Blog - Brothers Redevelopment

Colorado’s only statewide housing helpline — Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) — is hearing from more Coloradans in need of housing assistance more than ever before in the housing helpline’s 17-year history.

For thousands of callers, the assistance is urgent as they face an eviction or foreclosure due to falling behind on their rent or mortgage. In August, 8,073 inquiries were submitted to Colorado Housing Connects for housing assistance. Eviction prevention continues to represent the dominant need from Colorado Housing Connects’ clients followed next by affordable housing and tenant-landlord issues.

Still other callers are desperately searching for affordable housing as rents and inflation continue to climb across the state. Older adults are calling for urgent repairs that can help them in stay in their homes as winter approaches.

“It’s tempting to think that the upheaval of the pandemic is receding. The spike in calls for help we’re receiving says otherwise,” said Colorado Housing Connects Program Director Patrick Noonan. “It’s more desperate than ever before for a lot of the families we hear from. The threat of homelessness and displacement looms large for far too many people. Our team works incredibly hard to respond with the compassion and insight our clients need to make it through this influx of instability. It will only get more difficult for those struggling to make ends meet as student loan payments resume.”

The more than 8,000 inquiries represent a 60% increase in clients reaching out to Colorado Housing Connects compared to August 2022 when the housing helpline received 5,047 inquiries. Last month, 66% of inquiries submitted to Colorado Housing Connects were from Colorado renters seeking eviction prevention resources and rental/utility assistance.

The recent numbers even surpass those that the helpline received during the height of the Great Recession, when foreclosures reach an all-time high in Colorado. At that time, calls peaked at just over 4,000.

“Our goal is to maintain our capacity to help during this current crisis,” Noonan said. “People are desperate.”

A chart showing the increase in inquiries Colorado Housing Connects has received recently. Last month, Colorado Housing Connects logged 8,073 inquiries with eviction prevention continuing to be the dominant need.

Often working in partnership and collaboration with several state and local agencies, Colorado Housing Connects has been a beacon of hope for Coloradans during troubling times. Since the pandemic began, the CHC navigators have been focused on preventing evictions by connecting Coloradans rental and mortgage assistance and other long-term sustainable solutions, informing residents about the eviction process and their rights, and by connecting residents to legal referrals.

Brothers Redevelopment, the housing nonprofit that operates Colorado Housing Connects, offers a variety of other resources to struggling renters including Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program. Since 2018, Brothers has administered more than $10 million in rental and mortgage assistance to neighbors across the state.

Those who are behind on rent or facing eviction are encouraged to contact Colorado Housing Connects to speak to an eviction prevention expert, apply for rental assistance, and to seek assistance with life’s other needs like food, medical needs, employee assistance, and more.

Brothers Redevelopment was thrilled to welcome Denver City Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval to Sheridan Glen Senior Apartments where she met with some of the affordable housing community’s tenants.

Sandoval visited Sheridan Glen, one of Brothers Redevelopment’s 24 affordable housing communities, on Aug. 30 where she listened to our residents’ concerns about a bus stop near the property, walkability in the surrounding area, and more. The councilwoman’s visit was made possible thanks to one of our resident service coordinators who scheduled the meeting after hearing from tenants about their fears when using the nearby bus stop.

“It was an honor to welcome Councilwoman Sandoval to Sheridan Glen. Her genuine engagement and compassionate interaction with our residents shows the positive impact of community leadership,” said Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez.

Resource navigation is only a step away for low-income older adults, families, and others at seven Brothers Property Management affordable housing communities.

At our Aurora, Westminster, Denver, and Edgewater communities, Brothers Property Management employs resident service coordinators who help our tenants access educational and supportive services that can help them in achieving their housing and service needs. Those services can include getting access to food, transportation, health care, federal and state benefits, clothing, and other necessities that help our residents thrive.

So far this year, our resident service coordinators have provided our tenants with $110,282 in cost savings — meaning our tenants received monthly benefits or services that amounted to $110,282.

