Brothers Redevelopment staff take a break from their desks to spread smiles and fresh paint, transforming one homeowner’s house and brightening her community.
Edwina Davenport carefully watched her Aurora home get painted from the comfort of her own living room with a sense of gratitude and relief. Beside her, her daughter Brianna and granddaughter shared the moment, their faces beaming with appreciation for the volunteers from Brothers Redevelopment.
For Edwina and her family, this was more than just a fresh coat of paint. It was a renewed sense of pride in their home and a heartfelt reminder of the kindness and support from their community.
“This is phenomenal. This is amazing,” Brianna told CBS Colorado. “It just keeps (her mother), you know, so much longevity and it kind of puts a pep in her step.”
The Paint-A-Thon project was part of Brothers Redevelopment’s annual staff volunteer day, where our employees and Board of Directors came together to paint Edwina’s house, showcasing our commitment to making a tangible difference in the community. While our staff works every day to alleviate Colorado’s housing crisis and help those in need, the day gave them the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, work alongside each other, and make a difference in a hands-on way.
“I have done different types of volunteer work my whole life, and this sounded like it would be both fun and make a difference to someone’s life. Unlike many projects, you could see the results of your efforts at the end of the day,” said Julie Manning, tenant-landlord mediator for Brothers Redevelopment’s housing helpline, Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632).
“I did the Paint-A-Thon last year, so I came this year knowing what to expect. I was excited to see who would be there doing it too,” Manning added. “I feel satisfied and like we had done a really nice job at the end.”
So far this year, the Paint-A-Thon Program has painted 43 houses across the Denver metro area and in Colorado Springs. As we continue to celebrate one million volunteer hours through the program, we look forward to beautifying more homes and bringing community members together to make a difference in our neighborhoods.
“It is the one day out of our year where we get to put our action to our words. We talk about community building and preserving housing all year as we work in various program environments,” said Brothers Redevelopment Home Modification and Repair Department Director Jason McCullough. “This one day though, we get to go and take direct action to help someone stay in their home.”
“I love this event. The sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the opportunity to take part in this historic event is humbling,” he added.
After surviving a near-fatal accident caused by a drunk driver and enduring 47 surgeries, Janice Taylor’s (middle) journey to recovery culminated in a beautiful home transformation through the Paint-A-Thon Program. The house was painted by volunteers from Good Samaritan Hospital, the same place that helped Taylor recover from her injuries.
Longmont resident Janice Taylor vividly remembers the day her life dramatically changed almost 20 years ago.
Taylor, an avid outdoorswoman and passionate information technology analyst, was on a fly-fishing trip in Crested Butte. As she was gathering her fishing gear outside her vehicle, she suddenly heard screeching tires and saw a large, one-ton truck driving straight toward her. The driver, who was drunk, struck her with the vehicle, dragging her over 20 feet and through a barbed wire fence.
After paramedics helped dig her out from under the truck, Taylor was quickly transported to a medical facility and eventually flown to Good Samaritan Hospital. From then on, she began the long process of recovering from a shattered pelvis, broken legs, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, broken arms, brain injuries, internal bleeding, a broken back, and lacerations.
Fast forward through 47 surgeries and relearning how to do simple tasks like brushing her hair, and Taylor is walking again with a new outlook on life.
“Every morning that you wake up, you have a choice. You can have a positive attitude and give it your all, knowing it’s going to hurt — but tell yourself the pain reminds you that you are alive and fighting,” said Taylor. “Or, you can be miserable, do nothing, don’t try to improve, and make others around you miserable. Those are your choices, and I can tell you the being miserable one is much easier.”
“Life was a challenge then and still is in some ways. It’s much easier now than it was before, but it was a fight to get here,” Taylor continued. “My mother was an old, stubborn German woman, and I think I’m a lot like her. You never give up. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week, but it will happen if you keep at it.”
As Taylor gradually regained her independence, she faced another hurdle — the deteriorating condition of her home’s exterior. The cost of repainting seemed like an insurmountable obstacle until she was accepted for Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon Program.
Through the program, volunteers from Good Samaritan Hospital, the place that had witnessed Taylor’s long road to recovery, came together to revitalize her home this month. With each brushstroke, volunteers not only transformed Taylor’s house — they lifted her spirits.
“Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital is on a Mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible. This extends beyond an acute care hospital stay,” said Alicia Harker, one of the volunteers who painted Taylor’s home. “Our caregivers partner organizations that address social determinants of health because we believe that when we improve the lives of those in our community, we decrease their risk of hospitalization. Housing is a fundamental need for everyone, and Brothers Redevelopment is an excellent partner for Good Samaritan Hospital as we both work together to attend to the whole person and promote and defend human dignity on the journey of improving overall health.”
“When I was contacted about the Paint-A-Thon, I couldn’t believe it. It was like a pinch-yourself moment,” said Taylor. “It’s completely overwhelming, and I don’t have words to say how grateful I am to each and every one of those people.”
Taylor has since enjoyed her freshly painted house and said she has received several compliments from her neighbors. She said the volunteers from Good Samaritan Hospital showed her a new way, and if she were physically able, she would be outside painting houses for the Paint-A-Thon.
“They came and gave me their time, company, and humor, and watching the camaraderie between them was a delight. It was kind of like extended family because I spent so much time at the hospital,” said Taylor. “I gained more than having my house painted. It was refreshing, and just having them here was wonderful.”
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon Program. Our commitment to our neighbors and clients has always been fueled by the dedication of selfless volunteers who lend their time, skills, and hearts to make a difference. Thanks to their efforts, our beloved Paint-A-Thon Program is reaching an incredible milestone this year: one million volunteer hours over its 46-year history!
As we reflect on this milestone, it’s only right to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who exemplify the very best of Paint-A-Thon. On April 23, Brothers Redevelopment staff, supporters, and others gathered at Raices Brewing Company to celebrate and honor six organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the program. These awardees embody the spirit of the Paint-A-Thon and have helped make a tremendous impact.
Read on to learn more about each of our awardees and discover why they believe volunteering for the Paint-A-Thon is such a worthwhile cause.
Lifetime Leaders: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, Chi Phi Chapter
For nearly 40 years, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. has been volunteering in large teams with the Paint-A-Thon. That organizational commitment stems from the fraternity’s cardinal principle of uplifting others.
“That is truly what they do every year in the Paint-A-Thon — they enliven and inspire through incredible service with their neighbors,” said Brothers Volunteer Department Director Chad Nibbelink.
Brothers honored Omega Psi Phi Fraternity with a Lifetime Leaders ward, recognizing the 7,700 volunteer hours the fraternity has contributed to the Paint-A-Thon. Over the past 36 years, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity has painted 54 homes and touched the lives of so many homeowners in the community.
“For me and the brothers, the main thing that touches us is the faces and the smiles and that certain thing you can’t put a name on when the homeowner comes out and looks at the finished project and says, ‘my house looks fabulous,'” said Abel Coombs of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. “That just goes straight to the heart.”
Brush of Service: Gina Koert, Shamrock Painting
Gina Koert’s journey with the Paint-A-Thon began in 2022 when she participated in the Painting Contractors Association’s Paint-It-Forward program, a service aimed at giving back to the community.
Reflecting on her experience, Koert, president and owner of painting company Shamrock Painting, Inc. in Denver, shared, “I had such a good time, and it was so impactful that I then with my company have done it in the years since as a team-building event.”
Koert’s commitment extended beyond individual involvement as she volunteered alongside her family in Paint-A-Thon projects, including a memorable effort in 2023 where three generations of her family, all skilled in the painting profession, worked together to paint a home for a neighbor in need. Recognizing her outstanding dedication and service, Brothers honored Koert with the Brush of Service award.
“Gina jumped in with both feet and made an impact in a way that only she could. Gina is a force,” said Nibbelink. “When she believes in something, look out. Good things are going to get done.”
Koert views volunteering as a social responsibility that not only enriches the community but also fosters a deeper connection to it. She emphasized that the Paint-A-Thon leaves a lasting impact on the community, instilling a sense of ownership and pride among its clients.
“The Paint-A-Thon impacts the community just by the ownership. This is somebody’s space, it might be the only space they own, it’s that ownership pride, that integrity that you give back that they can be proud when they walk out of something,” said Koert. “That enrichment in whatever community in Denver we can contribute to I think has an incredible impact.”
