The Inn Between, a nonprofit organization in Longmont, Colorado, provides transitional housing to families and individuals, allowing them to pay rent based on 30% of their gross income. In 2022, they served 168 people, including 70 children, but a new law, HB-1098, is complicating their efforts to assist those exiting homelessness. This law requires that renters can only be evicted for specific reasons, leading nonprofits like The Inn Between and Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) to limit transitional housing leases to 11 months, down from the typical 18-20 months. This change is driven by the need to ensure availability for future clients amidst long waitlists for affordable housing. Current clients are taking advantage of the law to remain in transitional homes longer than intended, complicating the exit process. The nonprofits are now facing increased legal complexities and costs, as they must document all late payments to manage leases effectively. Both organizations are advocating for legislative changes to address these unintended consequences.
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