Rural Homes development in Ridgeway
Photo by Corey Robinson / Special to The Colorado Trust
Westside Mobile Home Park establishes housing co-op in Durango
Photo by Rocky Mountain PBS
Last month, the Valley Housing Fund joined over 1,000 affordable housing leaders, advocates, and community members at the annual Housing Colorado Conference in Keystone. This event provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with others in the field, share strategies, and explore new approaches to affordable housing across Colorado.
Key Takeaways from the Conference
Each session reminded us how creative collaboration can drive real change in our rural and mountain communities. Here are a few highlights that we’re excited to bring back to our work in the Gunnison Valley:
Theo E.J. Wilson’s Keynote
Opening the conference with an impactful message, keynote speaker Theo E.J. Wilson shared his perspective on housing justice, reminding us that “injustice for some is injustice for all.” His story of growing up in a redlined neighborhood in Denver served as a powerful reminder that housing issues affect entire communities, not just individuals, and highlighted the importance of collective action.
The Rural Homes Pilot Project
This inspiring initiative delivered 60 new affordable homes to rural communities in Southwestern Colorado in just two years. The group’s success highlights the power of partnerships between philanthropists, state agencies, and the private sector, all working together to make housing more accessible. As we continue to address the unique housing challenges in the Gunnison Valley, models like this give us new perspectives on collaborative solutions.
Community Ownership Models
One notable session focused on transitioning mobile home communities from for-profit ownership to resident and community control. Various models—such as resident-owned communities, land trusts, and municipal ownership—are empowering residents and stabilizing housing for the long term. For rural areas like ours, this approach offers a powerful example of how existing housing infrastructure can be made both affordable and resilient.
Why These Lessons Matter to the Gunnison Valley
Attending the conference gave us a chance to think big about how affordable housing can shape the future of our own community. Housing justice is about creating opportunities for everyone to live, work, and thrive. The examples and insights we gathered in Keystone will help shape our vision for a Gunnison Valley where stable, affordable housing is a reality for all.