Denver Celebrates Opening of 49 Supportive Housing Units
Published on April 06, 2023
$2.3 million investment from Denver’s voter-approved Homelessness Resolution Fund makes southwest Denver development viable
Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and City Council President Jamie Torres today celebrated the grand opening of 49 new supportive housing units at 203 S. Federal Blvd. in the Barnum neighborhood. Developed by the nonprofit REDI Corporation, Rhonda’s Place offers one-bedroom apartments with supportive wraparound services for individuals transitioning from homelessness, including individuals with disabilities and mental health needs.
“We know from experience that housing plus supportive services makes a transformational difference for our unhoused neighbors,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “Rhonda’s Place is a great addition to Denver’s inventory of supportive housing, and it will help transition many individuals from homelessness back into housing for decades to come.”
The $17.3 million project offers income-restricted units for individuals earning up to 30% of the area median income (up to $24,650 for a single-person household). Wellpower is providing supportive services and connections to community-based supports tenants need to keep their housing and avoid a return to homelessness.
“Today I am thrilled to celebrate Rhonda’s Place, our newest housing development in District 3,” Council President Jamie Torres said. “Permanent and supportive homes for community previously experiencing homelessness are necessary and essential. This project represents more than 49 housing units, it is dignity, hope, and opportunity.”
The three-story property features include community space, shared laundry facilities, and meeting rooms for supportive services. An enclosed outdoor space includes a patio, dog run and garden. The half-acre site is located near multiple bus stops, providing easier access to jobs and services.
“REDI is pleased to make these 49 units with supportive services available to the homeless community. At Rhonda’s Place there will be an opportunity for change and a better life,” said REDI Executive Director David Murphy.
HOST provided a $1.5 million performance loan to Rhonda’s Place to support construction costs, as well as $825,000 to fund supportive services over 15 years. Both financings are made possible from Denver’s Homelessness Resolution Fund. Other public financing partners include the Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, and the Colorado Division of Housing, including subsidy vouchers for all units to ensure residents pay no more than 30% of their total income on housing costs.
Rhonda’s Place is the tenth project undertaken by the REDI Corp. The organization has successfully worked the past four decades to acquire and operate apartments that support people with disabilities and behavioral mental health needs, as well as for those exiting homelessness.
Rhonda’s Place is named for the late Rhonda Knop, the longtime, energetic activist and real estate agent whose legacy on the REDI board of directors goes back to the late 1970s. Her family, friends and fellow homelessness advocates attended the grand opening, in celebration of Knop’s legacy partnership with REDI.
Rhonda’s Place is the latest city-supported affordable housing development to begin construction in Denver. A total of 1,971 affordable units that have received city financing are currently under construction/preservation at 34 sites throughout Denver. An additional 510 income-restricted units are in the planning stage.