For the first time on the Western Slope, an innovative solution to homelessness for both seniors and young adults is now a reality. 

The Village on San Juan, a supportive intergenerational housing community, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 2. 

This $11.5 million project, spearheaded by Carlton Mason, CEO of CASA of the 7th District, and Eva Veitch, community living service director for Region 10 Area Agency on Aging, is the first of its kind in the U.S. 

The goal of The Village is to enrich the lives of seniors and young adults by encouraging intergenerational support. 

“The idea had kind of percolated during COVID when [homeless] were being put in hotels,” said Mason. “We heard about a senior that was next to one of our CASA kids and learned how they were helping each other and we thought was kind of cool.”

CASA purchased the property with plans to develop it, and then partnered with Region 10 Area Agency on Aging for access to funding for senior housing.

Of The Village's 45 units, 30 are supportive housing with case management, 12 are reserved for those earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and three are designated for bridge housing.

To qualify for supportive housing, residents must be at or below 30% AMI. Some of the supportive housing units come with project-
based vouchers funded by the state to help with rent costs.  

ADDRESSING A GROWING CRISIS

The opening of The Village on San Juan comes at a critical time, as the nation faces an alarming rise in homelessness among older adults.

Nearly one in five people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. are 55 or older, according to HUD. In 2020, HUD recorded 580,466 homeless individuals, 18% of whom were seniors. By 2030, homelessness among older adults is projected to nearly triple.

In Colorado, the need is just as urgent. A 2022 study conducted by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless found that the largest concentrations of those experiencing homelessness were in Mesa, Pueblo and Bent counties, and 66% of those surveyed had a disability. Seniors accounted for a significant portion of the unhoused population.

Veitch added that this model is poised to take many unhoused individuals off the streets of Montrose and Delta. 

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

This sense of community and kindness is the driving force behind The Village and similar intergenerational initiatives. Seniors at risk of homelessness and young adults—many of whom have aged out of foster care—will live side by side, creating a unique dynamic. The Village also includes a staffed community center where residents are encouraged to interact and help one another. 

“Imagine a teenager who has his hood up on his car. Don't you think an older gentleman might see that and go out to try to help? The benefits for the young people we serve are potentially off the charts!” said Mason. “We’ve watched senior tenants keeping an eye on younger people and younger people help them fill out online paperwork. We’re only a few weeks in, but so far it’s working.” 

The first residents moved in on August 7.

The success of The Village is due in large part to the efforts of local donors, organizations and businesses. Mason praised the involvement of groups such as the Colorado Division of Housing, Montrose County Housing Authority and Hilltop, among many others.

Generous donations facilitated by Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF), El Pomar Foundation and Montrose Community Foundation helped make the project a reality. 

“It takes some money to even get a picture on a page” and these organizations were instrumental, said Mason. “We also thank Hilltop for being a partner and providing services to our seniors that live in this community.” 

Local quilters from the San Juan Quilters, Friendship Quilters of Western Colorado and Columbine Quilters donated curtains and quilts for the homes, while the Montrose Altrusa Club outfitted kitchens in six of the homes and installed two raised vegetable gardens.

CASA helps break the cycle of abuse and neglect by providing specially trained advocates appointed by judges to represent youth and children in family or juvenile court proceedings.

“My heart is always going to be helping youth,” said Mason. “We just put a lot of seniors on our team that are going to help us without even knowing it!”

HOW TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

The Village on San Juan is currently accepting applications for supportive housing. Eligible seniors (ages 62+) can contact Hilltop at 970-252-7445, and young adults (ages 18-24) should reach out to CASA at 970-249-0337. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be either 62+ or 18-24 years old
• Have an income at or below 30% of the area median income
• Have a disabling condition that limits one or more activities of daily living
• Have a history of homelessness or be exiting an institution without a permanent home.