CHFA is proud to announce its Round One 2022 Direct Effect Award recipients.
CHFA’s Direct Effect Awards recognize Colorado nonprofit organizations whose missions align with CHFA’s work to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development.
In Round One 2022, CHFA is donating $440,500 to 34 nonprofits through its Direct Effect program. CHFA received over 40 applications seeking more than $800,000 in combined funding in this round. Two additional funding rounds will be offered in 2022.
The 2022 Direct Effect Award Round One recipients are listed below.
Aspire 3D - $20,000
Aspire 3D was created by Loveland Housing Authority (LHA) to wrap residents in support, elevate their quality of life, and assist them as they increase self-sufficiency. In collaboration with partnering organizations, they provide onsite services and resource navigation at several LHA properties serving previously homeless veterans, older adults, and families. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the expansion of their Strengthening Families in Loveland Together program, which is a two-generation model of place-based community care that strengthens families and provides brighter futures for children. To learn more about Aspire 3D, please visit aspire3D.org.
CASA of Pueblo - $15,000
CASA of Pueblo believes that every child should have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving home and become a thriving adult and productive member of their community. Their program recruits, trains, and coordinates volunteers to serve as advocates for youth who have been removed from the home due to abuse and neglect and serves as their voice in the community and in the courts as a permanent home is quickly determined. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the general operations of three programs: CASA of Pueblo, Heart of Colorado CASA, and Arkansas Valley CASA. To learn more about CASA of Pueblo, please visit casaofpueblo.org.
Central Mountain Small Business Development Center - $10,000
The Central Mountain Small Business Development Center helps small businesses and nonprofits grow and prosper. They support under-served rural communities located in Chaffee, Lake and Park Counties. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will invest in three programs. First, the Power of WE (Women Entrepreneurs), a conference that offers thought provoking content, resources, and tools to inspire women's leadership and business development. Second, The Outdoor Industry Summit, an exploration of growth/scale opportunities, stewardship, and education for those operating an outdoor recreation business or nonprofit in Colorado. Lastly, the LeanUp Start & Scale Series which will provide short virtual trainings to support small businesses during startup, pivots, and scaleup processes. To learn more about Central Mountain Small Business Development Center, please visit centralsbdc.org.
Cloud City Conservation Center - $10,000
Cloud City Conservation Center’s Energy Resource Center works to make Lake County homes safer and warmer, improve Lake County’s housing stock, and supports more resilient Lake County residents as they reduce their energy costs. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Energy Resource Center, which provides direct assistance to Lake County residents through Bill Payment Assistance for past due utility bills, rebates and financial assistance for energy audits and energy improvements, financial assistance with health and safety issues, free radon test kits and education, and education on understanding and reducing their energy usage. To learn more about Cloud City Conservation Center, please visit c4leadville.org.
Colorado Futuretek Inc. - $7,500
Colorado Futuretek’s mission is to provide enrichment training and resources to help African American and other underrepresented minority youth obtain marketable skills in the IT and computer industries and support them in developing interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills. They also work to elevate older adults by providing basic computer and smartphone training and assistance to increase their knowledge and comfort with technology, which contributes to their mental health and their economic well-being. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the youth and older adult training programs by purchasing program materials and providing instructor and student stipends. To learn more about Colorado Futuretek, please visit cftek.org.
Community Hospital - $20,000
Community Hospital’s (CH) mission is to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve. CH is located in Mesa County, which is facing a severe shortage of early childhood education services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support a 7,500 square foot Early Childhood Education Center that CH is building. The center will support children ages six weeks to six years, not only of employees, but many community members, and those from surrounding areas. To learn more about Community Hospital, please visit yourcommunityhospital.com.
