Together, We Build
Annual Report 2025
Together We Build
Belonging
A letter from our CEO
Dear Friends,
At Habitat Metro Denver, we believe affordable homeownership transforms lives. A stable home is more than shelter—it’s a foundation for opportunity, hope, and belonging.
When my parents bought their first home in Metro Denver in the 1960s, it shaped our family’s future. That home gave us roots, relationships, and a deep sense of belonging—something I now see every day in the lives of Habitat homeowners. Through affordable homeownership and critical repairs, families gain stability, pride, and the chance to invest in their futures.
Belonging is at the heart of our work. It’s in the hands of volunteers who build homes and relationships, in the dedication of our staff, and in the shared commitment of donors and partners who believe everyone deserves a place to call home.
Our community urgently needs more affordable homes—but our collective commitment is ready for the challenge. Together—with every volunteer, every donor, every advocate—we are building a community where everyone belongs.
With gratitude and partnership,
Jaime G. Gomez, CEO
CEO Jaime G. Gomez (center) with Habitat staff & board members at a housing advocacy event at the Colorado State Capitol.
Together We Build
Impact
This past year, we were proud to be recognized as the third-most productive Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the country, according to the number of new affordable homeownership opportunities created. That success is a testament to what we can accomplish together. Thanks to your partnership, we are consistently adding to and preserving the supply of affordable homes in Metro Denver.
Stories of Stability
After years in public housing, mother and son buy a home together
For two decades, Adrienne and her son Devon navigated the challenges of living in public housing: limited space, little privacy, and the uncertainty of rental living. Now, they own their Habitat home together – and feel the peace and pride of affordable homeownership.
Together, mother and son helped build their new three-bedroom home, gaining confidence and skills along the way. They installed windowsills, painted baseboards, and nailed fencing—learning the tools of construction and the deeper meaning of ownership.
“It’s neat to see our home come up from nothing and see what’s behind the walls,” adds Adrienne, a customer service representative for a municipal utility company. “I want to spread the good news about Habitat—that there are possibilities out there for first-time homebuyers.”
Video
Hear Adrienne describe the joy she feels living in her new home!
Together We Build
Paths to Homeownership
Stories of Renewal
A fresh start for a community leader and her historic home
When Ana moved to Denver in 2019, she felt an instant connection to Elyria, a historically immigrant neighborhood with deep roots. She began working for the nonprofit Globeville-Elyria-Swansea (GES) Coalition, and bought her dream home in the area—a charming but aging house built in 1895.
While rich in history, the home was difficult to maintain and lacked insulation. Ana couldn’t make the repairs on her budget – until she partnered with Habitat Metro Denver’s Home Repair program.
Habitat staff and volunteers installed insulation, new siding and windows, repaired the roof and gutters, and trimmed encroaching trees. “The repairs had an immediate impact on my utility bills,” Ana said. “This winter, I didn’t need to run my space heater constantly.”
Ana has seen how Habitat’s work uplifts not just homes, but spirits.
A Change for the Better
Ana’s home before home repair began
Ana’s home after its Habitat Home Repair Program glow up!
Communities
Mountain View Community Homes
Aurora
We’re nearing the finish line on this vibrant community of 20 homes in Aurora! These three- and four-bedroom duplexes are situated on a cul-de-sac, perfect for families to build connections with neighbors. Thanks to a generous land lease from Mountain View United Church, these homes will be affordable for generations to come.
Meet some of our new homeowners at Mountain View!
Below, see how volunteers, staff, homeowners, and sponsors helped bring Mountain View Community Homes to life:
Together We Build
Innovation
Arrow Electronics and Habitat Metro Denver build the first affordable, smart home community in the US
Thanks to our partners at Arrow Electronics, Mountain View Community Homes is the first affordable, Habitat smart home community in the US. Arrow Electronics provided generous financial and volunteer support for the project. In addition, they collaborated with their clients and suppliers – including Resideo, Rachio, and Silicon Labs – to equip all the homes with smart home technology, including security systems, doorbells, thermostats, and emergency water shut-off valves. These systems – donated free of charge to homeowners – are helping to keep homes energy-efficient, safe, and affordable.
See smart home technology being installed and used at Mountain View Homes!
High Street Homes
Denver
A set of formal rental units have been transformed into 11 beautifully renovated homes for first-time buyers. Located in Denver’s Cole neighborhood, these two-bedroom row homes offer green space, dedicated parking, and storage—perfect for new homeowners planting roots.
Augustana Homes
Denver
These eight new homes are nearly complete in Denver’s Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood —bringing affordable homeownership to a central part of the city with great career and education access. These three- and four-bedroom duplexes are possible thanks to a generous land lease from Augustana Lutheran Church, which ensure the homes will remain affordable long-term.
Together We Build
Opportunity
US Bank and Habitat Metro Denver build strong foundations for families
U.S. Bank has been a partner of Habitat Metro Denver for over 25 years. Their employees have rolled up their sleeves to volunteer at our construction sites, and the company has donated critical funds in support of our affordable homeownership programs. Most recently, the U.S. Bank Foundation supported our mission with an Opportunity Fund Grant designed to increase wealth-building opportunities for underserved communities. The funding is supporting our Augustana Homes community, creating homeownership opportunities for eight local families.
Connection
Thank you
Volunteers!
Our work would not be possible without the volunteers who devote their time and skills to support our construction sites, home preservation projects, ReStores, and office. Volunteers also serve in specialty roles like photography, electric work, and retail merchandising. Thank you to our amazing volunteers!
See some of our amazing 2025 volunteers below:
Profit and Purpose
Our ReStores make home improvement affordable and fun for shoppers – and allow us to build more. More opportunities for donors to pass on their home goods in a sustainable way. More waste diverted from landfills (a total of 10 Million lbs diverted this year alone!). And more proceeds funneled back into our mission.
in ReStore profits went directly towards funding affordable homeownership projects
Update
As of July 1, 2025, our four ReStore locations are now open 7 days a week!
@habitatdenverrestores 5️⃣ things to know when #thrifting at the ReStores! #Thrift #ThrifDenver #CheapFurniture ♬ original sound - Habitat Denver ReStores
Possibilities
Thank You!
This year, 211 families bought or preserved a place to call home because of your generosity. Your support helps change the narrative around homeownership—proving that affordable, dignified housing is within reach. Thank you!
Lasting Legacies
Honoring the legacy of
Kostas G. Messas
Kostas Messas (1957 – 2024) lived a life defined not by wealth or status, but by kindness, humility, and a belief in opportunity. Though not a high-profile philanthropist, Kostas made a profound decision: he included Habitat Metro Denver in his estate plans. His generous gift will help families achieve the dream of homeownership, something he believed every person deserves.
“Kostas understood from an early age the degree to which one’s life could be changed when a helping hand was extended. He cast an impact far and wide, and wider still when coupled with Habitat’s vision,” shared close friend Joy Townsend.
Creating a legacy doesn’t require great wealth, just a generous heart. Habitat Metro Denver makes the process simple, smooth, and deeply meaningful.
Start a conversation today and build a legacy that brings lasting hope and belonging to families in need.
Kostas Messas
Joy Townsend & Natalie Mesko
Year-end Financials
