The Faces of Housing
The Faces of Housing is a video series presented by the Valley Housing Fund that highlights the real people behind the housing crisis in the Gunnison Valley.
Through powerful, personal stories, this series connects the issue of housing to the neighbors, workers, and families who make up the fabric of our community.
Our goal is to invite everyone to look closer, listen deeper, and realize that solving the housing crisis isn’t just possible, it’s personal.
Watch their stories, join the conversation, and learn how you can help shape a more stable and resilient future for everyone who calls this valley home.
The Stories
Meet Wade Baker | VP of Operations at Gunnison Valley Health
As VP of Operations at Gunnison Valley Health, Wade leads a team of over 500 healthcare employees. After more than 20 years in the valley, he sees daily how the housing crisis affects the people working to care for this community, and how hard it is to recruit and retain staff without stable, affordable options.
Meet Veronica Jarolimek | Lieutenant, Crested Butte Fire Protection District
Crested Butte has been Veronica’s sanctuary since 1994. Thanks to affordable housing, she’s been able to raise her family here and build a life rooted in this community. While she’s seen others pushed out by rising costs, she believes affordable housing is how more families can stay and thrive in a place they love.
Meet Diego Plata | Mayor of the City of Gunnison
As the Mayor of Gunnison, Diego sees the impact of the housing crisis in every corner of the community. He envisions a future where the essential workers who keep the city running — the police officers, teachers, nurses, and service industry employees — aren’t just making ends meet, but are given the opportunity to put down roots in a home of their own.
Meet Zach Guy | Lead Forecaster, Crested Butte Avalanche Center
For Zach, having an affordable place to call home in CB has made all the difference. Affordable housing has given him and his wife the ability to start a family in Crested Butte, build a strong community, and give back to this special place they love. He believes that kind of stability should be possible for everyone who wants to build a life here.
