Jose worried about his mother, Gracia, living alone. But thanks to the West Denver Single Family Plus (WDSF+) ADU Pilot Program, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, she’s now moving into a cozy Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) just 30 feet from his home.
“My mom is currently living a three-bedroom home where she has to hold onto countertops and walls for stability when she walks around,” shares Jose, a retired city building inspector. He visits his mom daily—taking her to appointments, picking up groceries, and checking in.
“She insists on doing everything herself and I worry about her falling down,” he says.
Gracia enjoys gardening and hanging laundry outside, but the eight stairs from her house to the yard have become a concern. Her new one-bedroom ADU, built by Habitat and coordinated through WDRC, offers safety and comfort—with a covered porch and space for a raised garden bed next spring.
Gracia has lived in her current home for 50 years, raising Jose and his four siblings there. Downsizing is emotional and slow-going.
“She has a lot of stuff. I tell her that she can’t hang onto everything,” says Jose. “It is a big transition for her. I want to do it slowly.”
Jose lives with his wife and 11-year-old granddaughter, Xochitl. He discovered the ADU program on Nextdoor and saw an opportunity to bring his mother closer while ensuring her safety.
ADUs like Gracia’s are a powerful solution for housing affordability—allowing families to care for loved ones nearby, with dignity, safety, and financial sustainability.
“Habitat did a marvelous job building the house. The little ADU is better than where I am living,” he says. “It’s solar-ready, meets Denver’s Green Standard, and has a heat pump that will lower mom’s bills.”
Gracia is excited to spend more time with her granddaughter and enjoy the view from her new porch.
“She really likes the new ADUs. It has hardwood floors and it’s overall really nice,” Jose shares. “Where she lives now, she people-watches from her yard. Here, she can watch her granddaughter grow up.”
“She really likes the new ADUs.”
– Jose, ADU homeowner
