Wellspring Community, an Important Resource for the Community and Housing

Wellspring Community - Castle Rock Collective
As the owner of a real estate company, Barrington Group Real Estate, I would like to introduce you to Wellspring Community. My hope is to help you understand not only about buying and selling in the real estate industry, but also about other important resources for housing.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Peter Barber, the Development Director of Wellspring Community in Castle Rock, Colorado. Wellspring Community is a nonprofit dedicated to providing three key things for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Three key things that Wellspring Community provides adults with IDD:

  • Educational Day Programming
  • Meaningful Work Opportunities
  • Housing Solutions
Wellspring Community STARS
The first key service is a day program where they provide a variety of different classes for adults with IDD to enjoy. The second key program is to provide work opportunities for the Stars (the participants in the programs) so that they have a sense of engaging in meaningful work. The third key service is to provide a housing solution for adults with IDD.
In an effort to provide the third key aspect of Wellspring’s work, they are transitioning an old LaQuinta hotel into apartment complex for adults with IDD. Once the remodel is finished, the housing community will be called Unity Park and will offer 42 units ranging from studio apartments to one bedroom apartments that will provide housing for adults with IDD in the community.
Apartment Housing

Why is housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so important?

Unity Park, the development for housing apartments for adults with IDD, is such an important piece of the community. The options for housing for adults with IDD in Douglas County are very limited. There are 20,000 adults with IDD who are living with a caregiver and they don’t know what the plan will be for housing once those caregivers are unable to care for those adults. This is a very real need that Douglas County saw the demand for and partnered with Wellspring Community in creating this facility that’s providing housing in such an important way.
To support what Wellspring Community does, donations can be made through their website. Beyond monetary donations, they love for the greater community to come and meet the Stars. The program participants call themselves Stars because they are the stars of the Wellspring story. Tours are offered once a month and people are welcome to come and see the hotel if they want. Visitors can see the program, see some of the Stars engaged in the various different classes offered, or come and visit the coffee shop. Wellspring & CO. Coffee is located in downtown Castle Rock, Colorado at the Castle Rock Collective, which employs adults with IDD as baristas.
Barista at Wellspring & CO. Coffee - Castle Rock Collective
I can’t tell you how excited I was to take a tour with Peter at the Wellspring Community. I encourage you to contact Wellspring and take a tour of this amazing place.
Whether you’re buying or selling real estate, or just looking for housing resources, you’ll find it here at Parker is My Town. And don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to the Barrington Group Real Estate YouTube channel.

Affordable housing is a problem

Affordable housing is a problem - Condos

Affordable housing is a problem.

As the owner of the Barrington Group Real Estate company in Parker, Colorado, I know first-hand. There is no proof that more affordable housing options will be created with the proposed Colorado Senate Bill 23-213.

Unintended Consequences of Colorado Construction Defect Action Reform Act

The state capitol is shouting “build more housing now!” This one-size fits all approach to our affordable housing issues, offers no solutions. And, in fact, it will create more problems just like the Colorado Construction Defect Action Reform Act (CDARA) did. The Colorado General Assembly enacted the law in 2001 and amended it in 2003. It was intended to protect homeowners from shoddy construction work. The unintended consequences it created toward affordable housing in Colorado has been devastating. Builders had to stop building affordable housing, like condos, because of the frivolous lawsuits and skyrocketing insurance costs.
Affordable housing is a problem - Home Construction
It simply made it cost prohibitive.
Because builders were, and still are, reluctant to build affordable housing, this is what led to the shortage of affordable homes in Colorado. In turn, it has led to higher home prices and rents, making it very difficult for low-income families and individuals to find affordable housing.
The Colorado Construction Defect Law failed miserably at striking a balance between consumer protection and affordable housing. It ultimately hurt the very people it was meant to help.
Affordable housing is a problem - Homeowners

Colorado Senate Bill 23-213

Colorado Senate Bill 23-213 puts a singular state agency in charge, and that is a scary government. In order to address our affordable housing problems, it is going to take all cities, towns, counties, and the state working together.
If you want to learn more about this bill and how you can oppose it, then give me a call.
And don’t forget, please like this video and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Multigenerational Homes offer Cost Savings

Multigenerational Homes
Have you ever thought about living under one roof with more of your extended family in a multigenerational home? That means three or more generations living together, so with kids, parents, and grandparents all under one roof.
If you haven’t considered a multigenerational home, then here is why you may want to think about it.

Multigenerational Homes Provide Cost Savings

First-Time Home Buyers Save Costs with Multigenerational Homes
A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that 28% of first-time homebuyers who live in a multigenerational home chose this option for cost savings.
When you pool your incomes together, you can afford a larger home, and at the same time, it can bring your loved-ones closer. Multigenerational living is a great way to care for both the younger and older generations and spend some more quality time together as well.
There are endless reasons to choose a multigenerational home and it may just be the creative solution you need to reach your home ownership goals.

Multigenerational Households offer Many Benefits

Multigenerational Homes Benefits
According to Generations United, the following benefits are cited.
  • Proximity provides enhanced bonds or relationships among family members
  • Makes it easier to provide care for family members
  • Offers an improved financial situation for at least one family member
  • Can provide a positive impact on the physical and mental health of family members
  • Can make it possible for family members to train for a job or continue education

Making Multigenerational Living Work

While there are some obvious drawbacks to a multigenerational home like less privacy, more tendency for family conflicts, and potential caregiving burnout, some tips can help alleviate these challenges.
  • Maintain open communication on feelings and expectations
  • Define separate and shared living spaces
  • Have respect for one another’s space, time, and rules
  • Plan activities for intergenerational bonding
  • Setup recharging time for caregivers
Multigenerational Family
Multigenerational living is on the rise, so if you are in the market for a new home, then connect with the Barrington Group Real Estate company. We can help you decide if it may be an option for you. Let’s connect and explore what’s available in the real estate market in Parker, Colorado and the Denver Metro Area.
And don’t forget, please like this video and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.