services, including employment assistance, medical care, transportation, property tax exemptions, and emergency assistance funds for those struggling with housing and other urgent needs.
Call: 303-663-6200 or Visit the Website: douglas.co.us/veterans-service-office
Arapahoe/Douglas Works! (job listings, training, and skills assessments)
Part of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s statewide workforce network, A/D Works! offers no-cost services to job seekers in Arapahoe and Douglas counties, including job listings, employment counseling, skills assessments, workshops, and training assistance. A Castle Rock office is located at 4500 Limelight Ave.
Call: 303-636-1160 or Visit the Website: adworks.org
DC Cares
A multi-agency collaborative that pairs vulnerable Douglas County residents with wraparound support, services, and tools to help them overcome barriers and reach long-term stability. (Catholic Charities is a partner and referring agency for DC Cares; call 720-215-4521 to speak with a DC Cares facilitator.)
Call: 303-660-7460 or Visit the Website: https://www.douglasco.gov/community-services/services/self-sufficiency/self-sufficiency-dc-cares/
Douglas County Department of Human Services
The county’s human services agency administers public benefit programs including SNAP (food assistance), Health First Colorado (Medicaid), TANF, LEAP energy assistance, and other financial and emergency assistance for eligible residents.
Call: 303-688-4825 or Visit the Website: douglas.co.us/human-services
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The federal agency that administers disability (SSDI/SSI), retirement, and survivors’ benefits and other social programs.
Call: 1-800-772-1213 or Visit the Website: ssa.gov
DCHP is committed to ensuring equal access to its programs and services.
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DCHP does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its programs, services, or activities. Upon request, DCHP will provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, including qualified sign language interpreters and documents in Braille or other alternative formats, and will make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, and programs so that qualified persons with disabilities can participate equally.
You may request a reasonable accommodation at any time, and you do not need to use a specific form or method to do so. To request an accommodation, contact DCHP’s Compliance Administrator and Section 504 / ADA Coordinator:
Name: Stephine Valdez, Compliance Administrator (Section 504 / ADA Coordinator)
Address: 9350 Heritage Hills Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Phone: 720-369-6004
Email: svaldez@douglasco.gov
Accommodations are provided at no cost, and DCHP will not place a surcharge on any individual with a disability to cover the cost of auxiliary aids, services, or reasonable modifications. The ADA does not require DCHP to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. If you are requesting an accommodation for a specific meeting or appointment, advance notice is appreciated so we can arrange services in time.
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166, DCHP is committed to providing meaningful access to its programs, services, and activities for persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). If you require language assistance, including oral interpretation or written translation of materials, please contact DCHP’s Compliance Administrator, Stephine Valdez, at 720-369-6004 or svaldez@douglasco.gov. Language assistance is provided free of charge.
No. The Douglas County Housing Partnership does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran or military status, source of income, or any other classification protected under federal, state, or local law in its programs, services, activities, or employment practices. DCHP is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider.
If you believe you have been treated unfairly in housing because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or another protected class, you have options. Contact HUD at: https://www.hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination, hud.gov/fairhousing or Call: 1-800-669-9777.
You may contact the Colorado Civil Rights Division if you believe you have been treated unfairly in housing on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran or military status, source of income, or any other classification protected under Colorado law at: General Inquiries: DORA_CCRD@State.co.us or Phone: 303-894-2997.