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 12-2 p.m. on May 30, 2024, 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,” Mayor Gates says. “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,” Witt-Brown says. “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 Springs 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,” Mannheimer says. “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.
Event Details
- Date: May 30, 2024
- Time: 12-2 p.m.
- Location: Hope Springs Community, Greeley
