Without the million hours our volunteers have poured into the Paint-A-Thon the past 46 years, homeowners like Paula Maloney wouldn’t have experienced the transformative impact of renewed hope and revitalized homes. And in some cases, like Maloney’s, they could’ve been left without a home.
Maloney is a single, 80-year-old woman living with a disability in her longtime Thornton mobile home. Her home is located at a major corner lot in a mobile home park and has been struck by two cars over the years. One of the accidents involved a drunk driver and knocked over a telephone pole which then penetrated the exterior wall of the home, nearly hitting Maloney while she slept.
Maloney was forced to pay for repairs for the damage the drunk driver caused at her home. But her problems with maintaining her home had just begun.
Her trailer park lot’s management office gave her an eviction notice telling her that she needed to paint the exterior of her home, do intense landscaping, clean up any junk, and fix broken skirting.
Feeling overwhelmed and with nowhere else to turn, Maloney learned about Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon program. After applying, her life changed when volunteers from Dordt University kicked off the 46th annual Paint-A-Thon in March at Maloney’s home. The group spent the day painting her house, trimming trees, cleaning gutters inside and out, carefully caulking any seams at risk of water damage, and helping clean up the exterior of the house.
“When you’re 80 years old, and you think that you’ll be evicted — yeah, it makes you feel very nervous. Just at the time I received the notice, (Brothers) reached out to me,” said Maloney. “It came together exactly at the right time.”
Stories like Maloney’s remind us of the incredible impact volunteers can have. It’s because of those million hours, given selflessly by countless individuals, that neighbors can remain in their homes, feel safe, and experience the joy of a revitalized space. Brothers is eternally grateful for everyone who has ever picked up a paintbrush, wielded a hammer, or lent a helping hand at the Paint-A-Thon.
“I just didn’t know what to do, and (I had) nowhere to go. You don’t know how grateful we are that you guys are doing this for us,” said Maloney.
As we joyfully celebrate the remarkable milestone of reaching one million volunteer hours for Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon, it prompts us to deeply reflect on the significance of this achievement.
This incredible feat is a testament to the unwavering dedication and effort of the thousands of volunteers and others who have contributed to the Paint-A-Thon in some type of way over its 46-year history.
But amidst our celebration, it also sparks our curiosity. What else could you achieve in a million hours? Undoubtedly, a million hours represents a vast amount of time (equivalent to over 114 years!). So, we decided to do some good ole research.
Here is a breakdown of other things in life you can do in a million hours’ worth of time.
Train for the Olympics
Olympic athletes don’t just compete in their respective sport — they live it and dedicate most of their life trying to work toward winning a gold Olympic medal. While there isn’t a specific schedule each athlete follows, due to factors based on the sport, there is an average spent on training.
According to a 2008 article in Forbes, it’s common for Olympic athletes to spend four to eight years training in a sport before making an Olympic team. Simone Biles, a decorated American gymnast, trains for 32 hours a week with one day off. Meanwhile, other athletes like former American swimmer Michael Phelps, said he practices every day in the pool for three to six hours and does separate exercises on dry land four to five days a week.
Outside of training, Olympic athletes prepare for competition by getting their bodies enough rest, eating the right food, and mentally preparing for athletic events.
Olympic training is a non-stop job. And with a million hours, you could master multiple sports, become an elite athlete, and maybe. Just maybe. Achieve Olympic glory.
Learn a new language… or several languages
Learning a new language is a difficult task and involves several factors like one’s aptitude and the time spent on practicing and using the language.
Native English speakers may require less time to learn languages like French, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish. But more time is likely needed to learn other languages like Arabic, Japanese, or Korean, according to Language Testing International.
Native English speakers can learn languages like French or Spanish in about 24 to 30 weeks to gain “Professional Working Proficiency,” according to the Foreign Service Institute — the U.S. government’s foreign affairs training provider. Other languages like German or Indonesian require about 900 class hours to achieve professional working proficiency, while languages like Greek, Hindi, and Russian take about 1,100 class hours.
With a million hours, think of all the different languages you could learn!
Explore every country in the world
The United Nations recognizes 195 countries and territories around the world. Think of all the different cultures, people, and food you could experience if you just had the time to travel to each of those places and immerse yourself in the regions.
Only around 250 people have visited each country, according to an article by CNBC. Most recently, Drew Binsky joined that exclusive club by taking 1,458 flights and 1,117 buses and trains to travel to every country in the world.
Binsky said he stayed in each country for about a week. But if you had a million hours to kill, you could extend your visits and really soak in what each country has to offer.
Become a true expert in whatever you want
There’s a popular concept suggesting that it takes 10,000 hours to become a world-class expert in a subject.
Imagine what a million hours unlocks. It’s the difference between playing the piano and performing in concert halls, between coding websites and creating revolutionary software. A million hours would allow you to delve into the intricacies of your chosen field, innovate and become a beacon of knowledge and skill. With that much time, you might even master multiple disciplines, leaving an enduring mark in several areas!
Read an entire library (or two!)
With a million hours, you would have the gift of time to absorb countless stories, ideas, and histories.
The average person reads about 200-400 words per minute. Let’s assume a conservative 250 words per minute… That’s 15,000 words per hour. Even a modest sized library with 50,000 books (and an average of 300 pages per book) suddenly becomes a conquerable challenge.
