Rocky Mountain HDC is a faith-based non-profit organization, providing affordable family housing and supportive services. It was envisioned in 1995 by founding members of the United Church of Christ (UCC) to fulfill the growing need for affordable housing for struggling families in the Metro Denver area. In recent years, this need continues to flourish with the economic recession. In all counties in the Denver Metro area, there is an increased need for affordable housing units as income levels drop.

Currently, Rocky Mountain HDC has five affordable housing communities in Metro Denver, with two communities in Arvada. Determination of a family's AMI (Area Median Income) is a precondition for eligibility to reside at our properties-families living in our communities must earn between 0-60% of the AMI. The AMI is set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Since its inception, Rocky Mountain HDC has been building safe and quality "services enriched" housing for families searching for a place to raise their children. Willow Green was built in 2005, is located in Arvada and is home to 60 families-5 are considered "transitional" housing, which means families work with an outside case management provider. Sheridan Ridge was acquired in 2006, is also located in Arvada, and has 65 units of mixed affordable and market-rate rentals. 

While the initial goal of the organization was to increase housing for low-to-moderate income families, founding board members recognized that families needed more than affordable housing to stabilize their lives-many were also struggling with challenges like homelessness, unemployment, and single parenting. In response, Rocky Mountain HDC created the Family Services and After-School Program in 1997 to further stabilize adults and youth in our communities.

"We provide services-enriched affordable housing in Colorado to give hope to those who need a helping hand and to invest in the futures of our families," says Alms-Ransford.

These services include:

· An After-School and Summer Youth Program for youth aged 6-14, which provides life skills training, opportunities for community volunteering, individual tutoring and help with homework, and recreational and cultural activities.

· A Youth Leadership Program for youth aged 14-18 who live in the communities. They assist with summer programming and participate in leadership workshops on topics such as college preparation, healthy relationships, and conflict management.

· Family Services for all adults at our three communities, which include support with resume writing, job searching, GED classes, individual coaching on assertiveness, conflict resolution and referrals to a network of local social services agencies to address individual needs for additional support.

On a regular basis, community building activities are organized to bring residents together. In the past, Rocky Mountain HDC has organized National Night Out events to familiarize the community with local police officers.

For more information, please see www.rockymountainhdc.org  or contact Joyce Alms-Ransford at 303-561-1870.