As the year begins, I find myself reflecting on my first year with Greccio Housing as the Programs Manager in Resident Resources. Each day, I witness the incredible impact our programs and staff have on our residents’ lives, and it’s truly inspiring to see the difference we make together, day in and day out!
Before joining Greccio Housing, I hadn’t heard of the organization—even though I’ve lived in Colorado Springs with my family and have been part of this community for quite some time. I believe this highlights how challenging it can be for nonprofits to gain visibility in today’s world, even after serving a community for nearly 35 years, as Greccio will have in 2025. However, that challenge does not diminish the importance of the work being done—for us or for any organization. With that being said, it’s because of you— whether as a donor, supporter, friend,
volunteer, or a combination of these— that we have been able to demonstrate just how much can be accomplished when a community comes together. Your contributions this past year have made a meaningful impact! While monetary donations are essential to our programming, we also want to recognize those who volunteered their time, shared conversations about our mission, recommended our services, or celebrated the work we do.
While we may not be a household name just yet, it is through you—our community champions—that our mission endures and our impact continues to grow.
To everyone who contributed last year, in any way, thank you! Your support has helped us empower our residents on a daily basis.
Wishing you a bright new year!
Sincerely,
Doug Anderson, Programs Manager
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM GRECCIO HOUSING!
HolidayMagic
THE JOY OF GIVING: THIS YEAR 41 GENEROUS DONORS BROUGHT HOLIDAY MAGIC TO FAMILIES!
This year marked the 19th Annual Adopt-A-Family program at Greccio Housing, and it was one of our most meaningful yet! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the program was a huge success, with 55 families adopted and 108 children receiving gifts. A total of 41 donors— ranging from long-time donors to first-time participants— made this possible.
The Adopt-A-Family program aims to ease the financial stress that the holiday season can bring to residents. Each November, Resident Resources compiles a list of families who wish to participate and matches them with anonymous donors from both the local community and the Greccio Housing organization. Families provide wish lists of toys and clothing for their children, which are then shared with their matched donors.
Once donors complete their shopping, the gifts are distributed during the Adopt-A-Family celebration. Families pick up their gifts in private, while children enjoy a dedicated space where they can choose special presents for their parents with the help of volunteers. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that surprises remain intact, allowing parents to load their cars discreetly.
And of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa, who brought smiles to the faces of children and a couple pets as well!
Pictured: Greccio residents with volunteer Santa during the Adopt-A-Family event where families picked up their donor gifts.
Saying Farewell
19 YEARS OF RENTING LEADS TO A NEW CHAPTER OF
HOMEOWNERSHIP: A RESIDENT INTERVIEW
For nearly two decades, Jacqueline Wilson has been an integral part of the Greccio Housing community. In this interview, Jacqueline reflects on her path, offers advice to fellow residents, and shares her gratitude for the organization that supported her journey.
Greccio Housing [GH]: How long have you been with Greccio Housing and how did you learn about our organization?
Jacqueline Wilson: I’ve been with Greccio Housing a combined 19 years across three different properties. I first learned about Greccio Housing while
living in New Jersey. Before moving here, I looked up affordable housing options in Colorado Springs, and Greccio Housing came up so I decided to come here. I didn’t know anyone in the area when I arrived. On a whim, I stayed with a couple for a short time, then went to Greccio Housing for an interview.
[GH] Over the course of the 19 years you’ve been with Greccio Housing what kinds of programs did you utilize through our Resident Resource Center?
Jacqueline: Well, my involvement with Resident Resources started with the
food pantry. You guys provide great food—fresh food—from different agencies, and I did that for a couple of years. And you offer residents a finance class in which they teach how to buy homes, build up your credit, and learn the things you need to know if you want to purchase a home.
Pictured: Jacqueline at one of the Cooking Matters classes offer during the summer through Care & Share.
However, when I started the class, I just went for the free $100 off your rent, with no expectations of ever doing anything other than renting from Greccio. But through those classes, I learned some techniques and things that I needed to do in order to purchase a home. I used the resources that the finance classes gave me, put them into action, and they worked… they really worked!
So, after 19 years, I was finally able to purchase a home, and that’s where I am today.
[GH] What was the process you went through to become a homeowner?
Jacqueline: My journey to homeownership started with fixing my credit. That was the number one thing I learned through the finance class. So, I paid off my credit card bills and was diligent about paying my rent and utilities on time because all of that goes into consideration. You don’t think it’s important, but it really is!
Even though I didn’t qualify for a lot of money, I was able to receive what I did by fixing my credit, being consistent, and creating a great pay history at Greccio. That also counted toward getting the loan I have.
What I learned, I used.
[GH] What advice do you have for fellow residents who are looking to become future homeowners?
Jacqueline: It’s not going to happen overnight, I’ll tell you that. Have patience and be consistent in paying your bills, and utilize the resources being offered at Greccio Housing—like those classes. It may not seem like it counts for you, but I was so surprised when what they taught me in those classes
actually worked. I was amazed, and now the fruit of that experience has gotten me to where I am today.
[GH] What would you say to someone that might be on the fence about needing affordable housing?
Jacqueline: Greccio has great affordable housing, but I believe they want the best for their residents, and that’s why they provide the classes to improve finances and the food pantry. I’m glad I chose Greccio when I first came here.
[GH] What inspired you to join the resident council and take on a more active role beyond that of a typical resident?
Jacqueline: I’m here anyway, I live here anyway, so why not utilize my experience? That’s why I got involved. I’ve been here for 19 years, and I applaud the organization. I believe in what Greccio is doing and thank them for offering these things so you can participate and feel like a part of something, instead of just a renter.
