As the demand for affordable housing continues to surge nationwide, organizations like Brothers Property Management are stepping up to confront the challenge head-on.
We are excited to announce that Brothers Property Management has been awarded property management contracts to manage three key properties: The Villas at Wadsworth Station in Lakewood, and both Santa Fe Apartments and Dahlia Street Apartments in Denver. Together, these communities provide a total of 152 affordable housing units, offering much-needed relief to families grappling with housing insecurity.
The Villas at Wadsworth Station in Lakewood offers 100 affordable housing units for families.Dahlia Street Apartments is an affordable housing community in Denver, offering 36-units to families.Santa Fe Apartments in Denver is an affordable housing community that contains 16-units.
“At Brothers Property Management, our mission is clear: to deliver top-tier property management services, especially in the realm of affordable housing,” said Tiffani Thomas, Director of Brothers Property Management. “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing need for affordable housing and are honored to contribute to this vital cause.”
With nearly four decades of experience, Brothers Property Management has been a stalwart provider of property management services, initially catering to properties owned by Brothers Redevelopment. Expanding into third-party management in 2019, the organization has since grown its portfolio to encompass 28 affordable housing properties, totaling 1,338 units. These properties serve diverse populations, including low-income individuals, families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness, across various regions of Colorado.
Looking to the future, Brothers Property Management is poised to continue its impactful work. The organization will extend its services to SP Crossing, an upcoming affordable housing community slated to open its doors in Commerce City in 2025. Additionally, it will manage Eagle Meadow Homes, an affordable housing development in Aurora set to launch this summer.
Committed to excellence, Brothers Property Management offers a comprehensive suite of property management services, including leasing, maintenance, resident retention, lease compliance, accounting, and reporting. With a focus on quality and reliability, the organization remains dedicated to serving its clients and the community at large.
For more information about Brothers Property Management and its initiatives, please visit brotherspropertymanagement.org.
Samantha Penry and her children enjoy a day at a Colorado Rockies game. Colorado Housing Connects stepped in to help Penry find a new home after she unexpectedly received notice to vacate her residence of five years.
Samantha Penry’s year got off to a rocky start when her landlord notified her that her lease wouldn’t be renewed at the home she has lived at for five years.
Penry was given a 30-day notice to vacate by her landlord and was suddenly facing the daunting prospect of homelessness. As a single mother of five children, the weight of the situation was particularly heavy, and Penry found herself navigating a landscape of uncertainty and fear.
“I was kind of like wow shoot, I’ve been here for five years and now have 30 days until I have to get out. I didn’t know where we were going to live,” said Penry. “It was very stressful, especially with being a single mom. You can’t just find somewhere affordable and be able to relocate on a drop of a dime. It’s scary.”
Amidst the turmoil, Penry reached out to Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) for assistance. Through a referral from her child’s school liaison, Penry connected with Colorado Housing Connects Housing Navigator Christina Morales, who swiftly responded to her needs and provided valuable resources and support.
“She was sending me resources on who had openings as far as units available and what not. And she sent me the information for the townhouse we just got approved for,” said Penry. “I reached out right away. It was a blessing.”
The news of approval for the townhome came as a wonderful surprise for Penry and her family, she said.
“It was a major stress relief. No parent wants to think about sleeping in the car with their kids,” said Penry.
As Penry and her children look to the future, she encourages others facing similar challenges to reach out to reach out to resources like Colorado Housing Connects that provide support. The family’s story is a testament to the impact of Colorado Housing Connects and the power of stable housing.
If you or someone you know is facing an uncertain housing situation, reach out to Colorado Housing Connects at 1-844-926-6632 or by visiting coloradohousingconnects.org.
Jonathan Sandberg’s journey with Brothers Redevelopment is one rooted in purpose and fueled by a deep-seated desire to make a difference.
After spending 34 years as the owner-operator of a carpet cleaning and restoration company in Boulder, Sandberg found himself at a crossroads in his late 40s, pondering the inevitable limitations of physical labor as he approached the future.
Determined to continue his path of service and innovation, Sandberg embarked on a new chapter, pursuing degrees in Anthropology and Sustainable Innovation from MSU Denver. Armed with fresh knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, he set out to explore new opportunities aligned with his values.