Conejos County Housing Authority - $20,000
Conejos County Housing Authority (CCHA), operates 44 public housing units located in three different municipalities. Recently, CCHA established the area’s first USDA Housing Preservation Program and received a grant which targeted low-income families who cannot afford to make any type of improvements to their homes. The grant provides funds up to, but not exceeding, 50 percent of the cost of a home repair project, with the remaining cost to be paid by the homeowner through a cash match, through the time of volunteers, and/or the homeowner working on the project. However, CCHA has found that the applicants not only need major work, but do not have the means to provide the additional funds or volunteer efforts. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help bridge this gap and allow CCHA to prioritize projects that have safety and/or environmental concerns. To learn more about Conejos County Housing Authority, please visit conejoshousing.org.
Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce - $25,000
The Cortez Area Chamber is the primary business support and economic development organization in Cortez. They focus on providing logistical support, and connecting businesses to the resources, information, incentives, and training they need to relocate or expand in the area. The Chamber recently renovated a building into a new Chamber Business Resource Center to provide co-working and business incubator space in downtown Cortez, along with convenient access to business training and resources. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help purchase the remaining furniture needed for the space, a security system, and access control system for the building. It will also assist with program development and outreach for the new space and help cover the cost of hiring one-to-two additional staff for the center to increase the hours of operation for the facility. To learn more about Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit cortezchamber.com.
Ekar Farm - $5,000
Ekar Farm is a communal urban farm, which works to build community, provide experiential and environmental education, and grow sustainably produced fruits and vegetables, expanding access to those in need. Ekar partners with food access organizations serving the most vulnerable neighborhoods in Denver, to reach food insecure families with youth, immigrants, the un-and-underemployed, the unhoused, and BIPOC communities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Ekar’s work to strengthen the capacity for Denver’s neighborhoods to acquire food at the most local of levels. To learn more about Ekar Farm, please visit ekarfarm.org.
Energy Resource Center - $20,000
Energy Resource Center’s mission is to improve home energy efficiency, conserve energy, promote health, increase comfort, and expand Coloradans’ quality of life. Their programs provide free home energy efficiency upgrade work for low-income qualifying clients. Low-income households are often among the oldest housing stock in a community and many require significant home safety repairs that are outside of ERC’s expertise and budget. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the ERC Home Repairs Fund, which allows ERC to take a holistic approach to client situations by addressing any pre-existing home safety repairs needed that prevent clients from being eligible for free weatherization services. To learn more about Energy Resource Center, please visit erc-co.org.
Foothills Regional Housing - $8,000
Foothills Regional Housing’s (FRH) mission is to create vibrant, stable communities, in areas of opportunity, via bold and strategic initiatives and to provide families and individuals with housing options driven by compassion and respect throughout Jefferson County. FRH has 21 affordable housing properties located throughout Jefferson County, serving low-income community members as well as special needs populations including seniors, foster youth, and formerly homeless individuals. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support FRH’s Youth to Independence program and the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program at FRH’s property, AVi at Olde Town. The funding will provide bus passes to each resident in these programs and funding for college textbooks. To learn more about Foothills Regional Housing, please visit foothillsrh.org.
Friends of DHA - $7,500
Denver Housing Authority (DHA) plans, builds and manages affordable housing and has over 25 years of housing and financial counseling experience with low-income individuals striving for financial stability and home ownership. The access to digital devices, reliable and affordable high-speed internet service, and training to use digital tools and platforms is an is an unmet need facing low-income, public housing residents. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help Friends of DHA purchase up-to-date computers for two community computer labs. This will allow all DHA residents to have the increased access to the tools they need to live in the digital age. To learn more about Friends of DHA, please visit friendsofdha.org.
Greccio Housing Unlimited, Inc - $20,000
Greccio exists to provide stable, safe, and supportive affordable-housing options for individuals and families earning modest incomes who work and live in Colorado Springs. Greccio owns and/or manages 635 apartment units across 28 properties serving more than 1,000 residents throughout Colorado Springs. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to support Greccio’s eviction prevention programs, Educational Resources for Family Stability Program, and food security program. To learn more about Greccio Housing Unlimited, please visit greccio.org.
