Candance Trujillo held a pair of keys in her hand, elated to move into her newly built home in Longmont. Community members gathered around the home Wednesday afternoon, in chilly temperatures, to witness Habitat for Humanity’s home dedication.
“I’ve been trying for quite some time,” Trujillo said.
After a decade of applying for a home from the Habitat for Humanity of St Vrain Valley’s program, she had finally been elected.
“All of our homeowners work very hard to get to this very day,” said Deanna Dyer, member of Habitat’s Board of Directors.
Habitat offers low-cost opportunities to become a homeowner through a volunteer-led housing program. Qualifying applicants demonstrate a housing need, are willing to attend homeowner courses and meet income limits. For Trujillo, her housing need was driven by disability.
As an individual in a wheelchair, most infrastructure she comes across isn’t accessible.
“The amazing part of this project, in particular, are the accessibility features. Accessibility is essential to independence so it’s really an honor to be a part of this,” said Craig Towler, community organizer for the Center for People with Disabilities.
Ramps are scarce across the housing market, but the new home built by Habitat volunteers and HMS Development, includes wheelchair-accessible traits, such as ramps.
Along with her new home’s keys, community members gifted an abundance of trinkets to Trujillo, wishing her good luck in her homeowner journey. A slurry of gift certificates, a quilt and a cross-stitched art piece landed in her hands.
Once Trujillo and her mother move in, they’ll begin repaying an affordable mortgage to Habitat. The money will be used to build more affordable housing. Habitat has opened another housing application for a home located in Estes Park.
“It’s special, I’m just ready to move in,” Trujillo said.