It was during that time when Sandberg discovered Brothers Redevelopment and the transformative potential of its Home Modification and Repair Program. Five years later, he stands as a Home Rehabilitation Coordinator, orchestrating home modification and repair projects for older adult clients, including those enrolled in the organization’s CAPABLE Program.
The program is dedicated to empowering individuals to age in place with dignity and operates on a unique model of participant-driven goal setting. Led by an interdisciplinary team comprising an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a maintenance technician, the program guides participants through a series of 10 visits over four to six months, tailored to enhance mobility, function, and overall independence.
“I found my dream job. I pursued this job… And I’m glad I did,” Sandberg said about his role at Brothers. “It’s been very rewarding for me. And that positive feedback from clients is probably the most rewarding part about it.”
Sandberg’s dedication and contributions to the CAPABLE Program were recently recognized with The Recognition Award from the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado — a nonprofit that strives to increase the quality of care and level of professionalism to the practice of occupational therapy in Colorado. The award acknowledges an individual or organization’s dedication to and support of the profession of occupational therapy in Colorado, recognizing hard work done by non-occupational therapist colleagues to advance occupational therapy.
“I don’t do my job for the accolades and things like that. I’m kind of a private person in a lot of ways,” said Sandberg. “I don’t need that kind of feedback to keep motivated, but I am happy I got this award, and I am proud of it.”
Sandberg reflected on the impact he’s seen the CAPABLE Program make on its 45 clients and pointed to Colorado Springs resident Deborah Johnson’s success with the program. Through the service, Johnson received raised garden beds, a garden kneeler, new patio steps and a porch light, medication for her toes, shoes that ease walking, a tool to reach difficult places that are trigger points in her back, and help with doing chair exercises.
“It occurred to me that one of the biggest impacts of the program is having all those different lenses focusing on one individual. By working together, we all see different sides of it, and I think the improvements for our clients are that much greater because of the collaborative effort in the CAPABLE Program,” said Sandberg.
Looking ahead, Sandberg remains steadfast in his commitment to enhancing outcomes within the CAPABLE Program, recognizing its proven efficacy and potential for continued growth.
Sandberg’s humility and work ethic are precisely the kind of assets that propel programs like CAPABLE forward. Brothers is incredibly fortunate to have him on the team, and we offer our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
For more than four decades, 65-year-old Patty Higgins has built her life in the Colorado Springs area, residing in the same house where she raised her now-adult daughter.
In the midst of her longstanding connection to her Colorado Springs home, Higgins found herself facing challenges due to health issues, including back surgeries, severe balance problems, and the aftermath of a serious neck surgery.
“I had fallen a few times and broken bones, but a fall I had in the shower was really bad,” said Higgins. It was during this challenging time that she discovered the CAPABLE Program through Brothers Redevelopment.
Higgins initially sought assistance for a simple grab bar installation in her shower but soon discovered that CAPABLE offered much more. Through an ad she encountered, Higgins connected with Brothers Redevelopment and was introduced to the comprehensive services provided by CAPABLE. The program, designed in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance and the CAPABLE National Center at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, focuses on empowering individuals to “age in place” or “age in community.”
CAPABLE engages participants through a series of 10 visits over four to six months, led by an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a maintenance technician. The unique aspect of CAPABLE lies in participant-driven goal setting, ensuring that each individual actively shapes their journey toward increased mobility, function, and capacity to live independently.
Motivated by the desire for a grab bar in her shower, Higgins became an active participant in CAPABLE. Beyond her initial goal, the program addressed various aspects of her life, including safety measures, pain management, and overall well-being. Higgins expressed gratitude for the compassionate and respectful approach of the CAPABLE team.
“It didn’t feel like somebody is coming into your home. I never thought I’d find myself in need, and to have to have people come into my home,” she said. “It was so great because they respected my space and understood where I’m coming from with things. Instead of telling me what to do, they asked me a bunch of questions, and we worked together really well as a team.”
Higgins set mobility and pain management goals, such as finding effective ways to manage pain through heat. The program facilitated practical solutions tailored to her needs, including the installation of grab bars, a blood pressure cuff, and other assistive technologies like an electric kettle upstairs near her bedroom, so that she can avoid using stairs.