Habitat for Humanity of Grand County - $15,000
Habitat for Humanity of Grand County works in partnership with the Grand County community and families in need to build simple, affordable homes. Habitat builds houses that will remain affordable for the long term for families that include those unable to meet their basic housing requirements, struggling single parents, and families with special-needs children. The local need has been especially acute since 2020 because of the twin impacts of COVID and the East Troublesome wildfire that destroyed 366 homes. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help support a full-time Executive Director, which will help the affiliate become sustainable and provide affordable housing in Grand County for years to come. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Grand County, please visit habitatgrandcounty.org.
Housing Catalyst - $5,000
For more than 50 years, Housing Catalyst has been building community in Northern Colorado. As a mission-driven real estate developer, Housing Catalyst is at the leading edge of affordable housing, forging public-private partnerships to build and preserve affordable homes. Housing Catalyst’s goal is goal is to support residents of all ages for long-term stability. Through their Resident Services Program, they provide direct services and connections to local resources that are vital in supporting residents. One of Resident Services Program’s priority areas is education. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help hire a part-time temporary staff member to focus on building partnerships with schools and family liaison workers through Poudre School District; provide summer enrichment programming; and lead efforts to help children catch up and have greater success in school. To learn more about Housing Catalyst, please visit housingcatalyst.com.
Housing Resources of Western Colorado - $5,000
Housing Resources of Western Colorado’s mission is to help Western Coloradans thrive from an affordable, quality home. They provide direct housing and housing support to thousands of clients a year with services designed to improve affordability, maintain quality housing, and educate people to be smart renters and owners. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the development and delivery of a new Renter Education Workshop. The workshop will help ease the anxiety of Landlord/Tenant relationships and help participants achieve stable rental housing. Students will learn what it means to be a good tenant, the importance of budgeting and paying rent on time, and what they should expect of their property owner. To learn more about Housing Resources of Western Colorado, please visit hrwco.org
Ithaka - $10,000
For over 40 years, Ithaka has been providing affordable housing to individuals and families living in poverty in Colorado Springs. Their work has evolved to a supportive, transitional approach, preparing people with the highest barriers to acquire and maintain stable, affordable housing. Because they serve those with the highest barriers, their transitional programs have longer, flexible time frames allowing for the growth and development of skills and supports needed for future success. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Ithaka’s Senior Transition Program, which aims to serve homeless and at-risk senior citizens in a housing first model. To learn more about Ithaka, please visit ithakahousing.org.
JUST Living Recovery - $15,000
JUST Living Recovery (JLR) provides safe and affordable housing for people in recovery from substance abuse. The rising rates of harmful chemicals and stimulant use, particularly opioids and methamphetamines, have negative health, social, and economic consequences for communities across Colorado. JLR is one of the few mixed-gender, affordable recovery housing options in the state that is particularly welcoming to BIPOC and LGBTQAI+ communities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help fund JLR’s supportive residence and ongoing recovery programs. To learn more about JUST Living Recovery, please visit justlivingrecovery.org.
KV Estates HOA - $5,000
KV Estates HOA is creating a place in Saguache County where seniors, families, and single residents all have food security. Saguache County is a food dessert due to a lack of infrastructure and the expansiveness of the county. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will go toward the KV Estates Food Security Project Kitchen Hub, which will have a commercial kitchen installed in the KV clubhouse. The commercial kitchen will be used to provide meals for older adults, children, and the disabled. To learn more about KV Estates HOA, please visit kvhomeownersassociation.com.
Little Mavericks Learning Center - $10,000
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is the primary access point to higher education on Colorado’s Western Slope. Little Mavericks Learning Center (LMLC) was incorporated in 1978 to provide childcare services to the CMU community. LMLC is licensed to accommodate 214 children and mostly serves the student population at CMU, with 35% of the children either qualifying for Child Care Assistance funding through the state or are on free or reduced lunch. LMLC also provides subsidized care to all CMU-student parents, allowing them the freedom to pursue higher education in order to help them and their families advance to economic security and stability. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help support LMLC’s summer program through staff salaries, van rentals, and field trip fees. To learn more about LMLC, please visit coloradomesa.edu/little-mavs.
