(EL PASO/TELLER COUNTIES, Colo.) — The Fourth Judicial District is celebrating the first anniversary of Division CARE (Court Assisted Recovery from Eviction), Colorado’s only eviction recovery program of its kind.

Division CARE was launched as a pilot program by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) on Nov. 21, 2023. Throughout the last year, Division CARE has impacted the lives of tenants and landlords by addressing housing insecurity and stabilizing the local community.

“Division CARE has proven that innovative, collaborative approaches can make a difference in reducing housing instability,” said Magistrate Andrea Paprzycki, the program’s founder. “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.” 

The Fourth Judicial District sees 750 eviction cases filed each month. The program has grown to provide assistance to 100 of those cases every month. These efforts have helped participants avoid eviction, secure stable housing, and access mediation or legal assistance.

“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,” one program participant said.

Division CARE serves as a model for other districts and jurisdictions considering similar programs.