CAPABLE has significantly impacted Higgins’ life, allowing her to move around her house with ease. The new tools provided through the program have not only enhanced her physical well-being but also lifted her spirits.
“They really benefited my spirit and made me feel worthy. It gave me some dignity,” said Higgins. “The assistance technology was perfect, and it was in line with my life.”
As we strive to empower individuals to age in place, the CAPABLE Program has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness.
In a survey with 23 program participants, clients were asked to rate various aspects of their general pain on a scale of one to five. On average, a significant improvement was observed, with participants’ pain perception scores decreasing from an average of 17.61 (pre-program participation) to 12.39 (post-program participation).
Furthermore, clients demonstrated enhanced confidence in fall efficacy, which measures the perceived self-efficacy to perform daily activities without falling. This confidence increased from 71.91 to 80.61 after completing the program, with 100 being the maximum confidence score attainable.
Additionally, CAPABLE participants exhibited improvements in the area of depression. Using the PHQ-8 scale, a valid diagnostic and severity measure for depressive disorders in large clinical studies, our team found a notable reduction in clients’ depression rates by more than one point.
Brothers Redevelopment offers the CAPABLE Program to Coloradans living within south Colorado Springs, Park, Teller, Pueblo, and El Paso County. Those interested in participating in the service can find more information at https://brothersredevelopment.org/capable/.
“I was at a real hard time in my life when I was introduced to CAPABLE, because I felt defeated. It was hard to accept there were certain things that would never change — but this program made me feel more capable to manage all that,” said Higgins. “I hope people pay attention to this, and I bet there will be a lot of results like me.”
Brothers Redevelopment is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $400,000 from the Colorado Department of Law to combat housing instability in Colorado.
This funding will further support Brothers Redevelopment’s financial counseling services through its statewide housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632), by pairing financial coaching and counseling with existing programs that provide funds for rental and mortgage assistance.
Financial coaching empowers people to make smart decisions with money, overcome financial obstacles, and build a secure financial future. Customized to individual needs, financial counseling strategies are culturally sensitive, focused on outcomes and data, and administered by skilled professionals. In 2023 alone, Brothers Redevelopment provided financial counseling services to 196 Coloradans.
“We are honored to receive this funding and support from Attorney General Phil Weiser, the Colorado Office of Financial Empowerment, and the Colorado Department of Law. This funding will allow us to further our mission of providing essential support to individuals facing housing instability,” said Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez.
It’s not the first time that Brothers has teamed directly with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office to address the state’s most pressing housing challenges. During the foreclosure crisis of the early 2000s, the Attorney General’s Office served as a significant collaborator with the Brothers Redevelopment-managed Colorado Foreclosure Hotline — working together to resolve consumer complaints, identify predatory lenders and financial scammers. Brothers and the AG’s Office even teamed on an advertising campaign to encourage struggling homeowners to seek help.
As foreclosures have waned, Colorado Housing Connects has operated in partnership with the state through Brothers Redevelopment, offering a range of housing services to prevent evictions and foreclosures. Alongside financial counseling, Colorado Housing Connects provides vital eviction prevention services, ensuring immediate assistance. Additionally, for homeowners seeking guidance, Colorado Housing Connects offers HUD-approved housing counseling services to halt foreclosures.
Catering to a diverse range of inquiries, including renters, landlords, first-time homebuyers, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those with fair housing concerns, Colorado Housing Connects logged over 47,700 contacts from Coloradans seeking housing assistance last year.
“This grant will supplement our efforts to empower neighbors statewide to achieve financial stability and secure housing,” said Colorado Housing Connects Director Patrick Noonan. “When families understand and control their finances, they unlock possibilities and reach new heights.”
Since 1981, Brothers Redevelopment has been a stalwart provider of financial counseling to Coloradans across the state. The agency’s financial counseling and coaching services offer personalized plans to navigate financial crises, develop strategies for self-resilience and stability, build credit, and identify resources for budget relief.
To learn more about Colorado Housing Connects or to submit an inquiry, visit coloradohousingconnects.org or call 1-844-926-6632.
2023 was a year of groundbreaking initiatives, colorful transformations, and unwavering support for our community from Brothers Redevelopment.
