THE HOME FRONT
- Marjo Curgus
- Oct 29
- 6 min read
Chaffee Housing Authority Update
Q4 2025
JANE'S PLACE: A BEACON OF HOPE IN SALIDA
Written by Carley Smith, CHA Board Member
Jane’s Place is more than just an affordable apartment complex; it's a testament to hope and community spirit, deeply rooted in the heart of Salida. The very foundation of this innovative project is built upon the idea that housing can be a catalyst for positive change, offering stability and opportunity to those who need it most.
This remarkable endeavor is a legacy project, meticulously developed to honor the memory of the late Jane Whitmer, a cherished member of the Chaffee County community. Operated and owned by the Chaffee Housing Authority, Jane’s Place stands as a non-profit, multi-use residential housing complex, dedicated to addressing multiple critical needs in our vibrant valley. Jane's Place is anticipated to welcome its first tenants on January 1, 2026.
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With thirteen thoughtfully designed apartments, Jane’s Place Apartments provides a spectrum of affordability, catering to individuals and families earning between 30% and 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI), or $24,690 to $72,000 for a single person household. This diverse range ensures that a wide array of residents can find a secure and comfortable home, truly revolutionizing the outlook for affordable housing in our community. The residential offerings at Jane's Place Apartments are diverse and cater to various household sizes. The complex features two large studios, eight one-bedroom apartments, two spacious two-bedroom units, and one expansive five-bedroom apartment. Each unit is crafted to provide a welcoming and functional living space, fostering a sense of belonging for its residents. Pre-leasing begins the first week of November. Learn more about living at Jane's Place here.
A cornerstone of Jane's Place is Molly House, a vital component offering temporary housing solutions. Molly House builds upon CHA’s and the Department of Human Services successful Stable Families Program that since the start of 2024 has provided shelter for 33 families of which 23 have made the transition into stable housing. Molly's House will serve as a bridge for seniors and families experiencing housing instability, providing a safe and supportive environment while they diligently work towards securing long-term housing. Recognizing that the interim period between applying for affordable housing and moving in can often be lengthy and challenging, Molly’s House is specifically designed to fill this critical gap, offering much-needed stability during a transitional time. You can read more about Molly House in our Chaffee Gives campaign announcement in the next section.
Beyond its residential units, Jane’s Place is envisioned as a community hub, offering invaluable resources and spaces to nonprofits. The Chaffee County Community Foundation will manage The Nonprofit Hub which will provide dedicated areas for non-profit organizations, creating accessible and low-cost workspaces that empower these vital community pillars to thrive. The space boasts an inviting event room, perfect for gatherings and community activities, alongside a large meeting room and two fully-equipped virtual meeting rooms. The meeting space will double as a flexible co-work space when not in use. These amenities are designed to foster connection, collaboration, and productivity within the community.
The final layer of vital community support, Jane’s Place is proud to welcome Achieve’s Coffee Shop as a permanent resident. Achieve is a highly respected non-profit organization within our community, dedicated to serving individuals with neurodivergences. Achieve Coffee Shop is not just a place for a great cup of coffee; it's a dynamic social enterprise specifically geared and ready to provide invaluable work experience, vocational training, and social opportunities to honor an individual’s strengths. Its presence within Jane's Place underscores the project's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, creating a truly integrated and supportive environment for all. We hope you will support Achieve frequenting the coffee shop and supporting their great work. Read more about Achieve on their website.
SUPPORT MOLLY HOUSE DURING CHAFFEE GIVES 2025
This year, as a ChaffeeGIVES partner with the Chaffee County Community Foundation, CHA is asking for your support for a new CHA initiative, Molly House at Jane’s Place. Molly House, grounded in Jane Whitmer's vision for Jane’s Place and implemented with Bob Grether's architectural skills and unwavering dedication to the cause, will bridge the gap for unsheltered Chaffee County families and seniors who are working to find permanent housing. We have set an ambitious goal this year of $20,000.
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Donation to ChaffeeGIVES in 2025 will provide a portion of the financial resources necessary to provide effective programming and services in 2026 for the residents of Molly House including:
A fund to cover the costs to CHA for providing housing to families and seniors at Molly House who need emergency, short term shelter while transitioning to long term affordable housing.
Resources to reimburse partner organizations who can offer support services to residents of Molly House.
