Whether you’ve lived here for decades or visit every year, you know how important affordable housing is to small mountain communities like ours.

And if you’re like many people we talk to, you might feel the weight of this issue and want to help, but aren’t sure how to do so. Housing is a complex issue, and it’s easy to wonder if one person can truly make a difference.

But real progress happens when we all come together. Even simple actions, like attending a community meeting or contributing a small monthly gift, can create the momentum and collective impact we need to tackle the housing crisis.

Here are three easy ways you can show your support, spread the word, and join us in shaping the future of housing in the Gunnison Valley.

Become a Friend of Housing

Last month, we launched the Friends of Housing program to give community members an easy yet meaningful way to support local housing solutions all year long. 

By becoming a Friend of Housing for as little as $5/month, you help provide the consistent support needed to keep housing efforts moving forward in the Gunnison Valley.

With reliable contributions from supporters like you, we can award critical grant funding to valleywide affordable housing projects, stay at the center of housing conversations, and create opportunities for more people who live and work here to continue calling this place home.

Becoming a Friend of Housing is more than a donation. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show up consistently for our neighbors, our community, and the future of the valley we all love.

Join the Housing Conversation

Your voice really matters. When you speak up about housing, you’re helping keep the conversation alive and making sure local workers, families, and longtime residents stay at the heart of every discussion and decision.

Here are three ways you can join the housing conversation: 

  • Attend a community meeting or town hall event in Gunnison or Crested Butte
    • Crested Butte Town Council meets at Town Hall (507 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224) at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month. 
    • Gunnison City Council meets at City Hall (201 W. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison) at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. 
  • Write a letter to the editor of the Gunnison Country Times or Crested Butte News showing support for housing
  • Apply to join the Valley Housing Fund Board of Directors
    • We’re seeking passionate individuals to join the Valley Housing Fund Board of Directors. As a board member, you’ll play a key role in supporting affordable housing projects and initiatives. If you’re interested in taking a more active role in this work, we’d love to hear from you. Email scott@vhfund.org to learn more.

Advocate for Housing

Advocating for housing doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be as simple as sharing what you know with the people around you.

Talk with a neighbor about how housing has impacted your life, or the life of someone you know in the community. Forward this blog to a friend who cares about the future of the valley and wants to get more involved. Or share exciting news or housing updates with your coworkers or a community group you’re involved in. Every conversation helps more people see the connection between housing and the strength and health of our community.

You can also follow and share our posts on social media to help more people learn about our work. Here’s a link to our pages:

When more people understand what’s at stake, we collectively build the awareness and support needed to create real change.

Final Thoughts

Solving the housing challenges in the Gunnison Valley won’t happen overnight, but every action, no matter how small, helps move us in the right direction. Whether you choose to become a Friend of Housing, join the conversation at a local meeting, or simply share what you’ve learned with a neighbor, it all adds up.

We’re all stronger together. Thank you for caring about this place we all love and for being part of the collective effort to keep it a home for everyone.