We started the year with ambitious goals, fueled by our belief that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live. We ventured into uncharted territories as we proudly unveiled Valor on the Fax — the nation’s only affordable housing community crafted for individuals with acquired brain injuries or related disabilities. And we tackled complex housing challenges head-on. From aiding those on the brink of housing insecurity to assisting older adults in maintaining their homes through essential repairs and modifications, we navigated through complexities with dedication and compassion.
The 42,277 individuals we had the privilege to serve this year are far more than mere statistics. They are families who got to keep their housing, individuals rediscovering hope and purpose, and older adults enjoying an enhanced quality of life.
As always, we at Brothers Redevelopment are thankful for the support of our partners, volunteers, donors, and others who allowed us to move onward and upward in 2023. Here’s a glimpse into some of the highlights that made our year so special.
Unveiling Valor on the Fax: A Milestone Celebration for Affordable Housing and Trauma-Informed Design
Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez (middle) cuts the ribbon for Valor on the Fax, our newest affordable housing community for people with acquired brain injury and related disability.
A cornerstone of our year was the May unveiling of Valor on the Fax where our dedicated team, community leaders and valued partners/supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of the community.
TV cameras swarmed the rooftop patio of Valor to document the incredible milestone in Colorado’s housing landscape as figures like Brothers President Jeff Martinez, Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado CEO Kate Kerkmans, and others took center stage, articulating the pressing need for this revolutionary affordable housing complex. Shortly after, crowds swarmed to the front of Valor where Martinez and others finally cut the ribbon to open the new, 72-unit building.
Valor on the Fax, located at 7900 E. Colfax Ave., is the result of a collaboration between Brothers and the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado. The supportive housing community provides services to tenants, their families, and providers while employing trauma informed design — meaning the building was designed to reduce symptoms of brain injury.
Our tenants at the community receive comprehensive services from the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, like resource navigation, job training, and recreational and wellness activities. Tenants also receive housing resources from Brothers like rent and utility assistance, homebuyer classes, and much more.
Brothers Property Management Expands Affordable Housing Impact Across Colorado, Welcoming New Communities in 2023
In 2023, Brothers Property Management’s portfolio grew to offer more than 1,000 affordable units to families, youth experiencing homelessness, low-income older adults, and other Coloradans in need of affordable housing. Pictured is Greenway Flats at 31 W. Las Vegas St. in Colorado Springs which holds 65 units of permanent affordable housing for chronically homeless men and women. Brothers Property Management began overseeing Greenway Flats this year.
Our commitment to affordable housing reached new heights this year that extended beyond the opening of Valor on the Fax, thanks to our dedicated staff at Brothers Property Management.
This past year, Brothers Property Management’s portfolio has grown to offer more than 1,000 affordable units to families, youth experiencing homelessness, low-income older adults, and other Coloradans in need of affordable housing. In 2023, we were awarded new property management contracts to manage additional affordable housing communities in Aurora, Boulder, Denver, Lakewood, and Colorado Springs.
Notable new communities Brothers Property Management began overseeing this year include Alameda View Apartments, Greenway Flats, and SPARKwest.
Alameda View Apartments — located at 15501 E. Alameda Parkway in Aurora — is a 116-unit, Low Income Housing Tax Credit family community. Meanwhile, Greenway Flats at 31 W. Las Vegas St. in Colorado Springs holds 65 units of permanent affordable housing for chronically homeless men and women. And finally, SPARKwest in Boulder at 3215 Bluff St., boasts 45 units of permanent affordable housing.
Looking ahead, Brothers Redevelopment is preparing to bring a permanent supportive housing community to Arapahoe County that will provide housing and services to unhoused clients of the 18th judicial district problem solving courts, the Arapahoe County Pretrial Mental Health Program, Diversion clients of the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Probation Mental Health Program, Project SAFER, Veterans Treatment Court, jail re-entry, and defendants being restored to competency.
Paint-A-Thon and Home Modification and Repair Services Continue to Thrive
Brothers Redevelopment’s 45-year-old Paint-A-Thon Program painted 116 houses for older/disabled adults in 2023.
With every house we paint and every repair/modification we conduct, we’re not just enhancing physical spaces — we’re creating havens where families flourish and individuals thrive.
Thanks to the work of 2,621 volunteers, our Paint-A-Thon Program transformed 116 houses for low-income/disabled older adults in need. That is the most houses we have painted since 2019 when we also completed 116 projects through the service.
