Archuleta County is experiencing a housing crisis that is manifesting both in the amount of housing available, and the affordability of housing.
The SUN is running a series of articles investigating the origin and impact of the current housing crisis, as well as seeking out potential solutions.
The SUN recently sat down with Rebecca Anderson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County, to discuss the escalating housing crisis, particularly how it is affecting people in poverty.
Habitat is the only organization in Archuleta County working to provide affordable home ownership, as opposed to rent-subsidized apartments.
According to Anderson, in the last year, Habitat has received double the number of applications for its program.
In the past three years, Anderson has seen an estimated five to eight applications per year for a Habitat house. This year she received 16 applications.
Many have come to Anderson for help, including people who packed up their families and moved to Pagosa Springs expecting to find housing when they arrived.
Anderson has referred such cases to low-income housing providers, local organizations and churches, but in reality, options are extremely limited.
The full version of this story is available in the print edition and e-edition of the Pagosa Springs SUN. Subscribe today by calling (970)264-2100 or click here.
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