ELECTED OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT - LOS FUNCIONARIOS ELEGIDOS HABLAN
Housing Stability for our Community
By Stacie Gilmore, Denver City Council President Homeownership is the primary contributor to building wealth in our community. Not only does homeownership build generational wealth, but it also creates economic stability for our community. It is no secret that there has been a long history of barriers and discriminatory practices that have prevented more people of color from obtaining homeownership. For those families that were able to achieve homeownership, the increasing costof-living continues to threaten that stability, and I understand the strain and stress that can have on a family. In early February, I was contacted by a homeowner who had recently found out he was losing his home of 17 years to foreclosure. After connecting him to city agencies – The Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and Denver Metro Fair Housing, we soon discovered that there were many more homes being foreclosed on in the Green Valley Ranch South neighborhood, which is overseen by Master Homeowner’s Association. While foreclosures are occurring across the State of Col-
orado and Denver, there was an exponential number of them within this specific area, which I find very alarming. After discovering the extent of this issue, my office immediately engaged with as many people as possible, providing access to resources to mitigate any additional foreclosures. On March 12th, I, along with the Department of Housing Stability, Denver Metro Fair Housing, and a host of other agencies, met with residents to provide access to housing counselors and resources. We connected many homeowners to nonprofit partners who could assist them with negotiating payment plans, paying down fines and fees, and providing them with overall support to protect their homes. On March 16th, I asked that Attorney General Phil Weiser, in partnership with Governor Polis, launch an investigation into the Master Homeowner’s Association aka Green Valley Ranch South HOA. My office continues to provide the Attorney General’s office with constituent cases and direct introductions. I know that many of our families in District
11 have lived here for generations. They have worked hard for their homes, and it is heartbreaking to see them in this situation. Please remember that if you receive any communication from your HOA that you respond to it immediately and keep detailed records. I am continuing to work with the Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and the Attorney General’s office to ensure that homeowners receive due process and are being treated fairly. If you need any assistance with this issue or another concern, please reach out to my office. As always, you are our priority. Please contact us at Stacie.Gilmore@denvergov.org or 720-337-7711. Y
Estabilidad De Vivienda Para Nuestra Comunidad Por Stacie Gilmore, Presidenta del Concejo Municipal de Denver Traducido por Marta Welch La propiedad de vivienda es el principal contribuyente a la creación de riqueza en nuestra
MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – May/June 2022
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comunidad. La propiedad de vivienda no solo genera riqueza generacional, sino que también crea estabilidad económica para nuestra comunidad. No es ningún secreto que ha habido una larga historia de barreras y prácticas discriminatorias que han impedido que más personas de color obtengan la propiedad de vivienda. Para aquellas familias que pudieron lograr la propiedad de vivienda, el aumento del costo de vida sigue amenazando esa estabilidad, y entiendo la tensión y el estrés que eso puede tener en una familia. A principios de febrero, me contactó un dueño de casa que recientemente había descubierto que estaba perdiendo su casa de 17 años debido a una ejecución hipotecaria. Después de ponerlo en contacto con las agencias de la ciudad: el Departamento de Estabilidad de la Vivienda (HOST, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Vivienda Justa del Área Metropolitana de Denver, pronto descubrimos que había muchas más casas en proceso de ejecución hipotecaria en el vecindario de Green Valley Ranch South, que es supervisado por la Asociación de