Simultaneously, our Home Modification and Repair Program expanded its reach into new jurisdictions, including Firestone, Boulder County, and beyond. This program, the longest of its kind in Colorado, is a vital force in preserving the homes of our older adults, allowing them to age gracefully. We completed 515 repairs/modifications in 2023, saving our clients more than $2 million.
CAPABLE consists of time-limited services in a series of visits from an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a technician from Brothers who work in collaboration with the program participant. Over a four-to-six-month period, these individuals visit the participant’s home.
A key component of this approach is having the participant drive the goal setting. The participant brainstorms strategies with team members to arrive at preferred ways to reach goals. Each action builds on the previous visits and focuses on the participants’ capacity to function at home.
A Colorado Housing Connects housing counselor teaches a homebuyer education workshop. Colorado Housing Connects offers several free housing classes to help residents understand how to find affordable housing, eviction prevention webinars, and homebuyer education workshops.
For many Coloradans, the thought of paying rent or mortgage brought anxiety and fear due to inflation, soaring housing prices, and the end of several pandemic-born assistance programs. But thankfully, our most vulnerable neighbors knew to turn to a valuable resource that has served the community through crisis after crisis.
Our statewide housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632), continued to show its value by serving 31,704 people in 2023. Our dedicated housing navigators and housing counselors connected clients to financial assistance, eviction/foreclosure prevention resources, and much more in 60 of Colorado’s 64 counties.
Through a variety of in-house resources, Colorado Housing Connects strived to advance housing stability throughout the state. We offered housing classes to help residents understand how to find affordable housing, eviction prevention webinars, and homebuyer education workshops. And we also provided tenant-landlord mediation assistance to nearly 600 households in Adams and Denver counties, helping to divert parties away from court-sanctioned eviction proceedings and to work toward mutually agreed alternatives between renters and landlords.
Outside of the incredible achievements by our Colorado Housing Connects team, our rental/mortgage assistance team worked tirelessly to distribute financial assistance to struggling Coloradans.
This year, Brothers provided nearly $9 million in rental, mortgage, and utility assistance to renters and homeowners throughout the state. We administered funds for several rental/mortgage assistance programs, including the City of Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program and the City’s Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program. Additionally, our commitment extended statewide, contributing financial assistance to Coloradans offered through Colorado’s Emergency Rental Assistance and Emergency Mortgage Assistance programs.
We know rental/mortgage assistance is more than just that — we are assisting livelihoods and creating housing stability for all Coloradans.
Empowering Lives, Unlocking Savings: Brothers’ Aging in Place Program Redefines Well-being for Older Adult Households
Brothers Redevelopment’s Aging in Place Program orchestrated an impressive $1,481,725 in cost savings, redefining well-being for our older adult clients. This figure captures the monthly benefits and services provided to our clients.
This year, the Aging in Place Program has orchestrated an impressive $1,481,725 in cost savings, redefining well-being for our older adult clients. This figure captures the monthly benefits and services seamlessly provided to clients, resulting in a remarkable cumulative savings.
At the core of this service is the commitment to connect older adults with invaluable resources such as Medicaid, Social Security, food assistance, and rental/mortgage aid. These benefits and services, inherent rights for our clients, often eluded their grasp due to a lack of information. By bridging this knowledge gap, our program not only unlocks essential resources but more significantly, empowers older adults to claim the financial support they rightfully deserve. In doing so, Brothers’ Aging in Place Program stands as a beacon of empowerment, ushering in awareness, accessibility, and substantial savings for the older adults we proudly serve.
Brothers Redevelopment’s Visionary Path Forward: Unveiling the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan for Holistic Housing Solutions Across Colorado
To kickoff 2023, Brothers released its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, outlining four strategic priorities and fulfilling our vision of employing a holistic approach to eliminating barriers to stable housing for low-income community members, older adults and people living with disabilities across Colorado.
The strategic priorities of the plan include:
Growing a strong and stable presence across Colorado by responding to housing needs along the I-25 corridor; working with state and local leaders to identify gaps in services across the state; and focusing on housing challenges that Brothers is positioned to address.
