The Buildout

Food and shelter are two basic things all humans need to survive. But with the rising costs of both groceries and housing, a lot of Coloradans are finding it difficult to afford both. In this episode, we hear from organizations seeking to address food insecurity, including Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, Longmont Housing Authority, and the Family and Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) in Summit County. Each is unique in their strategy, but all share the conviction that one should never have to choose between dinner or shelter. Resources from this episode: Care and Share Food Bank for Southern ColoradoLongmont Housing Authority Family and Intercultural Resource CenterBy accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com.

Colorado needs over 136,000 more affordable housing units for low-income earners. That means the state needs people to build that housing. From skilled tradespeople to developers and property managers, the industry needs all kinds of workers to tackle the state’s housing crisis.  In Colorado Springs, Mat Lujan and Cliff Hunter head up Project Diakonia; a nonprofit that mentors at-risk youth with hands-on construction training, and partners with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing. Plus, the University of Denver offers an intensive, year-long curriculum to support housing and real estate professionals at every level. Co-director Susan Daggett says these cohorts bring together students with diverse experiences from all over the state, encouraging them to use their unique expertise to help solve problems together.  After we’re done developing and building affordable housing, it’s property managers who take on the day-to-day work. Since affordable housing is not like conventional housing, property managers and the other multifamily property staff in these developments need unique support. They can turn to chfareach, which is an educational program for people who are developing, managing, or living in affordable housing properties. Program coordinator Belinda Waldron says they currently support almost 700 organizations and properties, and that number is only expected to grow. Resources from this episode:Project Diakonia The Executive Certificate in Affordable Housing at University of Denver chfareach

As people exit incarceration, they are 10 times more likely to slip into homelessness because they face higher barriers to obtaining steady employment, reliable healthcare, and affordable housing. Colorado is home to many organizations dedicated to helping folks find a home amid their reentry journeys. Julie Kiehl is the Executive Director of the Empowerment Program: an organization that primarily supports women leaving incarceration with affordable housing and wraparound services. Mandelyn Lewis shares her own experience finding housing through the Empowerment Program. Dan Ordaz, Executive Director of Jobs of Hope, discusses how his organization serves formerly incarcerated men in northern Colorado—where there are fewer resources compared to larger metros like Denver. Finally, Hassan Latif, founder of Second Chance Center, shares his experience of exiting incarceration and using that knowledge to help others in their own journeys. He believes that kind of lived experience can be an asset to a person, not a hindrance.Resources from this episode:The Empowerment ProgramColorado WAGEES ProgramJobs of HopeSecond Chance CenterBy accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com.Copyright ©2026 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.

Colorado’s housing and economic development needs are as diverse as the state’s landscapes. From plains to mountains, and from cities to ski slopes, no two communities are the same. Each needs tailor-made solutions. Through a strategic initiative called Vision 2030, CHFA plans to channel $30 billion in statewide investment to fuel housing and economic development, working closely with stakeholders from Kit Carson to Grand Junction.To realize this vision, CHFA needs to collaborate with community leaders across the state, like Laura Lewis Marchino of the Region 9 Economic Development District. She says the high cost of required assessments create a burden for small governments. Scott Aker, CEO of Grand Junction Housing Authority, says much of the funding available for affordable housing is still out of reach for certain parts of the state. Amy Johnson of Kit Carson Rural Development says her area needs a way to subsidize small-scale developments. April Long, Executive Director of the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition, says rising housing costs continue to displace the region's workers.Thomas Bryan, CHFA’s Executive Director and CEO, says that Vision 2030 adapts to these diverse needs through specificity, key partnerships, and community alignment, all with the hope of increasing collective impact across Colorado. Resource from this episode:Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest ColoradoGrand Junction Housing AuthorityKit Carson Rural DevelopmentWest Mountain Regional Housing CoalitionBy accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. Copyright ©2026 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved. 

This season on The Buildout, a podcast from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), we’re looking at what it takes to prepare Colorado for the future. Join us for Season Three beginning August 27, 2026, available wherever you listen to podcasts.  By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com.