Dear friends of Greccio, we hope that 2024 is off to a great start for our residents, employees, and supporters.
The year began with a celebration and groundbreaking of the long-anticipated Bentley Commons expansion. Bentley has been one of the crown jewels in our portfolio since 2009, and with its expansion an additional 168 units of safe, stable, and affordable housing will be brought to Colorado Springs. With long-term partners, Partners in Housing and Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust, the vision for an expanded Bentley Commons is 14 years in the making, with just over another 1.5 yrs of construction until the vision is realized. What a great opportunity for our community, our partnership, and our future residents!
Plans for additional expansion will continue through both developing new projects and management of properties that are developed by others. Meeting affordable housing needs is done through growth of new units, preservation of existing units, and replacement of properties that may reach the end of their useful life. We are meeting our mission and these goals by having properties in all 3 stages of development – lease-up, construction, and planning. Through careful planning, sequencing, and timing, we meet
future demand in a manner that is efficient and sustainable for the organization and our team.
Part of that sustainability involves thoughtful strategic planning, by the organization and within each department. Fundraising, improvements to Resident Resources, efficiencies in accounting, responsiveness in maintenance, and full utilization of available apartments are all areas in which we plan for and implement strategies to meet our mission. I’m excited to report that our Board of Directors and senior leadership team are skilled and motivated to make Greccio the best it can be, and I look forward to more announcements of successes and advances throughout the year.
For our team, 2023 was a year of change to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. In the new year, we are relying on that foundation to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our momentum is growing, and our path is clear. We invite you to stay engaged, to work through challenges, engage in solutions, and enjoy the celebrations that will come in the rest of ’24 and in the years ahead.
As always, THANK YOU for being part of our mission.
Sincerely,
Lee Patke, Executive Director
FROM DREAM TO REALITY: LOCAL NON-PROFITS COLLABORATION BRINGS 14 YEAR DREAM TO LIFE.
This groundbreaking signifies a major achievement for GPR Properties, a collaboration between Greccio Housing, Partners in Housing, and the Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust. Culminating over fourteen years of planning, this project will help address affordable housing needs in Colorado Springs, particularly in the southeast region. Located on 7 acres in Southeast Colorado Springs, the Bentley Commons development sits at Hancock and Astrozon and has been successfully operated by the three nonprofits since 2009. When finished, this ambitious endeavor will see the
options, alongside the revitalization of 24 existing units.
The development seeks to accommodate the diverse housing needs of the Colorado Springs community. With data from the Colorado Springs Housing Affordability Report indicating that between 28,000 and 39,000 housing units will need to be built by 2028 to meet population growth and close the housing deficit, this partner project between multiple nonprofits emerges as a crucial component in addressing this pressing goal.
The housing will aim to help qualifying low-income individuals, families, and
It’s demonstrating that local non-profits can get this work done. Partners in Housing does transitional housing, [Greccio Housing] does affordable rentals, and the Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust does affordable homeownership, but we’re in this together and we can do great things locally.
- Lee Patke, Executive Director, Greccio Housing, Excerpt from 2024 ‘Loving Living Local ’ interview.
veterans, offering two and threebedroom units. In a break down of the 168 units, 27 units will be offered at 30% Annual Median Income (AMI), 19 units at 40% AMI, 102 at 50% AMI, and 44 at 60% AMI.
This project’s $65 million budget is made possible not only through the GPR Properties collaboration but also significant project funding and aims to keep rents low by utilizing local and state grants, low-interest loans, and participating in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. The completion target date is mid-2025.
Pictured left: An artist rendering of the Bentley Commons building, provided by Way Architects
PAWS AND EFFECT: KEEPING OUR RESIDENT’S PETS PURRR-FECTLY HEALTHY
In June of 2021, a simple inquiry about low-cost veterinary services sparked what is now a very popular program at Greccio Housing, with spaces that fill up as fast as they are announced. It all began with a phone call received by Resident Resource team member, Cristal Hubbard, about a resident seeking affordable care for their beloved pet. Little did they know, this call would ignite a chain of events leading to the establishment of a vital resource for Greccio Housing pet owners in need.
Upon receiving the inquiry, Hubbard wasted no time in seeking solutions. Consulting with their program
This got me to thinking. There was a time in my life when I lived paycheck to paycheck and struggled to pay for annual shots for my animals and bet a large portion of our residents face a similar challenge with affording care. Maybe we can provide a clinic for our those in need.
- Cristal Hubbard, Resident Resource Coordinator, at Greccio Housing
manager at the time, and equipped with a business card from The Pet Cross, obtained during a visit to a partner organization, Catholic Charities, the duo explored accessible veterinary
options for Greccio Housing residents.
