Community Spotlight | Habitat for Humanity of Gunnison Valley
In this winter's issue of Bluebird Days Magazine, we spotlighted Habitat for Humanity of Gunnison Valley (HFHGV), a local initiative making homeownership possible through sustainable, affordable housing. By partnering with volunteers, donors, and housing organizations, HFHGV builds energy-efficient homes that strengthen both families and our community in the Gunnison Valley. This summer, they completed two more homes in Wills Way, a neighborhood honoring longtime Habitat advocate Don Wills, whose legacy lives on through his wife, Joy, and dedicated volunteers. Among the new homeowners is Bluebird’s own Marketing and Office Coordinator, Emma DeHaven, who completed her Habitat home in December of 2024, a testament to the life-changing impact of this organization.
Community Spotlight | Habitat for Humanity of Gunnison Valley
By Emma DeHaven
Habitat for Humanity of Gunnison Valley’s (HFHGV) mission is to build sustainable and affordable deed-restricted homes for qualifying individuals to purchase and occupy. The organization prioritizes reducing the environmental impact of construction and operation by utilizing locally sourced materials and implementing green building practices that emphasize low carbon emissions and energy generation. By relying on collaborative partnerships, community volunteers, donors, grants, and housing organizations to keep construction costs low, the non-profit fosters a spirit of generosity and community. Habitat for Humanity empowers families with the stability, self-reliance, and knowledge that come from having a place to call home. HFHGV is rooted in the belief that affordable housing is vital for creating strong communities. Gunnison is home to several Habitat neighborhoods, including six homes on South 12th Street, two duplexes in Gunnison, seven single-family homes on South 6th Street, and a duplex in Crested Butte.
For the past 18 years, Julie Robinson has served as the Executive Director of HFHGV, overseeing numerous projects. HFHGV has built 19 homes and helped 29 families achieve homeownership, including recycling Habitat homes for new families. In 2011, Julie, with the help of proud Habitat president Don Wills, “land banked” a 1.68-acre site now being developed. Although Don passed away before seeing the land developed, his wife Joy continues his legacy by supporting volunteers. The neighborhood was named “Wills Way” in his honor, Joy says because “When there is a Wills, there is a way.” This summer, two homes were completed marking the sixth and seventh homes to the Wills Way community.
As part of Habitat’s mission, they design homes with porches and yards to create outdoor spaces for families to connect with neighbors and room for children to play. Julie emphasizes, “We do not just build houses, we build community. We want to build relationships with neighbors.” Julie reflects on housing study statistics, noting that homeownership “supports many aspects of people’s lives, from improving mental health and children doing better in schools to people being more active in voting and local politics.” The board is planning development on the 300 block of Wills Way and pushing for higher-density housing, such as duplexes, or townhomes, to serve more families.
The application process includes pre-qualifying for a home loan, an interview, and a commitment to 300-400 hours of hands-on work. Friends and families can help fulfill some of those hours. Julie reflects, “It has become harder and harder to build Habitat homes, to get people to do the sweat equity, and to get people to volunteer. People are struggling to make it here.” When asked what people can do to be ready for the next application period, Julie encourages interested participants to “have a plan for yourself. Do not be afraid to check your credit. Get prequalified. It is better to know those things instead of looking for a house and realizing you cannot afford it because you do not qualify.”
I am a fourth-generation Coloradan who moved to Gunnison in 2004. After observing the local housing market over the last decade, I realized that buying a house in Gunnison County was financially out of reach. In February 2024, I applied to Habitat for Humanity and was selected as one of two applicants. In 2024, we broke ground in April, and my home was completed in December! Habitat for Humanity changed my life, making homeownership possible through their model of volunteer work, donations, and sweat equity. Building my own home has brought empowerment, invaluable skills, and strong community ties.
If you’re looking for ways to support HFHGV, they are currently seeking individuals to serve on their board of directors. To donate time, and supplies, or contribute, visit hfh-gunnisonvalley.org or call 970.641.1245.
View Bluebird Days Magazine Volume 14 here.