Serving our neighbors through reliable and innovative programs by expanding in the provision and development of affordable housing; expanding the number of units that Brothers Property Management oversees to maximize revenue and build out the department’s capacity to facilitate growth and complexity in the portfolio; identifying opportunities for Brothers program expansion that will lend to enhance service provision and spur new opportunities for future funding/revenue; continuing to build and maintain capacity for strong stewardship; and helping marginalized and excluded communities gain access to stable housing.
Broadening our funding base by focusing on self-sustaining programs and diversifying our grants base and other funding sources.
Investing in and recognizing our team by increasing unifying activities for our staff; providing flexibility to accommodate varying employee needs in a changing workplace; and committing to inclusivity.
This new plan takes into account and builds upon the tremendous organizational growth and trends we’ve experienced since 2017 to lead us into a new era of impact that will see Brothers help tens of thousands of Coloradans in the near future.
The planning process was the most comprehensive of its kind in Brothers Redevelopment’s 52-year history and was meant to incorporate the views of various stakeholders to guide the implementation of our mission. Each priority has individual goals and metrics to measure progress. Those metrics will be evaluated with our Board of Directors monthly to ensure we are on track to meet the priorities of the plan and identify any areas of improvement.
The holiday season is a time to gather with loved ones, share festive cheer, and create cherished memories. But for many, the financial burden of the holidays can cast a shadow over this joyous period.
Amid the hustle and bustle of gift-giving and holiday celebrations, it can be easy to overlook a looming rent date. If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet during this time, it’s important not to panic. There are several resources and strategies available to help you navigate challenging financial situations.
To provide expert guidance, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) Program Director Patrick Noonan answered common questions on managing rent payments during the holiday season. Here’s what he had to say.
With the holiday season approaching, many people may find themselves facing financial challenges. In your experience, what are some common reasons people struggle to pay their rent during this time?
After the holidays, it is common for us to hear from more people in need of help. There is a lot of pressure for families to spend more money around the holidays on gifts, food, and travel. Our clients also report earning less because they may lose hours at work during the holidays. It is tempting to spend on holiday expenses and want to figure it out later. However, too many people get burnt this way and find themselves struggling to make rent in January.
There are a number of things people can do to avoid this pitfall. For example, there are holiday food and toy drives that can help avoid overspending. There are also resources that can help with saving on other expenses like internet. If you can’t find ways to cut on holiday expenses, it can be helpful to figure out ways to increase your income during this time. Seasonal or gig work could be a good option. For resources to help with food and toy drives, low-cost internet programs, or workforce support, don’t hesitate to reach out to speak with one of our housing navigators or search on https://www.211colorado.org/.
If someone realizes they won’t be able to pay their rent, what are the first steps they should take in seeking assistance?
If someone is worried about paying their rent, they need to reach out for help as soon as possible. While financial assistance can be limited, it is critical that they explore their options immediately. Clients can find relief by seeking rental or utility assistance, working with a tenant-landlord mediator, learning about their rights through an eviction prevention legal workshop, or by seeking legal services. Clients can learn more by reaching out through our website https://coloradohousingconnects.org/renters-im-facing-eviction-and-need-help-with-my-rent/ or calling us at 844-926-6632.
How important is it for individuals to communicate with their landlords about their financial difficulties?
A landlord is much more likely to work with a tenant experiencing a hardship when the tenant proactively communicates with the landlord. The earlier on a tenant starts this conversation, the more time they will have to work with their landlord on a resolution. Some tenants are able to negotiate a payment plan. If a tenant needs help communicating with their landlord, Brothers Redevelopment can provide free mediation in Adams and Denver Counties. Tenants in other counties that receiving certain public benefits may also be entitled to free tenant-landlord mediation.
In situations where individuals are facing possible eviction, what legal considerations should they be aware of?
It is important for tenants to know they have rights throughout the eviction process. If you receive a notice that your landlord is starting the eviction process it doesn’t mean that you need to move out right away. Take a deep breath and take some time to understand your rights. Consider attending one of our monthly eviction prevention workshops or seek legal aid.
What role does Colorado Housing Connects play in providing support to those struggling with rent payments?
Colorado Housing Connects can help point people to rent and utility assistance programs that may support those struggling to make ends meet. These resources change regularly, so it is important to reach out to get the latest information on what might be available. We offer support through tenant-landlord mediation in Adams and Denver Counties. You can also attend one of our monthly eviction prevention legal workshops. There are also a bunch of other resources available that our navigators can refer you to so you can meet your basic needs and breathe easier.