That’s one thing Greccio never did—they never made me feel like just a renter. I always felt like I was a part of something good, and that’s why I participated in programs like the resident council.
[GH] Do you have any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share?
Jacqueline: I just want to add that it’s been a great experience. I’d like to thank each staff member, each volunteer, and each donor for what they provide to Greccio Housing for the residents. I’m going to take that with me going forward. I’m very grateful and appreciative that you’re here and that you provided safe and affordable housing for 19 years for me and my family.
Pictured: Jacqueline and the Resident Council members during a 2024 Spring meeting hosted at the Greccio Housing main office.
Pictured: Jacqueline saying goodbye to her old apartment as she prepares to move to her new house in North Carolina.
THE THANKSGIVING SPIRIT IN ACTION: MEALS FOR FAMILIES, DELIVERED WITH CARE
This past November, Greccio Housing, with the generous support of volunteers and contributions from the Pikes Peak Kiwanis Club and Fresh Start Center, proudly continued its cherished tradition of providing Thanksgiving meal baskets to residents. These baskets offer peace of mind, relieving families of the financial burden of buying everything that goes into a holiday meal, allowing them to enjoy the special occasion.
Residents across Greccio’s 29 properties were invited to sign up for these special baskets ahead of the holiday season. While these baskets didn’t include fully prepared meals, like some thanksgiving programs, each box was thoughtfully packed with essential Thanksgiving staples—
potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, yams, and, of course, a turkey—everything needed for a hearty holiday feast.
In the weekend leading up to Thanksgiving, dedicated staff and volunteers came together to assemble 120 meal boxes. Once packed, they formed delivery teams to personally distribute the boxes to residents throughout Colorado Springs. This
heartfelt effort ensured that families had all the ingredients for a joyful and memorable Thanksgiving celebration at home.
The dedicated group of staff and volunteers
Pictured: Greccio Housing residents receiving Thanksgiving meal baskets for the holiday at their apartments.
Pictured:
who helped pack, organize, and deliver meal baskets to resident’s apartments.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO Pikes Peak Kiwanis Club
GOVERNOR POLIS VISITS THE VILLAGE AT SOLID ROCK
In mid-December, Greccio Housing Executive Director Lee Patke and Pastor Ben Anderson of Solid Rock Church welcomed Colorado Governor Jared Polis to The Village at Solid Rock, southeast Colorado Springs’ newest affordable housing development. Currently managed by Greccio Housing, The Village at Solid Rock features 77 brand-new 1-3 bedroom units, with most already occupied by residents.
During his visit, Governor Polis engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the property, its residents, and the broader impact of affordable housing in the community. The tour included a walk-through of the property’s amenities and showcased both a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom unit. The visit concluded with a conversation highlighting the importance of affordable housing solutions for the region.
SKY-HIGH ACHIEVEMENT FOR LAST YEARS FUNDRAISER
As we kick off the new year and start planning this year’s events and fundraisers, we’re reflecting on some of Greccio Housing’s major achievements from last year. One standout success was the Annual Labor Day Lift-Off Parking Lot Fundraiser, which truly deserves
celebration. This past year’s event set a new record, raising an incredible total of nearly $10,000!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our fundraising sponsor, Medicare Mentors, LLC for their support last year.
“I feel so much gratitude because I’m so blessed to live in a Greccio Housing Community.” Miriam first learned about Greccio through an employee at the organization, and it felt like a beacon of hope during a difficult time. Before moving to Greccio, rising rent costs and a recent illness made life increasingly challenging. After undergoing major surgery that left her disabled, she found her income drastically changed, which made finding safe, affordable housing a struggle. Since moving in, she has experienced kindness and support that went beyond her expectations. She recalled when she contracted COVID, two neighbors brought her Thanksgiving meals because they knew she was unwell.
– Miriam .S, Greccio Housing Resident, 2024
Pictured: Pastor Ben Anderson of Solid Rock Church, Governor Jared Polis, Greccio Housing Executive Director Lee Patke, and Jill Gaebler, Executive Director of Pikes Peak Housing Network, during their visit to the Village at Solid Rock property.
Pictured: An early morning view from the Greccio Housing parking lot of Labor Day Lift-Off this past September.
BECOME A SUPPORTER!
GRECCIO HOUSING
INDIVIDUAL DONOR FUND
CHAMPION ($15,000+)
Jan Strycker
LEADER ($10,000-$14,999)
Anonymous (1)
Dan & Jodie Boedigheimer
Carol J. Overby
SUSTAINER ($5,000-$9,999)
Robert L. Bunch & Betty Large
Bob & Sandra Guenther
Thomas & Sue Neill
Alan Severn
Carl & Laine Smith
ADVOCATE ($1,000-$4,999)
Anonymous (12)
Brian & Lisa Baker
Michael A. Heritage
David Lord
Jack Lundberg
Diane Miller
Lee & Laura Patke
Marsha & Don Smith
Thomas O. Speer
Tamrin Apaydin & Carl Stevens
SUPPORTER ($250-$999)
Anonymous (18)
Fran & Charles Amos
Donate today! Your support helps us provide affordable housing, vital resources, and enrich the Colorado Springs community.
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
Mark & Patricia Stanforth
CELEBRATOR ($100-$249)
Anonymous (12)
Zach Bunney
Terry & Susan Darby
Jill & Matt Gaebler
Jack Hood
Denise Lucas
Thomas & Mary Jo Resman
Carol Sandoval
Calvin & Lisa Wulf
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.
Individual Donor Fund names and amounts based off of 23-24 Fiscal Year.