Brothers Redevelopment’s Aging in Place Program also offers similar services to the general community at no charge. The program connects older adults to government benefits and resources our clients are entitled to and provided $1.5 million in cost savings last year.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the Aging in Place Program, call Colorado Housing Connects at 1-844-926-6632 or visit brothersredevelopment.org.

When Liz Zukowski started her role as policy and public affairs manager at Native Roots Cannabis Co., she had a goal to build new relationships with local nonprofit organizations like Brothers Redevelopment.

Zukowski saw the Denver metro area’s growing housing crisis and knew the topic was a focus that would resonate with Native Roots’ employees and the broader community. So three years ago, Zukowski and Native Roots locked into an agreement with Brothers to collaborate on volunteer projects and sponsorship opportunities related to the organizations’ shared goals of safe and affordable housing for low-income, elderly, and disabled Colorado residents.

Since then, Native Roots and Zukowski have volunteered for the Paint-A-Thon four times and sponsored our annual fundraiser, the Local Social. She has also even served on our Local Social committee where she has helped us plan the event for the past two years.

Zukowski’s dedication to the Paint-A-Thon and making a difference in affordable housing is inspiring and admirable. That’s why this year, Brothers is presenting the Roland Buteyn Heart of Service Award to Zukowski.

The award, named after Roland Buteyn, who helped to develop many core Brothers’ programs, is the highest honor a Paint-A-Thon volunteer can receive. Zukowski will receive the award in front of our supporters, funders, and staff at the Local Social on Sept. 8.

“Paint-A-Thon has served as a strong reminder that everyone can use a little help at different times throughout our lives. This is the first professional award I’ve received, and it is truly an honor,” said Zukowski.

Native Roots is dedicated to the Paint-A-Thon and affordable housing because its mission revolves around enhancing well-being and happiness in our communities. That starts with having a safe and secure place to live, Zukowski said.

During their Paint-A-Thon projects, Native Roots staff has shown up as their best selves, ready to work hard, share their passion, have fun, and support the community. Zukowski said the feeling she gets when she volunteers motivates her to come back and volunteer again and again. Her ultimate goal as a Paint-A-Thon volunteer is to spread awareness about the program and why it’s important, give employees an opportunity to engage outside the workplace, and to demonstrate Native Roots’ commitment to creating a positive social impact by showing up to do the work.

“Housing impacts all of us. Native Roots operates 11 different jurisdictions across the state,” Zukowski said. “Every employee, patient and customer has been affected in some sort of way by our state’s housing crisis and lack of affordable housing. Our homes are our sanctuaries — a safe place to recover and recuperate so we can show up as our best selves today, tomorrow and the next day.”

At Brothers Redevelopment, we know that financial assistance for rent and mortgages is more than just that — we are assisting livelihoods and creating housing stability for all Colorado residents.

Throughout this past year, we have issued record high amounts of financial assistance and helped maintain housing support for Colorado’s most vulnerable community members. This is thanks to strong partnerships with entities like the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the City and County of Denver who have each trusted us to administer funds to help people stay housed.

Now we face a new challenge: helping Denver homeowners avoid foreclosure during a time of skyrocketing costs.

In partnership with the City and County of Denver, Brothers Redevelopment is pleased to announce that we are now administering funds for the City’s Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program. Designed for households at or below 80% Area Median Income, this program provides HOA/mortgage financial assistance for up to $20,000 per household.

Applications for the Denver Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program can be found in English and Spanish at https://brothersredevelopment.org/rental-assistance/. Households with technology or language barriers can contact our housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects, at 1-844-926-6632 or by visiting coloradohousingconnects.org.

“We are thrilled to partner with the City and County of Denver to extend a helping hand to ensure that individuals can catch up on mortgage and HOA payments,” said Brothers Rental and Mortgage Assistance Manager Enrica Bustos-Creviston. “We’re committed to ensuring that no one faces the risk of losing their home and look forward to helping individuals and families regain their financial footing.”