City Impact: Denver Employee Volunteer Opportunities
Over the past 20 years, employees from nearly every branch of the City of Denver have contributed some type of volunteerism to the Paint-A-Thon.
Volunteers have come from the Denver Public Library, the Denver Police Department, Denver City Council, and countless other city employees all wanting to make a difference in Denver. Since 2004, Denver Employee Volunteer Opportunities (DEVO) has given 15,000 volunteer hours to paint 135 homes for older adults in Denver through the Paint-A-Thon. That commitment and service is why Brothers honored DEVO with the City Impact award.
“Denver City and County employees genuinely care about their community, and we have seen this dedication firsthand,” said Nibbelink.
DEVO President Reid Matsuda believes volunteering is a commitment to the community and individuals receiving services through the Paint-A-Thon. He said that as a public servant, it’s important to not be defined by your job title — but rather to be defined by the impact you have in your community.
“Volunteering to me is that commitment to the community, to that individual. And you never really know how big of an impact you have until you see the outcome and see that real impact from that person,” said Matsuda. “That’s why I love to volunteer.”
Community Champion: Nicole Marquez, Huntington Bank
Huntington National Bank Vice President and Community Development Relationship Manager Nicole Marquez was introduced to the Paint-A-Thon at a young age when her mother brought her along to volunteer for the program.
Since then, Marquez has grown into a champion for solving housing issues, particularly in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood where her family grew up at. At Huntington National Bank, Marquez has used her expertise and deep connections in the community to develop the organization’s service culture in a more profound way. For example, Marquez was the onsite team leader for three Huntington National Bank Paint-A-Thon projects in 2023, one of which took place in the Westwood neighborhood.
Marquez’s dedication to the community is admirable and the reason Brothers honored her with the Community Champion award.
“Her work reminds me of one of Brothers’ early slogans — helping people house each other. Nicole embodies this in the way she interacts with the community, her peers at Huntington, and in the initiatives she drives forward,” said Nibbelink.
Marquez said she believes the Paint-A-Thon impacts the community by maintaining home values in neighborhoods, providing aesthetically pleasing curb appeal, and most importantly, giving the homeowner a sense of pride.
“The most rewarding part of volunteering with the Paint-A-Thon event is really when our team is completely done painting the house, and we bring the homeowner out, and to really see the sheer joy on their face is priceless,” said Marquez.
Next Generation Catalyst: Jen Engquist, Service Learning Camps
Service Learning Camps Area Coordinator Jen Engquist is highly gifted at setting up youth volunteer projects in a powerful and meaningful way.
Each year, she contributes to the Paint-A-Thon by gathering youth volunteers who make up 25% of Brothers’ volunteers in June and July. These volunteers are energetic and tackle some of the most unique Paint-A-Thon projects throughout the summer. But while volunteering is important, Engquist ensures that youth volunteers also understand what they are doing and more importantly, why their work is important.
Her influence and dedication to the Paint-A-Thon and the next generation of volunteers is why Brothers honored her with the Next Generation Catalyst award.
“Jen does such a great job of challenging youth to commit themselves to healthy service and be the ones to stand in the gap with those on the fringes of society. She models this with joy and enthusiasm,” said Nibbelink.
Engquist believes that it’s important for older adults to feel proud of the home that they’re in and to help neighbors maintain and stay in their home for as long as they can.
“I think that if we’re looking at investing in knowing our community in a meaningful way, working in a project like the Paint-A-Thon is a great, I hope introduction. I don’t think it’s the end of anything, I think it’s the beginning,” said Engquist. “Picking up that paintbrush is the beginning of a story we get to live out being good neighbors.”
Heartfelt Heroes: Atlas Real Estate
It’s common for volunteers from property management company Atlas Real Estate to maintain relationships with Paint-A-Thon clients long after they’ve painted their houses.
During the fall, Atlas Real Estate has been known to rake the lawns of past Paint-A-Thon clients, deliver turkeys to them for Thanksgiving dinner, and even shovel their driveways during the winter, going beyond their initial commitment on Paint-A-Thon day.
