The Fourth Judicial District in Colorado Springs is marking the first anniversary of Division CARE, a unique eviction recovery program. Launched on November 27, 2023, with funding from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), Division CARE has aimed to address housing insecurity and stabilize the local community.
The district handles approximately 750 eviction cases monthly. Division CARE has assisted in about 100 of these cases each month, successfully connecting over 13% of Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) filings to essential resources. These efforts have helped participants avoid eviction and secure stable housing while providing access to mediation or legal assistance.
Magistrate Andrea Paprzycki, founder of the program, stated: “Division CARE has proven that innovative, collaborative approaches can make a difference in reducing housing instability. By working with community partners, we have turned a critical challenge into an opportunity to restore dignity and hope for individuals and families facing eviction.”
A participant expressed gratitude by saying: “For the very first time in my life, I do not feel like I have to carry the weight of the world all by myself, and I am so very grateful for you and for my judge yesterday who told me about this program.”
As Colorado continues to grapple with housing affordability issues, Division CARE serves as a model for other districts considering similar initiatives. The Fourth Judicial District covers El Paso and Teller counties and remains committed to fair and accessible justice.