Outside of financial requirements, Denver homeowners can qualify for the Denver Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program if they are the legal owner of the home and have a current financial or other housing crisis. Applicants must not have cash or assets on hand that is equal to or greater than the relief funds being requested as well.

In Denver, Brothers also offers financial assistance for rental and utility payments through the City of Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program. And during the pandemic, we partnered with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to offer financial assistance for rent/mortgage payments through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program. Through these services, Brothers provided $8,650,140 in rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to Coloradans in 2022.

Those who are facing foreclosure can also speak with one of Colorado Housing Connects’ HUD-approved housing counselors who can help homeowners understand their options by visiting http://coloradohousingconnects.org/homeowners-i-need-help-avoiding-foreclosure/.

Deborah Johnson finds peace and solace in her garden at her Colorado Springs home.

Each morning, Johnson starts her day by caring for her tomatoes, herbs, lavender, elephant ears, flowers, and other plants in her front and back yards. Many of those plants live in her new raised garden beds Johnson received through Brothers Redevelopment’s Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) Program.

“If you look around here, this is 30 or 40 years of me just tinkering in the garden, because I love being in the garden,” said Johnson in her backyard. “(Brothers) really addressed the garden thing. (They) got me this really cool (garden kneeler) that I can fold down and lean on and garden. And I can literally push myself up, which is amazing.”

Brothers has been a beacon of hope for Johnson while she has suffered from long COVID-19 symptoms since February 2020. The 69-year-old woman lives on a fixed income and was first introduced to the nonprofit when her sewer line backed up.

At the time, Johnson was severely sick with COVID-19 symptoms and was reaching out to anyone she could think of for help. She stumbled across Brothers’ Home Modification and Repair Program on the internet, called the agency, and before she knew it, a construction crew was in her backyard replacing her sewage system at no cost to her.

“It’s February, the weather is nasty, COVID is just starting, and these people came out, and within two or three days, they had crews working in the house, they had crews outside. I told them it was like Christmas 10 times over,” Johnson said. “I never would’ve been able to afford this, never. It just got me in my heart.”

Aging in Place with the CAPABLE Program

Johnson has been sick with COVID-19 twice and still suffers from lingering symptoms. She used to love hiking, but due to physical limitations, she can no longer engage in it. Consequently, she rarely takes her dogs on walks anymore, as she gets tired easily. And her senses of taste and smell have been altered — but she still wants to live independently in her home and age in place comfortably despite her health issues.

Brothers’ CAPABLE Program launched toward the end of 2022 and is focused on helping Coloradans like Johnson age in place. The service is a client-directed, home-based intervention to increase mobility, function, and capacity to age in place or age in community. 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.

Outside of Johnson’s raised garden beds and her garden kneeler, Brothers’ CAPABLE Program fixed her patio steps, installed a new porch light, provided her with medication for her toes, gave her a tool to reach difficult places that are trigger points in her back, provided her with shoes that ease walking, and helped her start doing chair exercises.

Brothers offers the CAPABLE Program to Coloradans living within south Colorado Springs, Park, Teller, Pueblo, and El Paso County. Research shows that CAPABLE reduces the impact of functional impairment and disability, enhances motivation and self-efficacy, reduces health disparities, improves symptoms of depression, and reduces hospitalization. The CAPABLE Program is offered by Brothers in partnership with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance and The CAPABLE National Center on behalf of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.

Those interested in participating in the CAPABLE Program can find more information at https://brothersredevelopment.org/capable/.

Awards Brothers Redevelopment distributed at our Champions in Housing event in Colorado Springs. The awards were given to those who have helped us serve thousands of clients over the years in the Pikes Peak area.

Colorado Springs holds a special place in Brothers Redevelopment’s heart and mission of providing and preserving affordable housing.

That’s why Brothers on July 20 hosted a special celebration at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center to highlight our work and recognize the Pikes Peak area’s “Champions in Housing” who have helped us serve thousands of clients over the past decade.

