Habitat for Humanity builds community, not just homes

GREELEY-WELD COUNTY

Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity volunteers and workers work on building a home in Greeley on Feb. 10. PHOTOS BY BRICE TUCKER — GREELEY TRIBUNE

Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity construction team member Will Strider uses a nail gun to nail components down while work on building a home in Greeley on Feb. 11.

Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity volunteers and workers work on building a home in Greeley on Feb. 11.

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By Chris Bolin

Greeley Tribune

Though Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity is best known for building houses — having completed 174 homes and 491 units since its inception in the late 1980s — the scope of its work goes far beyond just that. Community Engagement Manager Laura Jones recently spoke about what the nonprofit is doing and what it has in store.

How did Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity get its start?

LJ>> It was founded in 1987 by a group of local volunteers who saw a need for safe and affordable housing in Greeley. It started as Greeley Area Habitat for Humanity, but changed the name when we started servicing all of Weld County. From the beginning, the mission focused on bringing the community together to build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

What was a significant moment?

LJ>> One of the most significant milestones in Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity’s history is the development of Hope Springs, a community that represents the future of affordable housing. It is designed as a mixed-income, walkable neighborhood with access to amenities such as trails, green space and community gathering areas. It reflects the organization’s evolution from building individual homes to shaping entire neighborhoods.

What drives your success?

LJ>> Our strong community partnerships, dedicated volunteers, generous donors and committed partner families. A shared belief in dignity, collaboration and opportunity fuels the organization’s work. We are also willing to innovate, adapt and listen to the community, which allows us to effectively respond to housing challenges while staying rooted in our mission.

What sets the organization apart?

LJ>> We have helped build and repair hundreds of homes and have served more than 1,000 local residents. Everything we do can be understood through seven essential services: affordable homeownership, home construction, ReStore operations — where we sell donated home goods and building materials to fund future projects — volunteer engagement, homebuyer preparation and support, community development and workforce and education partnerships. What sets us apart is our commitment to building communities, not just houses. We prioritize long-term impact by combining affordable housing with thoughtful planning, education partnerships and community amenities. Bringing everyone together creates a sustainable, collaborative model. Our strong leadership and deep local roots also distinguish us from other Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the region.

What are your goals for the future?

LJ>> Looking ahead, we aim to expand access to affordable homeownership, as well as complete and grow the Hope Springs community. We plan to deepen workforce development partnerships, strengthen support for homeowners and ensure future neighborhoods are inclusive, sustainable and community centered. We also want to focus on neighborhood revitalization, our home repair program and continue to develop large-scale housing projects. Our ultimate goal will stay the same, though: to ensure more families in Weld County have a safe, stable and affordable place to call home.