Beyond immediate assistance, what advice do you have for individuals to work towards more sustainable, long-term solutions for their housing and financial stability?
If you’re worried about affording your rent on an ongoing basis, we host regular affordable housing search workshops. We’ll talk about resources like subsidized housing, tax credit housing, affordable homeownership programs, and home sharing among other things. You can also meet with one of our housing counselors to assess your situation and learn what might be the best fit for you.
What final words of advice or encouragement would you like to share with individuals facing difficulty paying rent?
It can be natural to panic or shutdown. It is important to take a deep breath and reach out for help. There are a number of things someone can do to avoid an eviction. Our navigators are happy to help you discuss your options.
Joseph and Mary Lucero have lived in their cherished Southwest Denver home for nearly 60 years.
The couple has been married for an impressive 65 years and met by the luck of the draw. Joseph grew up in Northern Colorado while Mary grew up in the southern region of the state before their paths eventually crossed.
As they’ve navigated the journey of life together, the Luceros nurtured and raised three children, forming the cornerstone of a family foundation. However, the passage of time has presented its inevitable challenges, mirroring the experiences of many older adults we hear from in our community.
At 87 years old, Joseph finds himself grappling with diminishing vision, while Mary relies on a cane for mobility. In tandem with their own aging process, their cherished home has weathered the years. Their home’s exterior paint was showing signs of wear and tear, and the couple needed home modifications to ensure that they could safely exit and enter their house.
Thankfully with the help of their daughter, the Luceros learned of Brothers Redevelopment’s services from a neighbor whose house was painted through our Paint-A-Thon Program. So, over the summer, a team of volunteers from Shamrock Painting came to the Lucero home armed with paintbrushes and paint, ready to give the house a fresh, new look. Shortly after, Brothers Redevelopment’s Home Modification and Repair Program installed a brand-new ramp for the couple to easily enter their home.
“Our quality of life changed,” said Joseph. “We have an easier walk into the house, and we don’t have to worry about the house looking like it was going to come down. The volunteers did such a wonderful job, and we’ve been receiving compliments from every direction.”
The Lucero’s story speaks to the transformative power of community support and organizations like Brothers Redevelopment. Our commitment to ensuring older adults can age comfortably in their own homes is not just a mission statement but a tangible reality, seen in the smile of Joseph and Mary as they enjoy the renewed vibrancy of their home.
“We love the work Brothers Redevelopment did, and we can’t thank them enough for it,” said Mary.
Recognized as an impressive nonprofit transforming the face of Denver and beyond, Brothers Redevelopment is pleased to announce that it has been honored as a winner of Denver Business Journal’s 2023 Partners in Philanthropy awards program.
Denver Business Journal’s Partners in Philanthropy awards program honors nonprofit organizations working to make the city, state, country, and world a better place. The program also recognizes businesses going above and beyond to support area nonprofits through donations, volunteer work and partnerships. Brothers Redevelopment and the other 21 Partners in Philanthropy winners will be recognized at the Partners in Philanthropy Awards Breakfast on Dec. 7 at the History Colorado Center.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Partners in Philanthropy award from Denver Business Journal, a testament to the unwavering commitment of Brothers Redevelopment to transform communities and make a lasting impact. This recognition underscores the collective efforts of our dedicated team, partners, and supporters who share our vision of creating positive change in Denver and beyond,” said Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez. “As we celebrate this achievement, we remain steadfast in our mission to enhance lives and build a better future for Coloradans.”
In its 52-year history, Brothers Redevelopment has grown to serve nearly 30,000 Coloradans annually through housing provision and housing programs. As an affordable housing developer and provider, Brothers Redevelopment owns and/or manages 24 affordable housing complexes across the metro area and Colorado Springs, offering housing to low-income families, older adults, those who experienced homelessness, people with disabilities, youth, and others.
Brothers Redevelopment works to address housing instability through a variety of other resources, including eviction prevention and rental assistance, homebuyer and financial capability counseling, home repair services, senior service provision, and much more.
Some of the agency’s biggest successes in 2022 and 2023 include:
Completing a landmark affordable housing development —Valor on the Fax — a 72-unit permanent supportive housing community along East Colfax for Coloradans with an acquired brain injury or related disability.