It’s that commitment that truly embodies the spirit of the Paint-A-Thon and what it stands for. Beyond just a one-day event, it’s about fostering lasting connections and making a tangible, ongoing difference in the lives of our neighbors. Atlas Real Estate’s dedication to going the extra mile exemplifies the core values of community, compassion, and service that lie at the heart of the Paint-A-Thon Program.
It’s because of all these meaningful gestures and ongoing support that Brothers recognized Atlas Real Estate with a Heartfelt Heroes award.
“We have seen how Atlas team members engage in the community to repair, clean up, landscape and paint homes for older adults living on a fixed income both in Denver and Colorado Springs. Atlas Paint-A-Thon projects are full of fun, service, and camaraderie,” said Nibbelink. “We are inspired by how they approach his work holistically.”
Ryan Denison, General Manager of 3rd Party Property Management at Atlas Real Estate, highlighted the shared values between Brothers and Atlas Real Estate. With a mission to uplift humanity through real estate, Atlas Real Estate sees the Paint-A-Thon as closely aligned with their overarching goals. Denison emphasized that Atlas Real Estate actively engages in volunteer work year-round, striving to create a positive impact on community members whenever possible.
“There’s something about doing something for someone else that just leaves you feeling amazing and positive like you really produced something at the end of the day,” said Denison. “We do a lot of volunteer work, and I would say the Paint-A-Thon is the one I look forward to the most every year.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
City of Denver’s Department of Housing Stability volunteers at work for Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon Program.
Corinne Sanchez has faced challenges in maintaining her cherished Denver home ever since her husband’s passing in 1994.
The 92-year-old holds deep sentimental value for the house, as it was where she lovingly raised her four children. Despite her son’s ongoing support in ensuring her independence, she requires further aid in preserving the home’s exterior. That’s where volunteers from the City of Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) came in.
On a cloudy day in May, a group of enthusiastic HOST volunteers arrived armed with paintbrushes and ladders, ready to make a meaningful impact at Sanchez’s house. And because of HOST and Brothers Redevelopment’s shared dedication in preventing displacement, the volunteer match proved to be a perfect fit.
“I think the service goes a long way. Across the community there are limited resources to help people age in place,” said HOST Program Officer and Paint-A-Thon Volunteer Ian Cohn. “It’s a growing need with the boomer generation continuing to age and outpacing the number of services. The Paint-A-Thon has a huge impact on someone’s ability to receive maintenance on their home that they otherwise maybe couldn’t afford. And it revitalizes certain neighborhoods that are vulnerable to displacement — which is a commitment of ours.”
The paint job was unfortunately postponed halfway through HOST’s volunteer day because of weather — but the group didn’t let that stop them from still making a positive impact. As rain began to pour, HOST volunteers made their way to Brothers’ warehouse to help organize our garage, clean worksite trucks, organize paint inventory, and to clean our space to help support future projects.
“(The Paint-A-Thon) really served to reinforce what I personally view as the importance of volunteering and the importance of our department and our employees going out into the community. We contract so much of our direct services, so we don’t often get to be out in the community and be a part of tangible services,” said Cohn. “I think for a lot of us, it reinforces the opportunities to engage with each other and make a positive impact on the community.”
HOST invests resources, creates policies, and partners with organizations to keep people in the homes they already live in, to quickly resolve an experience of homelessness, and to connect people to affordable housing opportunities. The department accomplishes those feats by stabilizing people at risk of involuntary displacement and connecting them to housing resources; supporting people experiencing a crisis and connecting them to shelter services and short-term and permanent housing; creating and preserving affordable housing; and by connecting residents at any income level to new housing opportunities.
Brothers administers various housing assistance programs for the City and County of Denver, including the City’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program, and the Denver Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Denver residents Delfinia Lujan and Maria Crespin had a front row seat to the early days of Brothers Redevelopment’s impact.
During the 1970’s, the two longtime friends were actively involved in community work, including at the Action Center — a Lakewood-based human services organization.
At the Action Center, Brothers co-founder Manny Martinez would regularly attend the organization’s board meetings. It was there where he met Crespin and Lujan.