Manna - The Durango Soup Kitchen - $25,000
Manna’s mission is to provide, in the spirit of faith and love, nourishing meals and supportive services in an atmosphere of acceptance and caring for those in need. Manna's vision is to build strength, resilience, and equity in La Plata County, through innovative and holistic services that cultivate a sustainable future with their community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help launch the first comprehensive Community Resource Center in La Plata County. Manna is remodeling their soup kitchen building and transforming it into a Community Kitchen with a Take-out Window, Food Market, and a Resource Center. To learn more about Manna, please visit mannasoupkitchen.org.
NorthWest Colorado Center for Independence - $15,000
The NorthWest Colorado Center for Independence (NWCCI) supports people with disabilities and seniors by connecting them with providers of housing, transportation, employment, assistive technology, access to benefits and independent living services. NWCCI plays a fundamental role in creating more equitable and thriving communities in five rural counties: Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Grand, and Summit. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support a home modification program which will help their clients achieve accessibility solutions and more independence. To learn more about NWCCI, please visit nwcci.org.
Presbyterian Manor - $20,000
Presbyterian Manor has provided affordable housing to seniors in downtown Boulder, since 1963. In recent years, the Manor began providing a meal partnership with a market across the street as they learned that several residents were suffering adverse health effects because of malnutrition due to lack of funds or lack of access. The market closed in early 2021 and residents were left without options. A new program has been established with Community Table Kitchen, which offers residents meals delivered directly to the building. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help lower costs to residents and further expand access. To learn more about Presbyterian Manor, please visit presbymanor.org.
San Luis Valley Great Outdoors - $5,000
San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO!) bolsters economic development in the San Luis Valley by helping organize, support, and guide community initiatives that aim to improve health, transportation, and economic vitality via trails and outdoor resources. SLV GO’s development of trails has had a direct effect on the livability and economic vitality of the communities they work in. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help fund the construction of the “School to School” trail, a one mile segment in the Eastern San Luis Valley Trail System that would connect the Safe Routes to School Trail to the Baca Nature and Heritage Trail, which further connects the Crestone Charter School to the Colorado College Baca Campus, and ultimately the Town of Crestone to the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. To learn more about SLV GO!, please visit slvgo.com.
San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition - $20,000
San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition’s mission is to foster an equitable local food system that restores the health of the people, community, economy, and ecosystem. By supporting the success and viability of small-scale agricultural businesses across the entire San Luis Valley, the Local Foods Coalition has taken the lead in furthering economic development for local agricultural producers to ensure profits are being woven back into the local economy. Their Rio Grande Farm Park (RGFP) is a 38-acre community agricultural park located along the Rio Grande in Alamosa. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the RGFP’s Food to Pantry Program, which grows produce for four local food pantry partners. To learn more about San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition, please visit slvlocalfoods.org.
Silver Key Senior Services - $15,000
Silver Key Senior Services’ mission is to serve in partnership with their stakeholders to support a healthy quality of life for seniors, allowing them to age safely with dignity and independence. Silver Key Senior Services is committed to providing affordable senior housing in the Colorado Springs area. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support and help launch Silver Key’s new Senior Housing Modification program, designed to help low-income seniors safely and independently aging in place in their own homes. This form of community support is the most economical option for 90% of seniors who wish to remain in their own homes. This new collaborative program teams up with Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity in a first-time pilot to combine the legacy work of both organizations committed to affordable housing for families in need. To learn more about Silver Key, please visit silverkey.org.
Status Code 4, Inc. - $7,500
Status Code 4, Inc. (SC4i) supports their community through providing specialized trauma healing services to Colorado’s First Responders and their family members. First Responders see a lot of trauma in their daily lives and historically their stress often goes unsupported. SC4I provides services including counseling, education, resources, and intensive retreats. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to address financial stress and mitigating strategies including regional peer support, resiliency training, couples' financial management, and financial classes. To learn more about Status Code 4, Inc., please visit sc4i.org.