The discovery of The Pet Cross’s vaccine clinics planted the seed of an idea within Hubbard’s mind. Reflecting on personal struggles with affording annual shots for their own animals during financially challenging times, they envisioned a solution that could benefit numerous residents facing similar hardships. Thus, the concept of hosting affordable veterinary clinics for residents was born!
On October 12th, 2021, the first clinic became a reality, marking a significant milestone in the community’s journey towards accessible pet care. Eighteen
The Pet Cross, founded in 2019 by Dr. Lisa Thompson, is proud to offer mobile veterinary services to those in need. Their clinic includes a pharmacy and a laboratory that allows them to provide basic veterinary care, such as preventative medicine, treating infections, and illnesses. Learn more at thepetcross.org.
“The oversight of charitable services for the pets of the homeless has been a concern of mine since veterinary school. The need was obvious on the streets of downtown everywhere, but it took many years to reach a point in life that we could donate the time and money this cause deserved. It is with great pleasure and a full heart that we can now do our part to fill this need.” - Dr. Lisa Thompson
animals received vital vaccinations, setting the stage for future endeavors. Over the course of 2023, the initiative blossomed, with a total of 98 animals benefiting from four clinics through out the year.
As the program gained momentum, the scope expanded. This April heralds a new chapter as the clinic extends its services to encompass wellness checks and consultations for pet illnesses or concerns. With this Veterinarian Dr. Lisa’s expertise will now be available to address a
broader array of pet healthcare needs, further enhancing the clinic’s impact on the community.
Such services included during the mobile vet clinic visits are canine rabies, distemper/parvo, leptospirosis, and bordatella vaccines, while felines can
TINY
TREASURES: BUILDING COMMUNITY,
ONE LIBRARY AT A TIME!
In recent months, the Resident Resources team has worked hard to revitalize and enhance the Grab N’ Go library spaces across many of our properties. But what exactly are Grab N’ Go libraries, and how do they contribute to the fabric of our communities?
receive rabies and FVRCP (feline herpes and feline distemper). At this time surgeries and x-rays aren’t available but Dr. Lisa is able to perform sample collections and lab work.
What began as a simple inquiry has evolved into a beacon of hope for our pet owners facing financial constraints. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, Hubbard, alongside their supportive team in Resident Resources and partners at The Pet Cross, has transformed a simple vision into a reality.
For those unaware, the Grab N’ Go libraries are much more than mere bookshelves—they symbolize accessibility, community engagement, and a commitment to literacy. Situated conveniently within a large majority of properties, either inside or outside, these libraries offer the residents, the opportunity to freely browse and borrow books at their leisure. Whether their in the mood for a gripping mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an enlightening non-fiction title, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and genres/titles can always be requested. What’s more, residents are encouraged to contribute to the collection by donating books they’ve finished
reading, fostering a spirit of communal sharing and resourcefulness.
But our commitment to literacy doesn’t stop there. Greccio Housing’s dedication to nurturing young minds shines through with our free literacy kits for children. These kits, complete with captivating books and educational tools, serve as invaluable resources for families striving to instill a love for reading in their children.
Pictured left to right: Cristal Hubbard helping during mobile vet and Greccio Resident A. W. holding puppy, Lily.
Pictured left to right: Greccio Resident C.E. With cat and Dr. Lisa of the Pet Cross, Mobile Vet.
In The
SOW, GROW, NOURISH: GROWING FRESH PRODUCE IN OUR COMMUNITY GARDEN BEDS THIS SPRING!
The mission of the Garden Program at Greccio Housing is to provide our residents with a no-cost opportunity to grow nutritious food in their own backyards, develop the skills to work the garden beds, build relationships with their neighbors and promote community, reduce their grocery bills, and eat healthier meals. Last year, we had an amazing group of 19 dedicated residents participate in the program, but this year we’re planning for more.
This year, members of the Resident Resource team prepared for the upcoming garden season by participating in a one-day workshop with local gardening advocate and former Director of Pikes Peak Urban Garden, Larry Stebbins. In
Community gardens bring people of all walks of life together for a common goal, growing their own food.
- Larry Stebbins, Botanist, Author, Radio Host, & Gardening Educator
the workshop, our team learned the fundamentals of starting a garden, what to grow in our geographical area, and how to take care of a crop once it matures. Through this informative training our Resident Resource team can now better understand and problem solve the many issues that might arise with these community gardens and are better equipped to both handle them and teach residents.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
At present Greccio Housing has roughly 28 garden beds and 10 flower boxes for residents interested in claiming a plot in the program across multiple properties. These spaces are first come first serve and plants/seeds will be provided to residents based on what they are interested in growing.
