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As CHFA celebrates our 40th Anniversary year, we are proud to acknowledge the work of our numerous nonprofit partners.
Earlier this year, CHFA invited nonprofits working in Colorado to apply for one of four $10,000 David W. Herlinger Direct Effect Awards. To be eligible, the nonprofit was required to show how their work aligns with CHFA’s mission to support affordable homeownership, the development or preservation of affordable rental housing, or growth and investment in Colorado businesses. Additionally, applicants were asked to describe how the $10,000 award could assist them in making a direct effect within the communities they serve.
CHFA received nearly 100 applications from nonprofits across the state. Selecting only four winners from the pool of strong and dedicated organizations was a difficult task. As we celebrate the four award winners below, we look forward to working in collaboration will all of our nonprofit partners as we continue to make a Direct Effect in Colorado for many years to come.
2014 David D. Herlinger Direct Effect Award Winners
La Plata Homes Fund, Inc., Durango
The La Plata Homes Fund was created in 2008 following a community-led initiative to address the need for workforce housing in La Plata County.
“We empower working families with the tools and resources to achieve homeownership. In Durango, where we have a high cost housing market and relatively low wages, homeownership can be especially challenging,” said Executive Director, Karen Iverson.
Specifically, the organization provides second mortgages to bridge the gap between what households can afford and the market rate for entry-level housing. They also provide comprehensive homebuyer education and counseling programs.
Iverson said, “The Direct Effect Award will provide seed funding for an exciting new partnership with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and expansion of our homebuyer education class.” The funds will help La Plata Homes Fund design and conduct a financial literacy and homebuyer education class to support the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as they launch an in-house home mortgage program for their members.
The Residences at Eaton Senior Communities, Lakewood
As a senior living community based in Lakewood since 1980, The Residences at Eaton Senior Communities provides affordable housing and supportive services to low- to moderate-income seniors. The community, which has two facilities totaling 227 units, provides services that include individual health and wellness assessments, and a wellness program that brings additional services and education onsite.
With its $10,000 award, Eaton Senior Communities plans to purchase equipment for its wellness program including portable dentistry equipment, portable massage equipment, walkers and wheelchairs.
“Because of our numerous partnerships with service providers who come on-site, we are able to offer wellness services generally found in high-end retirement communities, in a way that is affordable and accessible to our income-challenged residents,” said President and CEO, David Smart. “The $10,000 award from CHFA will enable Eaton Senior Communities to purchase a wish list of equipment that will expand and enhance the services provided through our wellness program. We are honored, humbled, and overjoyed to be recognized by CHFA with the Direct Effect Award.”
Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust, Colorado Springs
Based in Colorado Springs, and serving all of El Paso County, Rocky Mountain Land Trust (RMCLT) partners with low-income families in homeownership. When partnering with families to invest in home purchases, the home becomes permanently affordable, which helps reduce rising costs and shrink the affordability gap for future generations. RMCLT also collaborates with other nonprofit organizations to provide necessary housing support in the community, such as low-income rentals and transitional housing units.
Executive Director, Nate Clyncke said, “The Direct Effect Award will allow us to rehab a home in the RMCLT program that has been relinquished by the family. This townhome, located in Colorado Springs, has been in the RMCLT inventory for fourteen years, and our initial investment has helped three families so far. We will use the $10,000 provided by CHFA to carpet, paint, and repair the home as we prepare to sell it to the next low-income family.”
Clyncke continued, “We’re thrilled to be recognized for the impact we make on our community and are excited to continue our partnership with CHFA in providing affordable housing opportunities in the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County.”
San Luis Valley Development Resources Group, Alamosa
The San Luis Valley Development Resources Group promotes economic and community self-development for the 18 communities and six counties in the San Luis Valley by administering state, federal and citizen-initiated programs. These programs offer tax incentive credits, new and existing business loans and other important tools, which strengthen economic development.
The organization plans to use its award fund to improve its marketing tactics, which include developing an online business loan application, and providing relevant regional educational information and links to strategic partnerships such as nonprofits, education institutions, and government agencies.
“The mission of the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group is to promote and facilitate economic and community development. This generous award will provide the opportunity to reach more local businesses and citizens,” said Business Development Director, Sarah Stoeber. “Thanks CHFA for being such a great partner for so many years!”
About the
Direct Effect Awards
The awards were named after CHFA’s esteemed Executive Director, David W. Herlinger, who served between 1977 and 2000. His directness, as well as his passion, inspired lasting partnerships to meet the needs of Colorado’s underserved populations, leaving an indelible mark on the state for years to come. The David W. Herlinger Direct Effect Awards serve as a reminder of the impact that committed and passionate organizations can make by working together towards a common goal.
