Summary
Organization name
Crestone Peak Community Housing
other names
CPCH
1994
Tax id (EIN)
84-1291988
Category
Housing & Shelter
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
P.O. Box 911Crestone, CO 81131
Saguache County, CO, US
Although lack of affordable housing, particularly for seniors, is a state-wide issue, it has reached emergency proportions in the rural San Luis Valley. Seniors who have called the small town of Crestone home for many years can no longer afford to live in the community they love. Crestone Peak Community Housing (CPCH) created Living Wisdom Village (LWV), which acknowledges the vital importance of providing seniors with a community where they can live with dignity, regardless of their financial capabilities, while retaining their independence as long as possible. LWV residents will have the opportunity to not only survive, but to thrive, as they encounter the challenges of the aging process.
LWV will be a village of 20 studio, one-and two-bedroom rental homes, where seniors 55+ will live safely among supportive and helpful neighbors, within walking distance of downtown Crestone. A community center and garden will support social interaction and combat isolation with on-site activities including communal meals, fitness and wellness programs, computer and TV space, and a dedicated room for arts and crafts. LWV will provide seniors with the opportunity to live active and engaged lives, ensuring they are visible and valued in the Crestone community.
CPCH was awarded a $4.5M grant in April 2023, which completed the funding necessary to build LWV. However, the contractor of the modular housing units went out of business and another contractor was chosen to build the village. This change has required new architectural and engineered drawings, different materials and building methods, and an adjusted time frame for completion. In the meantime, material and labor costs have risen and the initial budget is no longer adequate. LWV has a fund-raising goal of $100,000 to cover these increased costs so construction can begin in Spring, 2024.
Testimonials
“It was shocking and terrifying to learn I couldn’t afford to live in Crestone anymore, the town I grew up in…. My mental health was in jeopardy… My fear is being homeless. It would be a great settling of the heart to be in LWV and be part of creating a community.”
Mission
To develop quality housing opportunities in an environmentally responsible manner for economically disadvantaged people within Saguache County; to promote the development of economic opportunities for such people, and to serve as a model in designing and financing affordable housing in rural areas.
Background Statement
Since 1994, CPCH has helped families with low income acquire safe and affordable housing. In 2015, a community initiative began addressing the housing needs of seniors who are living on fixed incomes and their inability to find affordable housing locally. The viability of a senior village in our rural county was discussed during several community meetings. Focus groups were formed to explore specific issues and potential remediations related to aging. A survey for people 55+ was distributed throughout the community, and follow-up interviews with respondents were conducted. Housing Market Studies were conducted in 2016 and 2020. The updated Housing Market Analysis received in July 2020 reports a demand for 151 new affordable rental units for seniors in Saguache County; this represents a 62% increase over 4 years, when the 2016 Housing Market Study reported the demand at 93 units.
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Organization Data
Crestone, CO 81131