This year, we are asking for volunteers to help us prep our Community Gardens at two properties as part of a citywide event called CityServe, put together by a local nonprofit, COSIloveyou. If you’re interested in learning more, donating, or attending one of our garden prep days please reach out to Resident Resources at 719-419-5610 or bgriego@greccio.org.
Pictured right: Greccio Housing resident, Brien, from 2 years ago at the Santa Fe gardens.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
TO A GRECCIO TEAM MEMBER!
TEAM MEMBER SURVEY
COMMUNITY REWARDS
Do you shop at King Soopers? Do you have a rewards card? Did you know you can link that rewards card to a non-profit of your choosing?
Greccio Housing has become part of the King Soopers Community Rewards program, but we need your help! How it works: any transactions with a linked shopper’s card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you!
TO LINK YOUR KING SOOPERS REWARD CARD SCAN OR VISIT
KINGSOOPERS.COM/i/COMMUNITY/COMMUNITY-REWARDS
FOLLOW US & STAY CONNECTED!
We’re looking to hear your positive feedback about a recent interaction with a Greccio team member. Scan the QR code to fill out a short survey about how a team member went above and beyond for you or our organization! Surveys are collected and reviewed quarterly for consideration towards ‘Honored Employee.‘ We want to hear from you! Survey can be accessed here as well: http://bit.ly/ ThankYouGreccio
H.G. has been a resident at Greccio Housing for a little over a year now. Before Greccio, he faced mounting stress due to rising rent rates combined with his income while working for a local nonprofit, which led him to struggle to make ends meet. Opting for a smaller Greccio unit provided him with swift accommodation, and since entering the community, he has been able to take advantage of our many support programs, such as personal finance classes and the food pantry. When asked about how Greccio has changed his quality of life H.G.responded, “It’s been great, I really enjoy the programs and the outreach Greccio provides for its residents; it’s been overall a really supportive place to live. I love my neighbors, the rent is fair, and it has been a huge blessing in my life.”
– H.G., Greccio Housing Resident, 2024
CHAMPION ($15,000+)
Jan Strycker
LEADER ($10,000-$14,999)
Dan & Jodie Boedigheimer
Carol J. Overby
SUSTAINER ($5,000-$9,999)
Robert L. Bunch & Betty Large
Thomas & Sue Neill
Alan Severn
Carl & Laine Smith
ADVOCATE ($1,000-$4,999)
Anonymous (12)
Brian & Lisa Baker
Bob & Sandra Guenther
Michael A. Heritage
David Lord
Jack Lundberg
Diane Miller
Lee & Laura Patke
Marsha & Don Smith
Thomas O. Speer
Tamrin Apaydin & Carl Stevens
INDIVIDUAL DONOR FUND
SUPPORTER ($250-$999)
Anonymous (17)
Fran & Charles Amos
Kent Borges & Stephanie DiCenzo
George & Cindy Edie
Bart & Jeanette Givens
Jan & John Henry
Paul Malek
Marilyn Neidens
Christine, John D., & John C. Orsborn
Mark Perrault
Michael Phan
Dana & Randy Rocha
Sue & Casey Scott
Nancy & Tom Scott
CELEBRATOR ($100-$249)
Anonymous (13)
Zach Bunney
Terry & Susan Darby
Jill & Matt Gaebler
Jack Hood
Calvin & Lisa Wulf
Denise Lucas
Thomas & Mary Jo Resman
FRIEND ($25- $99)
Anonymous (6)
Gary & Jill Altman
Marilyn & Don Bosenbecker
Rev. Louis & Mona Konopka
Thea & Gordon Platt
Claudia Deats-Rodgers
Aimee Theelen
IN MEMORY OF RICH STRYKER
Jan Strycker
THANK YOU FOR EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY!
Your individual contributions directly impact the lives of those we serve here at Greccio Housing and help further our mission.
READY TO BECOME A SUPPORTER?
The philanthropic support from individual donors, foundations, and corporations enhances our capacity to offer secure, affordable housing, essential resources to our residents, and positively enrich the greater Colorado Springs community.
For more information about ways to donate, or if you have specific questions regarding your donation please contact Director of Community Impact, Dana Rocha at 719-475-1422 or drocha@greccio.org, or visit our website Greccio.org to make a direct donation.
EASILY DONATE TODAY! Click here or open the camera app on your smart phone. Point the camera at the QR code. Tap the banner that appears on your Android, iPhone, or tablet.
PAY BY MAIL!
Send your check to: Greccio Housing, 1015 E Pikes Peak Ave, Ste 110, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. If making a donation Enterprize Zone please contact drocha@greccio.org or call 719-475-1422 for specific instructions.
