Greccio Housing is nearing the end of its milestone 35th year of providing safe, stable, and affordable housing to the Pikes Peak region. And after my own 15 years of similar reports, it occurs to me that EACH year has had challenges and achievements that contributed significantly to our history. I look forward to reporting a more comprehensive âlook backâ in our annual report, due out in early 2026. For now, Iâd like to share a few of the many great things that occurred over the last few months.
In the spring, the first new buildings at Bentley Commons became available for lease. This marked the start of the end of a 16-year journey to fully realize the potential at the site in southeast Colorado Springs. What started in 2009 with collaborators and friends, Partners in Housing and Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust, became a fully developed 192-unit property on 7 acres. The many features and amenities offered at Bentley make it one of the crown jewels in Greccioâs portfolio.
This summer, we celebrated and honored Greccioâs Founder, Claudia Deats Rodgers, with a permanent âFounders Wallâ in the lobby of our headquarters. Greccio was launched by Claudiaâs response to a divine calling to serve the people of our community through housing stability. Spend time with Claudia and sheâll tell you the story of a child who captured her heart and passion by calling her âGrandmaâ when she asked the child if he knew her name. Or the story of how Greccioâs name was identified as a place
where people would be set free, avoiding the previous traps that ensnared them. Claudia is less likely to share the times when she and others sacrificed their own finances to keep the dream alive. Claudia has been the foundation of our mission and values for over 35 years, and it was an honor to enshrine a lasting tribute to her legacy.
Early this fall, over 100 Greccio stakeholders from generations of Board members, employees, donors, and supporters enjoyed a wonderful evening to mark our 35th Anniversary at our Friends and Family Reunion event. Four of the original seven signers of Greccioâs Articles of Incorporation were also in attendance. The communityshaping impact of our organization was evident through the first-hand testimony of a current resident, who fearlessly conveyed her story, engagement with Greccio programs and team, and her dream and promise for the future. She inspired and energized us all.
And internally, positive moves to new opportunities by several key staff resulted in new team members that are engaging in our mission and values, and who are adding new life and ideas for the future. Our team is growing and developing, and promises to be a firm foundation to meet the need of a new generation.
To be certain, our 35th year has been unique and foundational to our future, just like the previous 34. Iâm already looking forward to sharing the dreams weâll envision and the actions weâll take in year 36. Stay with us, or join us, as we boldly step into the new year.
Sincerely,
Lee Patke, Executive Director
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF STABILITY, SAFETY,
AND SUPPORT
Thirty-five years ago, Claudia Deats Rodgers took a bold step of faith to meet the growing need for affordable housing in Colorado Springs. In 1990, what began in a 100-square-foot donated storefront near downtown has grown into a thriving nonprofit deeply embedded in the Pikes Peak region. Claudiaâs dream to improve the quality of life for people in need of a stable and affordable home continues to shape Greccio Housing today.
Now, Greccio owns or manages 27 affordable housing communities, offering more than 800 apartments, townhomes, and houses across El Paso and Teller counties. Our residents include single parents, veterans, seniors, and others overcoming challenges such as homelessness or disability. By providing homes at well below market rents, Greccio empowers residents to build a foundation of stability and selfsufficiency.
As weâve expanded our housing portfolio, weâve also grown our Resident Resources Program, designed around one key question: âHow is this good
for the residents?â Through this lens, Greccio offers programs such as eviction prevention and utility assistance, grief and crisis support, life skills and education opportunities, and a food security initiative. These services help residents not just maintain housing but also thrive in all areas of their life.
As the demand for affordable housing grows, Claudiaâs vision remains alive: a dream rooted in compassion, strengthened by community partnerships, and driven by the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
After 35 years, Greccioâs success isnât measured just in numbers, but in the stability of families, the homelessness prevented, and the dreams realized. As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead with gratitude and determination, continuing our mission to provide stability, safety, and support for thousands more in the next 35 years to come.