Now, imagine tackling libraries with hundreds of thousands of volumes, or even the Library of Congress — which is home to 164 million items. You could become a walking encyclopedia and carry the wisdom of generations within you!
Rick Tenorio embodies the spirit of community service through his dedicated volunteer work with Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon.
His journey began with a serendipitous encounter, spurred by a social media post from his college acquaintance, Brothers President Jeff Martinez. Since then, Tenorio has become an integral part of the Paint-A-Thon, contributing his time and effort to multiple projects.
Over the years, Tenorio has participated in seven Paint-A-Thons, with his most recent involvement being alongside his employer, Canvas Credit Union. Reflecting on his experiences, Tenorio recounted a moment with a homeowner during the last Paint-A-Thon project he participated in.
“The homeowner was homebound, and she lived in a trailer. We repainted her whole house, and at the end of it, she was just so appreciative,” said Tenorio. “You could see that it gave her pride to be able to show off her newly painted residence.”
Volunteering for the Paint-A-Thon fills Tenorio with a sense of gratitude and accomplishment. He acknowledges the privilege of being able to help those in need and takes pride in the tangible difference Canvas Credit Union makes together as a team. For Tenorio, the most rewarding aspect is not just the completion of the project but also the opportunity to connect with people and witness their happiness firsthand.
“The older people, especially the homebound, tend to have houses fall into disarray. The idea of just helping them fix that up, knowing that they can’t do it themselves — the whole community feels that. They can see that there isn’t just one house that stands out needing repairs,” said Tenorio.
For those considering volunteering with Brothers, Tenorio offers reassurance and encouragement. He emphasizes that while the work may be physical, it is immensely fulfilling. Each project is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life and to experience the joy of giving back to the community.
As we celebrate one million Paint-A-Thon volunteer hours this year, we will continue to spotlight volunteers like Tenorio, whose contributions make our work possible. Keep an eye out for upcoming volunteer highlights.
Christina Morales, a Housing Navigator with Colorado Housing Connects, assists a Denver resident with rental assistance applications at the Denver City and County Building. Every week, she’s there to be a lifeline for those facing eviction.
Christina Morales possesses the knowledge and firsthand experience necessary to offer essential services and resources to callers facing eviction through Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632).
Morales, employed as a housing navigator at Colorado Housing Connects, assists Coloradans in accessing vital eviction prevention resources. With personal experience navigating eviction struggles and affordable housing challenges, she empathizes with those facing similar situations.
In 2019, her husband passed away after suffering from a brain aneurysm, forcing her to move in with her son so that she could afford housing. But when the COVID-19 pandemic started, Morales’ son had to stop working to take care of her grandson because daycares were closed.
At that time, Morales supported her son and grandson with her income — but when she caught the virus, she couldn’t work for weeks. Although she applied for rental assistance and communicated her situation to her landlord, she was evicted in the end, despite an eviction moratorium being in place at the time.
“I see myself going through it again and again and again. It’s part of a healing process,” said Morales. “It’s not okay what I went through, but I learned from it. I learned that I’m human, and life isn’t always easy. I learned to move forward and to not be discouraged and hard on myself.”
To get by after being evicted, Morales, her son and grandson moved in with her daughter in a one-bedroom apartment. Morales slept on a mattress in the kitchen of the apartment for three months until she was finally able to find affordable housing in Aurora. And thankfully, she was able to work with an attorney to get her eviction overturned.
Today, Morales continues her mission of assisting those in housing crises from a new vantage point. When she isn’t working with clients in a housing crisis over the phone, she is working at the courthouse at the Denver City and County Building, helping individuals access rental assistance when facing eviction. Furthermore, Morales has become a vocal advocate for housing rights, leveraging her experiences to champion fair and accessible housing opportunities.
“I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through. I can feel my clients’ pain,” said Morales. “Some people like me are broken, and we want to help others with whatever they are going through and give them resources and hope.”
Outside of her work with Colorado Housing Connects, Morales has testified before the Colorado Senate — recently in favor of HB 24-1098 — also known as For Cause Eviction. If the law is passed, tenants could continue to rent a property as long as they are paying on time and staying in compliance with other rules in their lease.
In 2022, Morales was also chosen by United for New Economy, a Colorado nonprofit that focuses on racial and economic justice, to travel to Washington, D.C., and share the plight of struggling renters during the National Multifamily Housing Council’s annual conference. She and other UNE represented marched in the streets outside the conference, staged peaceful demonstrations in the lobby, and walked through the doors of the conference to share their experiences on a stage.
Morales embodies resilience and compassion as she tirelessly assists individuals grappling with housing crises through her role at Colorado Housing Connects. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming eviction and housing instability, Morales brings empathy and understanding to her work, providing crucial support to those in need. Her story demonstrates the importance of accessible housing and the lasting impact that eviction can have.
“Colorado Housing Connects is a great resource for people that are facing evictions or a housing crisis. We have the tools and the resources to help those in need — that’s why I love working here,” said Morales.
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.
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.
Learning a new language is a difficult task and involves several factors like one’s aptitude and the time spent on practicing and using the language.
Rick Tenorio embodies the spirit of community service through his dedicated volunteer work with Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon.
