Community Economic Defense Project

We partner with low-income and working people to build economic and racial equity by confronting economic abuse and investing in community wealth.

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

“When people are able to move from being renters to buyers…their housing stability is dramatically improved.” – CEO Zach Neumann

@Homesdotcom featured CEDP's work providing down payment assistance to first-time and first-gen homebuyers in southwest CO.

https://t.co/TKweKvZcTq

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

No one should face eviction, displacement, or a financial crisis alone.

This #ColoradoGivesDay, your gift to CEDP helps ensure our neighbors have someone to turn to in the moments that matter most.

#WaveOfGenerosity #KeepCOFamiliesHoused
https://t.co/jfR7OEwQWI

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

We’ve seen in our work how one medical emergency can spiral into a family losing not only their income, but the place they call home.

As CEDP’s Lois Lupica explained to @Fortune, this wage garnishment is “really kicking people when they’re down.”

https://t.co/5M8yaT3t7K

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

There have been 11,280 Denver eviction filings in 2025. Last week, the City paused TRUA rental assistance, leaving many residents scrambling.

As CEDP's @ZachNeumannCO told @Denverite: “Families now face even bigger problems—including losing their homes.” https://t.co/2iKgoMQnJn

[Zach Neumann @ZachNeumannCO]

Taking 20% of people's pay when they have unpaid medical bills is just kicking them when they're down.

Check out Lois Lupica from @CoEvictionDef talking about medical debt in @FortuneMagazine today.

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

According to research from Harvard's JCHS, "the portion of the country’s renters who face significant cost burdens has hit record levels — & the strain has moved up the income ladder."

Rent is far too expensive for many families, & costs keep climbing. https://t.co/GskAabbULN

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

As CEDP's @ZachNeumannCO explained to @Denverite, eviction can happen to anyone. "You lose your job. You have a catastrophic health issue. Your landlord raises the rent higher than you can afford. And suddenly, you are without a home."

Read more here: https://t.co/zqcSUeEDcm

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

Did you check out our most recent newsletter? Each month, we share about our work, including highlights from the month and what's ahead. Check out August's newsletter below, and make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future updates! https://t.co/EdiVhFpx7H

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

The Stronger Together Housing Legal Day in Colorado Springs is THIS FRIDAY, Aug. 29th!🎉

Join us for free legal workshops, a free community resource fair, & free legal consultations.⚖️

See below for more information, or visit the event page at https://t.co/XifGukarZS

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

Evictions continue to rise in Denver. As CEDP’s Marissa Molina explained to @9News, "the cost of housing has gone up, the cost of other essential needs for families has gone up, and wages haven't kept up with that."

https://t.co/z0AIlnAUxp

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

We're excited to partner with community organizations in Colorado Springs for the Stronger Together Housing Legal Day! 🎉

Mark your calendar and join us on August 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Family Success Center. 🗓️

For more details, visit https://t.co/XifGukaZPq 🌐

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

This month, we’ve put a spotlight on evictions in Denver, highlighting the way evictions impact everyone – especially those in our communities who are most vulnerable. Here’s a round-up of the information we shared on Denver evictions:

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

🎒 Denver’s BIGGEST Back to School Fest is this weekend!

📅 Sat, Aug 2
🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 National Western Center

Free backpacks & supplies, family entertainment, health clinics & more!

🔗 Find out more here: https://t.co/J0VLGjGdEQ

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

Behind every eviction case is a person trying to stay in their home, often without the tools or support to fight back.

Landlords almost always show up to court with lawyers, armed with resources, legal knowledge, & the advantage of being repeat players. Most tenants stand alone.

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

The federal funding that kept many families stable during the pandemic is running out and Colorado’s rental assistance programs are feeling the strain. In 2024, just 2,700 households likely got help early enough to avoid eviction, even as filings continue to rise.

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

Rental assistance works, and the data proves it.

In Colorado, voucher programs (federal rental assistance) help more than 84,000 people stay housed every year, including over 35,000 children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

And it works beyond the short term. Harvard researchers confirm that short-term rental assistance delivers long-term benefits, supporting housing stability, reducing financial distress, and helping families stay in their communities.

But this safety net is shrinking.

[Community Economic Defense Project @CoEvictionDef]

So far in 2025, the Denver zip codes with the most eviction filings were those with large Black & Latine renter populations. If we want a city where everyone has opportunity to thrive, we have to confront how eviction reinforces inequality & fight to protect those most at risk.