“We just got to be real good friends. He was amazing — very friendly, very respectful, and sometimes he was funny,” said Lujan. “He was a pretty awesome guy.”
Little did Lujan and Crespin know that they would eventually benefit from the services Brothers offers.
Lujan clearly remembers being one of the first clients to purchase an affordable home that Brothers repaired in Denver in the 1970s. She says the house was beautiful and had features that her family fell in love with like its spiral staircase, and backyard.
On move in day, former Denver Mayor Federico Peña and others from Brothers joined the Lujan family where the group took a photo in front of the spiral staircase for the former Rocky Mountain News newspaper.
The house was the first home the family purchased and was needed at that time, because Lujan had recently given birth to her third child.
“It touched my heart that our house meant that much to so many people, and we were the lucky ones to buy that and live there. The name (Brothers Redevelopment) alone touches my heart, because they do so much for so many people,” said Lujan. “I’m just so happy that Brothers is still in business, because back when they first started, they were doing so much for so many people.”
Finishing an unfinished job
Crespin crossed paths with Brothers again in 2022 when she reached out to the organization during a time of desperate need.
In January 2020, Crespin, a recently widowed woman who lives directly on South Sheridan Boulevard, was laid off from her job of 26 years. To survive, Crespin lived off her Social Security to pay her mortgage, utilities, and other bills.
But after hiring a contractor to paint her house to be able to get a refinance approved so that she could afford to keep her home, the contractor left the property unfinished. Crespin said the contractor painted her home but swindled her out of money for the painting of her garage and shed that were left with “paint samples” roughly sprayed on them.
Thankfully for Crespin, she remembered Brothers’ Paint-A-Thon Program was a resource available to her. So, she applied, and in the summer of 2022, volunteers arrived with paint brushes, buckets, ladders, and other materials to finish painting her garage and shed.
“It’s difficult to have any extra money as far as with everything that has gone on not only with me, but so many thousands of people too,” said Crespin. “My intention was I would get back to work — but I’ve also been pretty sick. I’ve been in the hospital a couple of times. And it’s just been one thing after another. But when you get help, you appreciate it. I was always attracted to helping people, but now I need the help. It’s a blessing to have organizations like Brothers that are able to help.”
“The many ways that we’re able to help our clients at whatever point they find themselves on the housing continuum is part of the legacy of Brothers Redevelopment,” said Jeff Martinez, Brothers president. “Like Maria, they remember and, hopefully, treasure what we’ve been able to do on their behalf. They know we are able to help them at various points of their lives.”
The grant lends to Brothers’ ability to paint the exterior of homes for disabled/older Broomfield residents. For 44 years, the Paint-A-Thon Program has painted thousands of senior-owned houses across the metro area and in Colorado Springs for free with the help of more than 133,000 volunteers. The service allows income-eligible homeowners the chance to beautify their homes and save their income for necessities like groceries and medication.
In 2022, the Paint-A-Thon Program painted two houses in Broomfield. Thanks to funding from the Broomfield Community Foundation, Brothers expects to paint around four houses in Broomfield this year.
“We are thrilled to receive support from the Broomfield Community Foundation. This grant will help us transform houses for well deserving older adults in Broomfield,” said Brothers Volunteer Department Director Chad Nibbelink. “This program is designed to keep older adults in their homes for as long as they can, and thanks to this funding, we’ll be able to accomplish that.”
Outside of the Paint-A-Thon Program, Brothers also serves Broomfield residents with home modifications and repairs through the agency’s Home Modification and Repair Program. In 2022, the Home Modification and Repair Program received a $250,000 grant from the City of Broomfield to offer home projects like roof repairs, deferred maintenance, and aging home rehabilitation at no cost to income-eligible Broomfield homeowners. Since then, the program has served three households in the city and is in the process of completing five other projects.
For more information about Brothers’ services, visit brothersredevelopment.org. Broomfield homeowners interested in the Paint-A-Thon Program can apply by emailing chad@brothersredevelopment.org or by calling 720-339-5864.
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.
Gina Koert’s journey with the Paint-A-Thon began in 2022 when she participated in the Painting Contractors Association’s Paint-It-Forward program, a service aimed at giving back to the community.