Bright Horizons Ahead
THIS GRECCIO RESIDENT IS MAKING HER DREAMS A REALITY, ONE GOAL AT A TIME
When Lacey first arrived in Colorado Springs, she wasnât sure how long she would stay, but she knew she needed a break from the life she was living back in Ohio. âI was depressed. I had nothing going on. I felt like I had no purpose.â As she adjusted to life in the Springs, things started to change. She felt lighter and more at peace. It didnât take long for Lacey to decide to make her move permanent. âI realized this is where I need to be!â
With her limited income, the only housing she was able to secure was a run-down apartment with no heat, but she was determined to put down roots and make the most of her transition.
To keep herself motivated, Lacey wrote down a list of goals she wanted to accomplish. Within the first year, she accomplished every one. She decided it was time to pursue her biggest dream: starting her own business. The business, Keep Looking Up, would blend esthetics with spirituality, providing a comprehensive experience designed to address both the external and internal needs of clients. She quickly began working on her plans, but just as things were starting to come together, an unexpected surprise came. Lacey discovered she was going to be a mom. With that happy news, she knew her business had to be put on pause. Her priority
was now her daughter.
With the arrival of her baby girl, Aires, Lacey began to search for affordable, quality housing. She remembered seeing a Greccio sign at a community that caught her eye. After discovering Greccio offered apartments in a price range she could afford, she put her name on the waitlist.
Pictured: Lacey, Greccio Housing resident since 2024
Just before Thanksgiving 2024, she received the call: she was the next person in line! She was elated, gratefully anticipating a simple one-bedroom unit for her and her daughter to share in a safe and stable environment. When the time came to meet with the Greccio team, she received some amazing news. She actually qualified for an apartment with two bedrooms, one for her and a separate room for Aires. âI was in awe and total disbelief. The apartment was also brand new! It was one piece of good news after another!â Before the yearâs end, the two were happily settled into their new home.
On a visit to the Greccio leasing office, Lacey learned about the Resident Resources Program. One of the resources that piqued her interest was a financial literacy program with classes taught by U.S. Bank. There was a special incentive: $200 off one monthâs rent for residents who attended six or more sessions. Excited to save money while also learning important life skills, Lacey signed up. As she learned about financial topics, such as credit cards and getting rid of debt, she thought about her business dream, Keep Looking Up.
During the fourth week of class, Lacey shared her vision for her business. Greccio Programs Manager, Doug Anderson, could see her passion, and when he learned that Lacey had already earned several licenses and even had a name for her business, he introduced her to U.S. Bank Business Access Advisor, Rocio âChioâ Scott.
Chio, whose focus is on business and equipping hopeful entrepreneurs as they plan their first steps, was excited to help. She and Lacey walked through what it takes to run a business. âI always invite people who want to become an owner of a
business to first make sure they understand what it looks like.â As they discussed Laceyâs plans, Chio saw potential. âI wanted to empower her to become her own boss. She has the energy. She has the passion.â Chio also ensured Lacey had the right community connections to continue her business mentorship after completing the programs with Greccio and U.S. Bank.
Today, Lacey is focused on building a strong foundation for her business venture, while also being a single mom working to provide for herself and her daughter. âI have even bigger goals and dreams than I had a month ago, two months ago, six months ago. I thought that it would always just be a onewoman show, but now my goal is to have five employees in five years and ten employees in ten years!â She knows it will take time and dedication, but sheâs willing to put in the hard work. âIâm really trying so hard in all different areas⌠not just for my business, but with being a mom, too. I didnât realize this kind of stuff was possible. But it really is!â
As she looks to the years ahead, Lacey may not know where the road will take her, but sheâs sure of one thing: her and Airesâ futures are so bright, theyâd better keep their shades nearby.
