Founded by Claudia Deats, a former Franciscan sister, Greccio Housing has provided affordable rental housing to individuals and families with low incomes since 1990.

Claudia imbued Greccio with her personal philosophy that each person must be encouraged toward self-reliance through the help they receive — and a stable, affordable home environment is the foundation. The “Greccio” name embodies that philosophy. In the Italian village of Greccio, the brothers brought St. Francis a rabbit that had been caught in a snare. He gave the rabbit affection and set it free. But it returned to the snare. After the third time, Francis said to the brothers, “Take the rabbit to the woods and set it free.” He added to the rabbit, “Don’t get caught in the snare again.” Greccio Housing seeks to set people free by providing a stable, safe, affordable home, and support to help them improve their lives. In return, our residents must accept responsibility for not getting caught in the snare again.

Greccio Housing is a Colorado non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. One of only a few long-term affordable housing providers in a region that is home to more than 525,000 Coloradoans, Greccio leases apartments at below-market rates to qualifying applicants and provides direct services to help residents overcome barriers to self-reliance and to become responsible and productive residents and neighbors.

Through our public-private partnerships, donations, and volunteer efforts, Greccio purchases and rehabilitates rental properties at a cost significantly below market. Greccio then passes on these savings to low-income individuals, couples, and families with children. During 2008, Greccio’s nine full-time and three part-time staff were assisted by 194 volunteers in providing housing and supportive services to over 500 people. Since its inception Greccio has provided shelter for over 3,500 people.

Three primary areas of impact are worth noting

• Greccio maintains and strengthens the family structure. One-third of our residents are children. We  provide safe housing and social services to help families survive and then thrive.

• Greccio offers the disabled and seniors an opportunity to maintain their independence and dignity. Units for the disabled and seniors are equipped to support an unfettered life experience.

• Greccio offers all a stable, safe environment, with a strict zero-tolerance attitude toward crime and drugs — and a promise for a better future.

Greccio fulfills its mission through its two interlocking programs: the Affordable Housing Program and the Resident Enrichment Program. By offering these programs in tandem, Greccio offers affordable rental housing to low-income families and individuals along with the tools, resources and a foundation of support that empower residents to lead more independent, productive, and fulfilled lives.