Andrea’s home in Commerce City has been transformed — not just in appearance, but in safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
Thanks to a new partnership between the City of Commerce City and Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, Andrea’s home received new windows and siding, a sturdy new fence, a new roof and gutters, and an upgraded electrical panel for the whole house. These critical exterior repairs have dramatically improved the home’s security, weather resistance, and overall livability.
“I’m still so grateful,” Andrea said. “I couldn’t have afforded any of these repairs on my own.”
The repairs were made possible through Commerce City’s ACT Program (Advancing Commerce City Together), which leverages grant funding to support affordable home repairs for low- to moderate-income homeowners. Habitat Metro Denver brings its 13 years of home preservation experience to the partnership, helping families stay in the homes they love without the burden of high repair costs.
When low-income homeowners receive support for affordable home repairs, the result are life-changing: increased safety, security, comfort, and protection from the elements. Homeowners experience lower energy bills, renewed pride in their homes, and deeper connections to their neighbors. In some cases, these critical repairs can prevent displacement and allow families to remain in their homes longer.
Andrea first heard about the Commerce City home repair program when her daughter spotted it on Facebook. “She called me at work and said, ‘Mom, you have to stop what you’re doing.’ So I did. I went down to the break room and applied that same day.”
Andrea and her daughter both work long hours at North Park Transportation, just ten minutes from home. With rising costs and limited time, maintaining their home had become increasingly difficult. “The cost of repairs is just going up and up,” Andrea said. “This home repair program helped me out a lot.”
Andrea was the first homeowner accepted into the Commerce City home repair program — a milestone for the partnership and a life-changing moment for her family.
Andrea’s connection to Habitat goes back even further. A few years ago, her aunt partnered with Habitat for a home repair in Denver. “They did great work on her aging home,” Andrea said. “It really made a big difference for her.” Seeing the impact on her aunt’s home made Andrea even more confident in the program — and proud to be part of it.
Andrea says the new fence has made a big difference: “It was falling down and old before. Now, I feel more secure. More private, more peaceful.” She also feels happier and more excited to show off her home, knowing that it looks polished and is more secure for the future.
Now that repairs are complete on her home, Andrea is looking forward to celebrating. “We’re having a party on Saturday. My daughter turns 22, and I turn 44. I’m excited to show off the house.”
Andrea’s story is a powerful example of how Habitat’s home repair program — now expanded into Commerce City — is helping families build strength, stability, and pride in their homes.
“[My home] was falling down and old before. Now, I feel more secure. More private, more peaceful.”
– Andrea, Home Repair Partner
