a price she could afford. No longer at the mercy of landlords or rising rents, Charlene and her son finally had a place to call their own—a stable, secure foundation on which to build their future. And Charlene’s story is just one of many. Since its inception, ECLT has assisted over 200 families in achieving the dream of homeownership. From young couples just starting out to retirees looking to downsize, we serve a diverse range of clients, each with a unique story. Building Community, One Home at a Time Our impact extends far beyond the individual families we serve. By bringing affordable homeownership to neighborhoods across Denver and beyond, we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities. In Aurora, where housing affordability has become an increasingly pressing issue, our presence is making a real difference. By partnering with local governments, private developers, community-based organizations, and the philanthropic community, we are able to leverage our resources to make homeownership accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out of the market. Challenges and Opportunities Of course, our journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating complex regulatory landscapes to dispelling misconceptions about the CLT model, we have faced our fair share of obstacles along the way. But through it all, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to our mission. With a dedicated team of staff members and volunteers, we have continued to push forward, finding creative solutions to even the most daunting of challenges. And as we look to the future, we see a world of opportunity on the horizon. With plans to expand our reach to communities across the state, we are poised to make an even greater impact in the coming years.
Legislative Support and Advocacy
In our ongoing efforts to advocate for affordable housing, we recognize the importance of legislative support. At ECLT, we understand that we can’t tackle the housing crisis alone. That’s why we’ve been actively engaging with policymakers at all levels of government. For instance, to address the estimated shortage of up to 173,000 housing units in our most populous counties, we advocated for Senate Bill 24-106, the Right to Remedy Construction Defects, to increase affordable housing options by tackling issues like construction liability and expanding homeownership opportunities. This type of legislation is crucial given the scarcity of affordable housing types, such as condominiums, which have become increasingly unattainable for many Coloradans. A Brighter Future Ahead We are filled with hope and optimism as we look ahead to the next chapter of our journey. With a growing network of supporters and a track record of success, we are poised to continue making a real difference in the lives of families across Colorado. But perhaps most importantly, we remain rooted in the belief that change starts at the grassroots level. By equipping communities to take control of their own destinies, we are proving that when people come together, anything is possible. In the end, our story is not just about affordable housing; it’s about the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home and that home is just the beginning of a journey toward stability, security, and prosperity for all, not just some.
To learn more about Elevation Community Land Trust and our programs and initiatives, visit www. elevationclt.org.
18 The Acumen
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