Our work in the state’s second largest city began in 2014, when the state asked Brothers to help renters find affordable housing. Soon after, the agency began offering housing counseling services — including assisting homebuyers in evaluating their readiness for a home purchase and navigating the homebuying process, offering financial literacy training, and providing foreclosure prevention counseling. Through the years, our range of services in Colorado Springs has grown to now offer home modifications and repairs, our Paint-A-Thon Program, housing navigation, financial assistance for rent/mortgages, and other resources to help older adults age in place.

These services are needed and sought after in Colorado Springs. That’s evident by the nearly 14,000 households we’ve served in El Paso County and the tens of thousands of dollars we’ve provided in rental assistance to residents in the county. But all this work isn’t possible without strong partnerships and dedication from our staff and others who share our vision that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live.

Honorees at the Champions in Housing event included:

– Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade

– Paul Morrow; Community Development, City of Colorado Springs

– KT Leonard; KT Leonard Construction

– Kate Hatten; Home Front Military Network

– Mike Sullivan; ERA Shields Real Estate

– Crystal LaTier; Economic Development, EL Paso County

– Beth Hall Roalstad; Homeward Pikes Peak

– Mary Stegner; Partners in Housing

– El Pomar Foundation

“Our partners and honorees exemplify the spirit of compassion and innovation, and together, we continue to build a future where safe, decent housing is a reality for all. This event celebrates not just our achievements, but the power of community-driven initiatives that uplift and empower residents of Colorado Springs,” said Brothers President Jeff Martinez. “We are truly inspired by the strides we’ve made together and remain committed to our mission of providing and preserving quality housing for those who need it most.”

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In addition, Brothers’ housing helpline Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) has regularly offered a variety of free housing classes like eviction prevention webinars, homebuyer education workshops, and affordable housing seminars in Colorado Springs this past year. Meanwhile, Brothers Property Management —a wholly owned subsidiary of Brothers — recently assumed property management responsibilities for Greenway Flats — a permanent living space for chronically homeless men and women in the city.

To find upcoming Colorado Housing Connects events in Colorado Springs, click here. For information about our other programs and ways to support our work in Colorado Springs, visit brothersredevelopment.org.

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Brothers Redevelopment Director of Development Hannah Beltrone volunteers for the Paint-A-Thon in June. So far this year, the Paint-A-Thon has painted 51 homes.

Each Brothers Redevelopment staff member plays a different role in fulfilling our mission of providing and preserving affordable housing. But it’s rare when every staff member has a chance to go out into the community and use our hands to make a difference for our programs.

That rare opportunity came up in June when every Brothers employee was given the chance to participate in a paid volunteer day for our Paint-A-Thon Program. So, with paintbrushes in hand and hearts full of compassion, our team united to transform not just one, but two houses for deserving homeowners.

We spent the day cleaning up yards, trimming low branches, cleaning gutters, caulking, priming, and of course, painting. Each homeowner who benefited from the volunteer day has a disability and the event was that much more special because the homes were only minutes away from our Edgewater office.

“It was a really great experience to volunteer alongside my colleagues at Brothers Redevelopment for the Paint-A-Thon Program. It provided an opportunity to meet many of my colleagues who work remotely and gave us the chance to meet one of the wonderful homeowners involved with the program,” said Brothers Director of Development Hannah Beltrone. “Since the COVID pandemic, it has been hard to connect with coworkers in meaningful ways, and this was a fantastic way to reconnect, meet new people, change up the workday, and feel the tangible impact of the work we do every day at Brothers Redevelopment.”

So far this year, the Paint-A-Thon Program has painted 51 houses across the Denver metro area and in Colorado Springs. This year marks the 45th year of the service, and we can’t wait to continue to beautify homes for our most vulnerable neighbors.

