A lack of state and federal grants—either delayed or never delivered—has stalled an affordable housing project in Colorado Springs. Now, the nonprofit behind the effort is turning to the community for help.
We Fortify, a nonprofit land developer and “social impact community builder,” has launched a $6.2 million capital campaign called The Power of We.
As part of the campaign, Ent Credit Union pledged $1 million over five years, solidified during a ceremonial grant signing on Friday.
Ent officials were “instantly impressed” when they first heard about founder and CEO Shelley Jensen’s vision, said Annie Snead, executive director of philanthropy for the credit union, which operates in 21 Colorado counties, including El Paso County.
“Our missions align,” Snead said. “We believe in meeting people where they are and improving their financial quality of life—and that’s exactly what We Fortify does.”
The funding will support financial coaching for residents at We Fortify’s first community, the 18-unit Working Fusion at Mill Street, at 120 W. Fountain Blvd., and for future developments.
Built last year on just over half an acre, Working Fusion houses 18- to 25-year-olds transitioning out of homelessness or aging out of foster care. For $600 a month, residents get furnished homes along with life skills training, trauma therapy, and social support.
Since starting the project in 2017, Jensen has received inquiries from 19 other states interested in replicating it.
“Our homes are small—280 square feet—but dignified,” Jensen said. “We give residents everything they need, just without extra walking space.”
Dr. Terri Weber, a family physician and regular volunteer, sees the project as life-changing. “It’s giving kids a chance they never had. They’ve had so many things stacked against them,” she said. Weber and her husband, also a physician, help maintain the property every Friday morning.
During Friday’s grant signing, volunteers from We Fortify and Ent planted an autumn blaze maple tree at the site.
Two more projects are “shovel ready,” Jensen said, with zoning and city approvals already secured.
Wendy’s Village, a 44-unit community of small modular duplexes on one acre of Harrison School District 2 land, needs $1.5 million to break ground. Each home costs about $150,000 to build. The first, a 352-square-foot model, has already been completed and has drawn strong interest from educators—most surveyed D-2 teachers said they would consider living there.
Prospect Village, at 3103 N. Prospect St., will house 18- to 25-year-olds leaving homelessness. Like Working Fusion, residents will work toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency within two years. Rent will be $825 per month.
Next in line is The Village at Giberson, a 32-unit community for UCHealth employees in Woodland Park.
All three projects face delays due to funding shortages. As state and federal grants shrink with budget cuts, competition for local dollars grows fiercer.
Ent Credit Union sees the need firsthand, Snead said. For its recent youth-focused grant cycle, Ent received over $3 million in requests but could award only $300,000. Housing and food insecurity remain its top funding priorities.
“This $1 million gift is significant for us,” Snead said, adding that Ent plans to contribute more than $3 million to Colorado nonprofits this year.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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