The GrowHaus - $15,000
The GrowHaus provides immediate food relief to families, while building community wealth and economic opportunities for families in Globeville and Elyria-Swansea (GES). Their food access programs distribute over 450 no cost and low-cost food boxes every week to families in the community to provide reliable access to healthy and culturally relevant food. They also work to dismantle the root causes of food insecurity by providing youth, adult, and multigenerational education around growing and cooking healthy food. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Promotora Apprenticeship Program. Promotoras are members of the GES community, or other similar communities, who lead programming about health and wellness and serve as community navigators. To learn more about The GrowHaus, please visit thegrowhaus.org.
The Rowdy Foundation - $5,000
The Rowdy Foundation provides wrap-around services at two Permanent Supportive Housing apartments. These services aim to swiftly rehouse individuals and families experiencing homelessness. We provide rehousing services and upon move in, case managers immediately meet with residents to assess needs such as food, financial, transportation, education, employment, childcare, and more. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Aspire program. The Aspire program is an incentive-based program that strategically encourages residents to engage in services, accomplish tasks relating to self-sufficiency, and meet personal needs. To learn more about The Rowdy Foundation, please visit therowdyfoundationdenver.com.
Tu Casa, Inc. - $10,000
Tu Casa, Inc. serves people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse/assault, human trafficking, and stalking. Tu Casa, Inc. provides flexible financial assistance for the first month’s rent, relocation services, transportation, utility payments, phone minutes, and more. Tu Casa, Inc. also provides advocacy services and temporary emergency shelter. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Tu Casa’s temporary shelter and housing assistance program. It will provide assistance for clients who are in need of deposit assistance and back pay on rent and utilities for up to three months. To learn more about Tu Casa, Inc., please visit slvtucasa.net.
UpRoot Colorado - $15,000
UpRoot Colorado’s mission is to increase the nutritional security of Coloradans by harvesting and redistributing surplus, nutrient-dense foods while supporting the resilience of farmers. Their programs reconnect Coloradans to farmland, a major source of their food supply, and increase awareness of the true value of food. They have recovered nearly one million servings of surplus healthy food, redistributing this resource into the hands of Colorado residents struggling with food and/or nutritional insecurity. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support three part-time gleaning and food-systems coordinators in the surplus-food-recovery program. To learn more about UpRoot Colorado, please visit uprootcolorado.org.
We Fortify - $10,000
We Fortify is building The Working Fusion at Mill Street community in Colorado Springs. This housing initiative will annually serve 18 at-risk, low-income youth between the ages of 18-25 years old. Working Fusion will help them maintain employment, pursue job training/education, and qualify for a living wage position. Through their efforts, We Fortify seeks to help participants be in a better position to contribute to their own economic stability, as well as the economic strength of Colorado Springs and the state of Colorado. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the programming at Working Fusion at Mill Street. To learn more about We Fortify, please visit workingfusion.com.
West End Economic Development Corporation - $15,000
West End Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) is the economic development agency for the West End of Montrose and San Miguel Counties. They develop housing projects in Nucla, Naturita and Norwood, Colorado, create a secure food networks in this very isolated region of Colorado, and provide small business training. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support homeowner education, entrepreneurship, and fresh food access. To learn more about WEEDC, please visit choosewestend.org.
Yampa Valley Housing Authority - $10,000
The mission of the Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) is to support the local economy,
community, and businesses of the Yampa Valley by implementing appropriate housing solutions
for local workers, other qualified residents, and their families. YVHA develops, acquires, manages, and operates housing and programs for low and moderate-income community members. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help launch their Housing Navigation Program. The program will offer English and Spanish-language support services to help community members navigate the complicated and often frustrating local rental and for-purchase housing landscape. To learn more about YVHA, please visit yvha.org.