GREELEY, Colo. — Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with the City of Greeley, is excited to announce the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hope Springs, a transformative community project aimed at providing affordable, sustainable housing solutions for local families.
Scheduled for May 30, from noon to 2 p.m., the ceremony will host dignitaries including Mayor John Gates, Adrienne Goolsby (Senior Vice President, Habitat for Humanity International), and representatives from other major Hope Springs stakeholders. Zach Mannheimer, Alquist 3D Founder and Chairman, and Rachel Borum, the first Hope Springs Habitat homeowner, will also share their stories. Cheri Witt-Brown, CEO of Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity, will serve as the master of ceremonies.
“The Hope Springs project is a testament to the power of community collaboration,” said Mayor Gates. “This innovative initiative not only addresses the critical need for affordable housing in our city but also promotes sustainability and community development.”
This event will mark the beginning of a new chapter for families in Greeley as Alquist 3D begins printing the walls of the first Habitat Hope Springs home. Tours of the community will be available for all media.
Hope Springs, with 174 Habitat homes, will be the largest Habitat community in Colorado. The community is designed to be water-wise and climate friendly and is planned for completion by 2029. Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce that the project will be constructed debt-free thanks to partnerships and grants.
“Hope Springs innovative community development model can be replicated anywhere in the nation. We’ve developed a full-circle partnership model that substantially increases the affordable housing opportunities from rentals to homeownership,” said Witt-Brown. “Hope Springs has brought together a coalition of private sector, business, nonprofits, federal, state, local governments, the faith community and just everyday individuals to plan and build this 40-acre, 491-unit development. It has been incredible to see Hope Springs community development model being used in other communities across the nation seeking also to bring relief to countless Americans burden with the high cost of housing. We, at Habitat, hold the deepest gratitude for each and every Hope Spring partner and investor that has made this visionary community possible.”
Key features of the Hope Springs community include on-site childcare facilities, walking and biking trails, a nature discovery park, and two mini-pitch LED soccer fields, which will feature clinics hosted by the Colorado Rapids. Alquist 3D will prototype four units initially, paving the way for innovative, sustainable housing solutions.
“While most 3D printing endeavors focus on urban residential areas, many of the regions facing the biggest housing challenges exist in smaller communities. As migration patterns shift due to climate and economic concerns, smaller communities face a severe housing shortage that must be addressed if they are to attract and retain a workforce. We want to build homes for people who live outside of the places where most funding for housing programs is spent,” said Mannheimer. “We see these homes and this partnership with Habitat for Humanity as a major milestone for the American 3D market and look forward to collaborating with more communities in 2024 and beyond.”
Rachel Borum will share her story during the event, which epitomizes the transformative impact of the Hope Springs project. As a fully employed single mother working for the University of Northern Colorado, Rachel struggled to make ends meet, with housing costs consuming nearly half of her income. Her story mirrors the challenges faced by many in our communities as housing costs continue to rise.
About Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity
Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every person should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.
About the City of Greeley
The City of Greeley, located in Northern Colorado, is a trusted governmental organization committed to delivering high-quality services to our diverse and evolving community. As the fourth fastest-growing city in the United States, the City of Greeley is dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing our infrastructure, driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. As the city navigates the path of fast growth and transformation, it remains steadfast in our values and agricultural history, ensuring that every step is in the best interest of our residents.