Preventing evictions for 357 households.
Providing mediation services to 300 residents to find amicable solutions to tenant/landlord issues.
Helping 169 homeowners get caught up on their mortgages.
Administering $6.2 million in rent and mortgage assistance funding and connecting tens of thousands of people to vital housing resources and information through its Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) helpline.
Helping over 3,000 older adults remain in their homes by providing health and accessibility-related home repairs/modifications, exterior painting, and crucial information and assistance.
All this work is possible thanks to strong, long-standing partnerships between Brothers Redevelopment and many for-profit organizations that complete the agency’s work and help implement its mission.
In particular, Huntington Bank — a corporate and organization winner in the 2023 Partners in Philanthropy awards program — is a key partner for Brothers Redevelopment in the implementation of the agency’s mission.
Over the past few years, Huntington has supported Brothers Redevelopment in various ways, including volunteering for the Paint-A-Thon Program and providing financial education at the nonprofit’s affordable housing communities in Westminster and Denver. Additionally, Jim Tanzillo from Huntington serves on Brothers Redevelopment’s Board of Directors.
Other partners in the community that support Brothers Redevelopment’s mission include the Colorado Division of Housing, the City and County of Denver, Tierra Colectiva, CHFA, Enterprise Community Partners, Fax Partnership, DRCOG, Colorado Legal Services, the City of Colorado Springs, Family Promise, NextFifty Initiative, and many others.
Make sure to follow Brothers Redevelopment’s social media pages in the coming weeks to see photos from the Partners in Philanthropy Awards Breakfast.
Brothers Redevelopment is bringing tenants and landlords together to resolve common lease disputes and to prevent evictions.
Qualifying Coloradans facing eviction are entitled to mandatory mediation at no cost, due to a bill passed by state lawmakers earlier this year. Colorado tenants facing eviction may qualify for mandatory mediation if they receive Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, or cash assistance through the Colorado Works Program. Tenants are required to notify their landlord if they receive related benefits. Some exceptions apply including for tenants living in a home where the landlord owns less than six units.
Brothers Redevelopment offers free tenant/landlord mediation services in Denver and Adams counties. Our Denver tenant-landlord mediation program serves for all manner of housing disputes, including maintenance issues, lease disputes, security deposit disagreements, and more. Meanwhile, our Adams County tenant-landlord mediation services focus on diverting parties away from court-sanctioned eviction proceedings and to work toward mutually agreed alternatives between renters and landlords — including rental assistance, payment plans, lease compliance, and other solutions.
Mediation is an effective, confidential tactic that can both protect housing for those facing eviction as well as save landlords time and money. Tenants who can benefit from our tenant-landlord mediation services include Coloradans concerned about paying rent, renters who are worried that rental assistance won’t come soon enough, and those who are experiencing lease disputes or violations. Landlords who can benefit from our mediation services include those concerned about the costs associated with filing and completing an eviction, unit vacancy, turnover expenses, and the price of providing mediation.
“Through Brothers Redevelopment’s tenant-landlord mediation services, we are not just resolving disputes; we are fostering understanding and collaboration. Our aim is to bring tenants and landlords together, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for shared solutions,” said Colorado Housing Connects Program Director Patrick Noonan. “The recent legislation supporting mandatory mediation for qualifying Coloradans is a major change to the eviction process, and it’s critical tenants and landlords alike understand what this means. We believe in the power of mediation—confidential, effective, and transformative—to reach solutions that can de-escalate an eviction or housing conflict.”
Eviction filings have surged in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The Denver Post reported that more than 9,200 Denver households have faced an eviction filing already this year — higher than the entirety of last year. The city is on track for more than 12,000 filings by the end of the year, the most since at least 2008.
Renters facing eviction, or landlords interested in learning more, should reach out to Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) to speak to one of our navigators who will help walk them through resources as it relates to rental assistance and opportunities to participate in free tenant-landlord mediation.
Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2, levels A and AA criteria. These guidelines not only help make web content accessible to users with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability.
This website is just part of a meaningful change in making all State of Colorado services inclusive and accessible. We welcome comments on how to improve this website’s accessibility for users with disabilities and for requests for accommodations to any State of Colorado services.