FOUNDERâS WALL DEDICATION
In recognition of our founder, Claudia Deats Rodgers, and her 35 years of legacy and impact on both Greccio and the Pikes Peak community, we have installed a permanent Founders Wall in the lobby of our admin building. Members of our Board of Directors and Emeritus Group joined us for a special in-person dedication ceremony, where we celebrated and honored the visionary who brought Greccio to life. The display features historical photographs of Claudia and early Greccio properties, along with a heartfelt message from our founder that offers a glimpse into the organizationâs beginnings.
REFLECTING ON OUR History & LOOKING Ahead
Kimberly Gold District 4, Mayor Yemi
Staff Jamie Fabos, Councilmember Dave Donelson District 1, Pikes Peak Housing Network Executive Director Jill Gaebler, Rocio Scott of U.S. Bank, Palace Construction President Garth Geer, Partners in Housing Executive Director Mary Stegner, Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust Executive Director Nate Clyncke, Greccio Housing Executive Director Lee Patke, Councilmember Nancy Henjum District 5, and Terry Barnard of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
BENTLEY COMMONS GRAND OPENING
On October, 7, 2025, we gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony and the official grand opening for Bentley Commons. Built in collaboration with Partners in Housing and Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust, this community is comprised of 24 renovated and 168 newly-constructed apartments, including 28 apartments specifically designated for U.S. veterans through the VASH Program. With many amenities, such as a multi-purpose clubhouse, playgrounds and recreation space, and electric vehicle charging stations, Bentley is one of the crown jewels in our portfolio.
SUNRISE AT SHILOH MESA UPDATE
Weâre excited to share a construction update on our affordable senior housing development, Sunrise at Shiloh Mesa. This project is visibly underway, with wood framing completed for all four floors and installation of the roof and windows currently in progress. We look forward to sharing more updates as we progress toward our grand opening next year. Thanks to Woodmen Valley Chapel and Center for Strategic Ministry for the great impact Shiloh Mesa will have on seniors who need affordable and supportive housing in our community. Watch for leasing announcements in the spring and opening in summer 2026!
Pictured: Shiloh Mesa construction progress on October 27, 2025
Pictured: Claudia Deats Rodgers viewing the Founders Wall installation at the reveal and dedication ceremony
Pictured: (Left to right) Councilmember
Mobaladeâs Chief of
one thousand dollars for every year of impact. Every dollar raised will enable us to continue to meet the housing needs of our community, now and in the next 35 years ahead.
TO GIVE A YEAR-END GIFT.
& MULTIPLY YOUR Impact ON TAXES Save
Your gift to Greccio Housing goes even further through the El Paso County Enterprise Zone. Donations of $250 or more qualify for a 25% Colorado state tax credit, in addition to regular federal and state charitable deductions. A $1,000 donation could cost you as little as $464 after tax savingsâwhile helping preserve and improve affordable homes in our community. SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT
⢠Scan the QR code above or visit our giving page at www.greccio.org to make an online donation
⢠Select âEnterprise Zoneâ under the formâs designation section
⢠Make check payable to El Paso County Enterprise Zone
⢠Include âGreccio Housingâ and the last 4 digits of your SSN in the memo
⢠Mail your check to 1015 E. Pikes Peak Ave, Ste. 110, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Questions? Contact our Grants and Events Manager at 719-419-5606.
BECOME A SUPPORTER!
RESIDENT
CHRISTMAS PARTY
DECEMBER 16 2:30-6:30 PM VOLUNTEER WITH US!
To sign up or request more info, contact Doug Anderson: Email: danderson@greccio.org Phone: 719-419-5597
MENTION GRECCIO HOUSING
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at no added cost to you and wonât impact your
Every quarter Greccio Housing will receive a percentage contributed.
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Donate today! Your support helps us provide affordable housing, vital resources, and enrich the Colorado Springs community. BECOME A GRECCIO HOUSING INDIVIDUAL DONOR PLEASE
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IN MEMORY OF RICH STRYKER
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THANK YOU FOR EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY!
Your individual contributions directly impact the lives of those we serve here at Greccio Housing and help further our mission.
