The city of Glenwood Springs has introduced an Employer-Based Rental Assistance Pilot Program to ease housing challenges for local workers, according to a city news release. The program, designed in partnership with local employers, aims to make housing more affordable for employees who live and work in the city.

The program provides rental assistance to employees spending more than 30% of their monthly income on rent. Funding is equally shared between the city’s Workforce Housing Fund and participating employers. Financial support is guaranteed for one year, with a review planned by the Workforce Housing Fund Advisory Board and City Council to determine the program’s future.

“We all depend on the folks who work in our stores, provide services, and offer care in Glenwood Springs,”  Glenwood Springs Housing Development Manager Kevin Rayes said. “By partnering with local employers to support employees with rental costs, we hope to help existing community members that contribute to quality of life for all residents.”

Rayes added that the program offers both immediate and long-term benefits for employees and the community.

“In the short term, this pilot program will ease the financial strain on participating employees and allow households to move past paycheck-to-paycheck living,” Rayes said. “Plus, the program will help Glenwood businesses retain staff. Long term, it is one tool to help strengthen our community and ensure that Glenwood Springs remains a place where people can thrive.”

Employers interested in applying on behalf of their employees must meet the following criteria:

• Operate a business with a physical location in Glenwood Springs city limits and regularly conduct business there.
• Match the city’s financial contribution for one year.
• Employ a worker who has been with the business for at least one year and works an average of 32 hours per week.
• Ensure the employee resides in a cost-burdened household, defined as spending more than 30% of income on rent.
• Confirm the employee lives in or has been pre-approved for a rental within Glenwood Springs city limits.

Applications are open until Feb. 14, and funds will be awarded through a lottery once the application period ends. Payments are expected to begin in March 2025.

More information about the program, including FAQs and application details, is available at cogs.us/RentalAssistance.