“Our team’s commitment extends far beyond their professional roles, as they willingly gave their time and energy to our Paint-A-Thon Program. Their passion and willingness to volunteer their skills to help transform homes and uplift communities is truly inspiring,” said Brothers President Jeff Martinez. “Their efforts embody the spirit of unity and compassion that drives our organization, and we are grateful for their unwavering dedication.”

Brothers Redevelopment President Jeff Martinez takes a break from painting to pose for a photo. 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of the Paint-A-Thon Program.

Tim Knittle poses for a photo at Valor on the Fax in June. Knittle is one of dozens of new residents who moved into Valor on the Fax this year.

When Tim Knittle moved from El Paso, Texas to Colorado, he thought he would have a stable housing situation at his brother’s apartment. But after living there for three months, Knittle’s brother kicked him out, informing him that the apartment complex originally only allowed him to stay for two weeks.

In a new state with nowhere to go, Knittle suddenly found himself homeless in the Englewood area.

“When I was on the streets, it was different. I felt like giving up, but I never did anything bad when I was on the streets — I just did what I had to do to get by,” said Knittle. “I was still getting resources and making sure I was clean. I told people that it doesn’t matter what position I’m in, I won’t let myself be dirty or go without food. I always made sure I was good, and I never stole.”

Knittle believes that the respect you give to someone and the kindness you show always comes back around — no matter what position you’re in. Those are the principles he’s lived by throughout his life, and they were validated when he got a life-changing call on Nov. 29, 2022.

On that day, Knittle found out he was accepted to live at Valor on the Fax — Brothers Redevelopment’s newest affordable housing community at 7900 E. Colfax. So earlier this year, he packed his belongings and moved into one of the state-of-the-art apartments at Valor.

“When I first moved into here, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. It has definitely made a change in my life,” said Knittle. “I feel me being here, it makes me feel like I’m actually loved by people. I can be myself and not have to worry about anything like getting judged or getting told that I’m this or that.”

Knittle is one of dozens of residents who are settling into Valor on the Fax. The 72-unit community, conceived in partnership with Brothers and nonprofit Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, is home to people who experienced homelessness and/or have acquired brain injury or related disability. Valor on the Fax was formally opened in May when Brothers, our partners/staff, community leaders, and some community tenants joined together for a ribbon cutting.

As tenants have settled in, they’ve been welcomed with comprehensive services from the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, like resource navigation, job training, and recreational and wellness activities. And at the building’s first-floor commercial space, Brothers is providing housing services to residents of the surrounding East Colfax neighborhood.

Outside of supportive services, Valor on the Fax residents have access to a rooftop patio overlooking East Colfax, a modern community room, a laundry room, and more. The building’s interior features are designed to alleviate symptoms of brain injury while the exterior of the complex pays homage to Colfax’s history with bright colors to blend into the neighborhood.

“The way I see it, I know some of the people that live here that used to be on the streets, and I would run into them. I have helped them out before, and I really see that (Valor on the Fax) made a change for their life,” said Knittle. “Because almost every single person I see coming here is always smiling.”

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Brothers Redevelopment has always been committed to making a positive impact in our community. From providing affordable housing to assisting older adults and people with disabilities, we strive to create a better future for those in need.

Today, we are thrilled to announce a special event that aims to raise funds for one of our most beloved initiatives—the Paint-a-Thon Program. Mark your calendars for Sept. 8, as we invite you to join us at our annual Local Social fundraiser to help make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.

This year’s Local Social will be held on Friday, Sept. 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Yard at 5500 Logan St. in Denver. Proceeds from the event will go toward our 45-year-old Paint-A-Thon Program which utilizes civic-minded volunteers to paint the exterior of homes for low-income homeowners who are age 60+ and/or disabled.

Each year, the Paint-A-Thon Program paints around 100 houses throughout the metro area and in Colorado Springs. Throughout its history, the program has painted nearly 8,000 homes with the help of more than 136,000 volunteers.