Support for CHA's Housing Navigator and Housing Case Manager who support residents of Molly House (and the entire county) with making the transition to long term stable housing.
Visit our Chaffee Gives donation page to learn more about Molly House and how to support Chaffee County's most vulnerable populations. https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Janesplace
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR CHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Chaffee Housing Authority (CHA) is currently seeking four new Board Members to help guide its mission of creating safe, sustainable, inclusive, and affordable housing opportunities for local residents. Open positions include one representative each from the City of Salida, the Town of Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and one At-Large seat.
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We’re looking for leaders, doers, and dreamers with:
Financial or organizational expertise
Communication or community engagement skills
Personal or professional experience with housing
A passion for helping neighbors thrive
This is your chance to make a real difference —to bring compassion, leadership, and solutions to one of the biggest issues facing Chaffee County today.
Review the board member position description and apply at www.chaffeehousingauthority.org/boardapplication
Applications due by November 17, 2025
Contact:
Eric Warner, Board Vice-Chair
Email: eric.warner@chaffehousingauthority.org
Phone: 832-294-1354
LIVE AT JANE'S PLACE!
Jane’s Place Apartments is Salida’s new 13-unit apartment complex available for move-in beginning January 1, 2026. These apartments are located at the corner of US 291 and 3rd Street with easy access to downtown and the Arkansas River. If you are interested in living at Jane’s Place, please sign up on CHA’s Rental Interest List (see below) to receive the early November announcement for lease applications. CHA will qualify future tenants based on the order rental applications are received. We recommend you get your application in early!
Learn More About Living At Jane's Place
Jane's Place Apartments will have 2 studios, 8 1-bedrooms/1-bath, and 2 2-bedrooms available for rent. Studio and 1-bedrooms will be partially furnished with a sofa while the two bedrooms are unfurnished. CHA may offer one of the 1-bedrooms as fully furnished if there is interest. Ground floor units are accessible for ADA and there is a laundry room on site.
CHA will host a lease up event on Saturday, December 20th from 9:00 - 12:00 p.m. for interested community members to view the apartments and fill out applications.
STAY INFORMED ABOUT CHA RENTALS
CHA has created a Rental Interest Newsletter that announces current and upcoming vacancies in CHA managed properties. This is the best way to stay informed about apartment availability. Sign up on our website https://www.chaffeehousingauthority.org/rentals You can also check our Available Rentals webpage for availability and to apply for CHA managed apartments.
HOMES FOR SALE IN BUENA VISTA
The Chaffee Housing Trust, a partner of CHA, has homes for sale in Buena Vista in The Crossing and at Forest Creek Cabins. These homes are a great opportunity for community members who believed homeownership was out of reach for them.
Learn More About Homeownership Opportunities
Live in Buena Vista’s newest development, The Crossing. Fourteen homes are available including:
Four 1-bedroom homes starting at $280,000.
Eight 2-bedroom homes starting at $350,000.
Two 3-bedroom homes starting at $400,000.
View the flyer here.
Live in a lush meadow amongst the cottonwoods near Cottonwood Creek and the Meadows at Forest Creek Cabins. Six homes are available including:
1 bedroom/1 bath for $155,000.
Two 2-bedroom/1 bath for $175,000.
A 2 bedroom/2 bath for $325,000.
Two 2 bedroom/1 bath in a duplex for $225,000.
A 3 bedroom/1.5 bath for $350,000.
View the flyer here.
To learn more about CHT homeownership qualifications and to apply, visit the CHT website for more information.
CHA AWARDED $1.6M HOUSING DEVELOPMENT GRANT
CHA was successful in procuring a $1.6 million Housing Development Grant (HDG) from the State of Colorado to support the construction of the 33-unit Crossing Apartments in Buena Vista. This was the final financing required and allows the project to move forward on closing on all other funding sources. Construction will begin in 2026 with occupancy expected in 2027.
Read More About The Crossing
Collegiate Peak Bank published a feature article about Paul Andrews, the developer of The Crossing in their recent newsletter. It shares Paul's incredible vision of creating a housing project in Buena Vista where 50% of the homes are for households earning less than 100% Area Median Income. Mr. Andrews has fostered partnerships with the Chaffee Housing Trust, Habitat for Humanity, and CHA.
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