Latest news with #DenverHousingAuthority
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Family blames Denver Housing Authority for senior's death in sweltering apartment
The family of a woman who died in her Denver Housing Authority apartment during extreme heat is suing the agency, claiming negligence in responding to her repeated complaints about her air conditioning system. Shirlyne Johnson Johnson Family Shirlyne Johnson, 68, was found dead two years ago inside her unit on the sixth floor of Thomas Bean Towers -- a public housing complex for seniors in Denver. According to the lawsuit, the temperature inside her apartment exceeded 120 degrees. Her daughter, Latrisse Johnson, says the family still struggles to process the loss. "I was not able to see my mother when we did funeral services," she said. "She was decomposed." The lawsuit alleges that Johnson, who had pre-existing health conditions, had repeatedly requested maintenance to fix her malfunctioning HVAC system, which was reportedly pumping hot air into her apartment for days, according to the lawsuit. "Her complaint was, 'My AC is not working,' and if they had just taken the time to go and see what the issue was, I think it could've saved my mom's life," Latrisse said. CBS The Denver Housing Authority manages the Thomas Bean Towers. The lawsuit claims the agency failed to respond to maintenance requests in a timely and appropriate manner, ultimately leading to Johnson's death. The autopsy report, cited in the lawsuit, found multiple contributing factors in Johnson's death, which were "complicated by exposure to an increased environmental temperature." Her body temperature was recorded at 111 degrees at the time of death. "It could've been an easy fix," Latrisse said. "I need the Denver Housing Authority to be accountable for their actions. I don't want any other residents or disabled elderly to go through what my mom went through." In a statement to CBS News Colorado, the Denver Housing Authority said: "While we are unable to comment at this time due to the open court case, our mission remains focused on providing safe, stable housing and supporting the communities we serve." Latrisse Johnson says that statement does not reflect her family's experience. "The housing authority needs to do better," she said. A judge will now decide whether the lawsuit can move forward or if DHA is protected under Colorado's Governmental Immunity Act. That ruling could take several months.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Denver Housing Authority opens public housing pre-applications amid soaring demand
Families, seniors, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply starting Friday for the Public Housing Program. The search for affordable housing continues to be a challenge for many Denver residents, but starting this Friday, the Denver Housing Authority is offering a new opportunity for relief. Beginning May 16, DHA will open its public housing pre-application process, allowing eligible families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to apply for income-based housing assistance. The Tapiz apartment complex in Denver CBS Outside of the Tapiz apartment complex, 74-year-old Elva Chavez is a familiar and joyful face. "It's a blessing," Chavez said of her apartment, where she's lived for the past 13 years, paying under $800 a month. Her home is part of the DHA's public housing program, which provides "affordable rent tailored to income levels." According to Joshua Crawley, chief operating officer for DHA, more than 10,000 residents currently live in the city's 6,000 affordable housing units. The agency is actively expanding. "We have brought, and will be bringing, three buildings with over 500 units of affordable housing in the Sun Valley neighborhood," Crawley said. "In the last year, we've added two more, totaling over 700 units." Still, he admits that demand far exceeds supply. "It's just a drop in the bucket of what's needed," he said. For Chavez, the program has meant more than just a place to live—it's given her peace of mind. "I just want to live peacefully and affordably," she said. Applications must be submitted online at Denver Housing Authority Additional Information from DHA: In-person data entry assistance will be available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1401 Mariposa St. in Denver, excluding holidays. Assistance will not be available after the deadline. For help, call 720-932-3021. Eligibility Categories for Public Housing Applications Applicants may apply under the following categories: 1. Family A family with children. A temporary absence of a child placed in foster care (90 days or less) will not affect family size or composition. Proof of guardianship is required. Two or more people sharing a residence, including at least one person age 18 or older, whose income and resources are available to support the household. Individuals must be related by blood, marriage, law, or demonstrate a stable family relationship for at least six months. 2. Disabled Family A family where the head of household, spouse, or sole member is a person with disabilities; or two or more people with disabilities living together; or a person with disabilities living with one or more live-in aides. 3. Non-Elderly Disabled Persons An individual with a disability who is younger than 62. 4. Elderly Family A family where the head, spouse, or sole member is at least 62 years old; or two or more individuals aged 62 or older living together; or one or more individuals aged 62 or older living with one or more live-in aides. 5. Elderly Person An individual who is at least 62 years old. Application Instructions: Only one online submission per household is allowed. Multiple entries will not be accepted. All required fields must be completed; incomplete applications will be rejected. Applicants must provide the Social Security numbers of the head and co-head/spouse, as well as the total household income and income types for all members. After submission, applicants should print and keep the confirmation page and pre-application number for reference. Any address changes must be submitted in writing to: DHA Occupancy & Admissions Department 1401 Mariposa St. Denver, CO 80204 Include your name, Social Security number, pre-application number, and new address. Categories Not Eligible for Pre-Application: Public housing pre-applications are not available for the following: Single Person An individual who lives or intends to live alone and is not elderly, disabled, displaced, or a remaining member of a tenant family. Family Without Children Two or more individuals aged 18 or older sharing a residence, even if related by blood, marriage, or law, or who have lived together for at least six months. Remaining Family Member (DHA Tenant) A remaining family member of a current tenant who does not otherwise meet all DHA eligibility criteria. Displaced Family A person or family displaced by government action or whose home was destroyed or heavily damaged by a federally recognized disaster. Near-Elderly Family A household where the head, spouse, or sole member is between 50 and 61 years old, or a group of individuals in that age range, even if living with a live-in aide.
