History of Affordable Housing for older adults in Colorado

Summary

The history of affordable housing for older adults in Colorado reflects a persistent effort to address the evolving needs of a growing senior population. From early philanthropic initiatives to contemporary public-private partnerships, the state has seen a range of developments aimed at providing affordable, supportive housing for its aging residents.

History of Affordable Housing for older adults in Colorado

Early Foundations

The Argyle (1874) Established by the Ladies Relief Society of Denver, The Argyle began as the “Old Ladies’ Home,” aiming to provide shelter and care for elderly women in need. In 1900, it relocated to its current site in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood and was renamed The Argyle to reflect its new surroundings
Myron Stratton Home (1902): Established through the will of philanthropist Winfield Scott Stratton, this institution in Colorado Springs was designed to offer free housing and care to individuals unable to support themselves due to age, youth, or infirmity.
Kavod Senior Life (1968): Founded in 1968 as Allied Jewish Apartments, Kavod Senior Life emerged from the vision of philanthropic individuals in the Jewish community. Their goal was to establish a high-quality, affordable housing community for older adults, transcending backgrounds and income levels.
Christian Living Communities (1972) Established as a single-site nursing home by local churches when Bethesda Hospital closed their continuing care unit, it soon expanded to provide assisted living, memory support and independent living services
Senior Housing Options (1979): Originally established as Ecumenical Housing, Inc., this nonprofit was formed in response to the displacement of low-income seniors in Denver due to urban redevelopment. It acquired and managed properties like the Olin Hotel Apartments and the Barth Hotel to provide affordable housing for seniors.

Institutional Developments

LeadingAge Colorado: Advocating for Senior Housing

LeadingAge Colorado serves as a pivotal organization representing the continuum of senior living and aging services in the state. It supports its members through legislative and regulatory advocacy, aiming to expand, preserve, and improve affordable senior housing

The organization offers resources such as assisted living survey checklists and online dementia training courses to assist providers in complying with state regulations. Additionally, LeadingAge Colorado hosts annual conferences, fostering collaboration among professionals dedicated to senior care

Through its advocacy and educational efforts, LeadingAge Colorado plays a crucial role in shaping policies and practices that impact affordable housing for older adults across the state.

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) (1973): Created by the Colorado General Assembly to address the state’s affordable housing shortage, CHFA began issuing bonds and launching homeownership programs to support low- and moderate-income residents.

Legislative Milestones

Housing for Older Persons Act (1995): This federal legislation amended the Fair Housing Act to allow certain housing developments to be designated for older adults, facilitating the creation of age-restricted communities.

Policy-Enabling Measures

Governor Polis’s 2025 Executive Action: The State is pushing municipalities to ease zoning rules—such as occupancy limits, parking mandates, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules, modular/factory‑built housing—to accelerate new affordable housing construction, including for seniors. Cities risk losing state housing grants if they don’t comply.
Church & Faith-Based Land Use Partnerships: In Colorado Springs and Denver, faith-based organizations are using underutilized church land to build affordable housing, including a 77-unit project in Colorado Springs and duplex developments in Denver, some designated for older adults and other low-income families.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite these efforts, affordable housing for older adults in Colorado remains a pressing issue. Factors such as rising housing costs, limited availability, and long waiting lists continue to impact seniors, particularly those with low or fixed incomes. Advocacy groups emphasize the need for increased investment and policy changes to address these challenges effectively.

Colorado’s journey in providing affordable housing for older adults showcases a blend of community initiative, legislative action, and ongoing advocacy. While significant strides have been made, continued efforts are essential to meet the growing demand and ensure that seniors across the state have access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing options.

Pictured – A photo of the Olin Hotel around the 1930’s – The Olin was purchased in the 1980’s by Senior Housing Options and is now home to 112 low-income older adults and adults with disabilities.

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