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 steeped 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 Franciscan 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 and one of the oldest affordable housing providers in the Pikes Peak region.  Through our public-private partnerships, donations, and volunteer efforts, Greccio purchases and rehabilitates rental properties and rents them at reduced rates to qualified, low-income individuals, couples, and families.  Greccio's goal is to double the number of housing units it owns and to expand its supportive services to over 1,200 residents within the next three year.   In the past 20 years Greccio has provided shelter and supportive services for over 4,950 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 seniors and special needs residents an opportunity to maintain their independence and dignity by providing units that are designed to support their individual and unique life experiences.

• 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 providing these programs in tandem, Greccio offers affordable rental housing to qualified, low-income families and individuals along with the tools, resources, and a foundation of support that empowers residents to lead more independent, productive, and fulfilled lives.