CEDP October Newsletter
A Colorado Supreme Court Win, Permanent Supportive Housing Success, Expanding the CEDP Team, and more!
Happy Friday! Our staff were busy during October, and we saw a significant win at the Colorado Supreme Court. If you’re short on time, here are the highlights from the month:
The Colorado Supreme Court issued an opinion affirming the right of tenants to a jury trial when there is a dispute of fact in an eviction case.
Our Integrated Supportive Housing team celebrated a permanent supportive housing lease signing.
We’re hiring — visit the “Careers” page on our website for all the details.
CEDP participated in a trunk or treat at the Family Success Center in Colorado Springs.
CEDP was featured in numerous news outlets during October, including The Denver Post, Colorado Newsline, Fox31, and more.
Colorado Supreme Court Affirms the Right of Tenants to a Jury Trial When There is a Dispute of Fact in an Eviction Case
In a landmark win for renters across the state, the Colorado Supreme Court issued an opinion affirming the right of tenants to a jury trial when there is a dispute of fact in an eviction case. This ruling holds county courts accountable to uphold this fundamental right, enshrined in Colorado state law for decades, ensuring that tenants can seek justice during a trial before their peers.
Justice Samour, delivering the opinion of the court, emphasized the historical significance of jury trials in possessory actions, tracing their roots back to the twelfth century. The court reaffirmed that the modern statutory forcible entry and detainer (FED)-possession action is essentially the same as the old common law action of ejectment, which was always considered a legal action entitling parties to a jury trial.
This is huge for our clients, and we’re so proud of the CED Law team, especially Spencer Bailey, who drafted the appeal, and Amanda Bliss, who represented the appellant in the case, Ms. Bermudez, in county court.
Integrated Supportive Housing Team Celebrates Permanent Supportive Housing Lease Signing
This month, the Integrated Supportive Housing Team gathered for a team breakfast to celebrate the first lease signing for one of CEDP’s Permanent Supportive Housing clients. Congrats to the ISS team!
We’re Hiring!
CEDP continues to grow and evolve as we shift to meet the needs of our clients. There are currently several opportunities to join the CEDP team — see below for all of the open positions at our organization. If you’re interested in applying, visit the “Careers” page on our website!
Clinic Lead / Rental Aid Clinics
Chief Policy and Communications Officer
Benefits & Leave Administrator
Cyber Security & IT Support Specialist
Executive Administrative Assistant
Bilingual Certified Housing Counselor (Colorado Springs)
Mobile Home Park Project Lead
Team Lead Housing Coordinator
Bilingual Case Manager (Colorado Springs)
Bilingual Clinician
Case Manager
Trunk or Treat at CEDP’s Colorado Springs Office
At the end of October, CEDP participated in a trunk or treat event at the Family Success Center in Colorado Springs! Our office in Colorado Springs is located at the Family Success Center, and the event was a huge success. Hundreds of families attended, Catholic Charities provided winterwear and jackets for families, and the halls were lined with community organizations handing out candy and flyers.
CEDP in the News
Landlords often pile junk fees on top of already overpriced rents, making housing even more affordable for many Coloradans, as covered by a story in The Denver Post featuring CEDP’s Zach Neumann.
A story in Colorado Newsline features CEDP’s Melissa Mejía and discusses how most renters do not see the benefits of property tax decreases.
Colorado Politics published a story about the recent Colorado Supreme Court Decision that gives tenants the right to a jury trial when the facts of a case are disputed. The story features CED Law’s Spencer Bailey
CED Law’s Charlotte Goodenow was featured in a story in Colorado Law (from CU Boulder) about her Equal Justice Works Fellowship and her new role here at CEDP.
CEDP’s Genie Ruiz was featured in a story in Denver7 about issues mobile home park residents face, and the resources available to help.
CEDP’s Zach Neumann was featured in a story on Fox31 covering a new lawsuit challenging Colorado’s EpiPen cap that went into effect earlier this year.
Get Help
The Community Economic Defense Project provides rental assistance, legal assistance/representation, and resource navigation for clients facing eviction, housing insecurity, and other types of economic hardship. If you need assistance, please visit our website to get help.