“The Local Social is a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact we can make together. By joining us, you become a catalyst for change, helping us bring color, hope, and renewed dignity to the lives of those in need,” said Brothers President Jeff Martinez.

The Local Social is an opportunity for Brothers to showcase our important work and connect with friends, clients, volunteers, funders, staff, and neighbors. Tickets include a catered dinner by Biscuits and Berries, open bar access, door prize entry, and an evening of fun and games.

Sponsors for the Local Social will be prominently featured in our event program, receive complimentary tickets to the event and be advertised in all Local Social related content on our social media accounts and outreach pieces. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased at https://brothersredevelopment.org/local-social/. Sponsorship opportunities can be found here.

There was a feeling of joy and excitement on May 17 as Brothers Redevelopment’s dedicated team, community leaders and valued partners/supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of Brothers’ new community, Valor on the Fax.

Nearly every major TV news station in the Denver metro area, and other news entities like Westword and Denverite, swarmed the rooftop patio of Valor to document one of the most significant events in Brothers’ 52-year history. It was at that patio where Brothers President Jeff Martinez, Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado CEO Kate Kerkmans, Denver City Councilmember Amanda Sawyer, and others spoke with pride about Valor on the Fax — Brothers’ newest affordable housing community that will house people with acquired brain injury and related disability.

“At Brothers Redevelopment, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and supportive place to call home, and this community is a testament to that commitment. Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where residents can thrive and create a meaningful life,” said Martinez. “We are excited to see the positive impact that Valor on the Fax will have on the lives of its residents and the broader community as a whole.”

After the speeches, attendees went to the front of the building where Martinez and others finally cut the ribbon on the new, 72-unit community. The ribbon cutting had been nearly five years in the making and marked the official opening of Brothers’ 19th affordable housing community in Colorado.

“From the moment we walked onto what was once a dirty, dilapidated, potholed lot here, I think we saw…what would be possible if we see this vision through,” said Martinez at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The visionary community, located at 7900 E. Colfax Ave. was the result of a collaboration between Brothers and the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado. During the planning process for Valor on the Fax, the two agencies heavily relied on public comment to conceive the building’s exterior features. On the inside, Valor on the Fax provides a therapeutic and comfortable environment to residents with “trauma-informed design” features such as soft lighting, sound-blocking windows, and natural lighting in group areas.

As tenants settle in, they will be welcomed by Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado staff who will provide comprehensive services to residents of Valor like resource navigation, job training, and recreational and wellness activities. Brothers will manage the community and utilize the first-floor commercial space to provide a wide variety of housing related services to residents of the East Colfax neighborhood.

Valor on the Fax is one of the largest of the supportive housing communities in the state to receive public investment. The primary public funding sources for this activity are the City and County of Denver, Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST), and the Colorado Division of Housing. Other public investment has been made by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and the Denver Housing Authority. Substantial private investment has come from Enterprise Housing Credit Investments, LLC, and from ANB Bank. Philanthropic support for Valor on the Fax has been made by Wells Fargo Banks.

For more information about Valor on the Fax, visit valoronthefax.com.

Colorado Housing Connects faces unprecedented demand as eviction crisis looms large across the state

Denver City Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval visits with residents at Sheridan Glen Senior Apartments

Native Roots’ Liz Zukowski awarded Roland Buteyn Heart of Service Award from Brothers Redevelopment

Brothers Redevelopment/City of Denver offering Foreclosure Financial Assistance Program

How Deborah Johnson thrives with the CAPABLE Program amidst long COVID-19 symptoms

Brothers Redevelopment honors champions in housing at Colorado Springs celebration

Brothers Redevelopment Unites in Compassion: Staff Volunteers Transform Homes through Paint-A-Thon Program

From Homeless to Hopeful: Tim Knittle Finds New Beginnings at Valor on the Fax

Local Social Fundraiser Returns, Tickets On Sale Now

Brothers Redevelopment Celebrates Grand Opening of Valor on the Fax: A New Chapter in Affordable Housing