The couple and their two sons will move into a three-bedroom Habitat home in southeast Aurora in October.
Tyson and Ashley discovered Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver through a Google search for affordable housing. “We didn’t know anything about Habitat before and we just got lucky,’’ shares Tyson, a chef who manages a cafe in southeast Denver. Habitat built the home in 2006, and it was recently renovated with fresh paint, new carpet, and updated appliances by Habitat crews.
Ashley, who owns a dance and theater school for kids in Centennial, grew up in Colorado. Tyson grew up in Utah, but moved to Colorado with Ashley 11 years ago. The couple has been renting because they couldn’t afford to buy a house. Now their future mortgage is going to be less than their current rent in Castle Rock.
“We were getting to a point where we were thinking of having to start over and move out of state because all of Colorado was getting pretty expensive,” shares Tyson.
Their new home means shorter commutes to work and no traffic jams on I-25, a quiet neighborhood where their boys, Caleb, 5 and Connor, 2, can safely ride bikes, and a backyard for their two dogs.
As part of their sweat equity hours, Tyson painted doors, door frames, and shelves at the Habitat production shop. “It was nice knowing what I did went to help someone else,” shares Tyson.
Ashley worked in the Habitat Denver ReStore and plans to return there to buy furniture for their new home. “It was so cool. A couch came in, and 10 minutes later, we were moving it to the dock because it had been purchased,” shares Ashley. The couple found the required classes on home maintenance, taxes, budgeting, estate planning, and being a good neighbor to be helpful.
“The classes gave us a better understanding of all the pieces of owning a home,” shares Ashley. “They were helpful in understanding the costs that go along with having a house. ” shares Tyson.
“I’m just glad Habitat exists,” shares Tyson. “I had no idea how much Habitat contributes to the community. It helps people not to have to hop between apartments and helps them stay in the same place. We’re just very lucky we can participate in this.”
With Habitat’s commitment to building affordable homes, families like Tyson’s can establish roots in their community and create lasting memories.
“I had no idea how much Habitat contributes to the community.”
-Said Tyson
