Dianne, Author at Partners in Housing

Partners in Housing Board of Directors selected for 2026

Dianne — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:31:51 +0000

Steven Paul will succeed Sharon Tunson as President of the Partners in Housing Board of Directors in 2026!

The officers’ slate is rounded out with Vice President Steve Brinkman, Secretary Mark White and Treasurer Amber Moro. Tunson remains on the Board as Past President.

Other Board of Directors members are Dan Apricio, Andy Barton, Brian Coram, Barbara Harris, Kaitlyn Ragsdale, Crystal Rodriguez, Lauren Sanders, Yesenia Torres, Angela Valdez, Stephanie Vandenburg, Keri Ellen White and Brendan Zahl.

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Money Mentoring, Work It! programs lead to stability

Dianne — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:19:26 +0000

At Partners in Housing, we have identified childcare accessibility, mental health support, and housing affordability as top barriers to progress for families in the Self-Sufficiency Program.

As a result, for a single parent working to secure employment with a living wage, improve education to achieve this goal, and attain childcare, the cost of living can feel insurmountable.

However, with support from Partners in Housing, families can step back, regroup, and move toward new horizons.

For example, Lia, a mother of five, enered the Family Self-Sufficiency Program after escaping an abusive marriage. Driven by determination, she decided to pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) after attending her Work-It and Money Mentoring appointments.

Because two of Lia’s children are on the autism spectrum, becoming a CNA would allow her to be a paid caregiver for them while providing financial stability. Soon after, she completed her certification and secured a CNA position nine months into the program to build savings prior to her goal of caregiving. Along the way, with the support of Partners in Housing’s volunteers and staff, Lia improved her credit score, accessed critical community resources, and regained custody of her children.

By the end of the program, she had full custody, maintained her full-time job, and continued attending money mentoring sessions to stay on top of her finances. Ultimately, we’re incredibly proud of Lia’s dedication and know she will provide long-term stability for her family.

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Traveling Back to 2007: Meet Frank Stampf!

Dianne — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:39:15 +0000

An Interview with Partners in Housing’s past Executive Director, Frank Stampf

After retiring as a colonel from his 23-year career in the US Air Force, followed by seven years in senior management in the corporate world, Frank joined Partners in Housing as the Volunteer Coordinator in 2000. He later moved to the Operations Director position, and in 2007, he was selected to be the Executive Director!

We had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with Frank and have shared our Q&A session below!

Q: What was the biggest challenge when you moved from Operations Director to Executive Director?

A: “Dick Conn was going to be a tough act to follow! Over a span of more than 14 years as the first PIH Executive Director, Dick (my immediate predecessor) had developed an extraordinary network of professional relationships throughout the community. These included (among many others) numerous governmental agencies; educational institutions; housing industry entities; financial corporations; charitable foundations; faith-based groups; as well as many other nonprofit organizations. As a result, PIH was an acknowledged leader in developing many successful collaborations to benefit those experiencing homelessness in our community.

I felt my greatest challenge was going to be maintaining that demonstrated level of success. PIH enjoyed a high level of credibility as an organization focused on helping those in need. It was imperative that we sustain and even grow that level of credibility and trust if we were to continue serving families experiencing homelessness.”

Q: What were you most excited about?

A: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Operations Director. Over those seven years, I learned more about housing development and its associated disciplines such as financing, real estate acquisition, property management, building codes, etc. than I would have ever thought possible when I first started with PIH! And they were all important things to know if we were to continue our ability to provide safe, affordable housing for our Partner families. However, when I moved into the ED position, in addition to remaining involved with operations, I also became more directly in touch with the more “human” elements of our mission. I had more direct interaction with the Partners as they worked their way through their issues and roadblocks to self-sufficiency. I watched with great pride as our Partners overcame those difficulties and progressed steadily toward their goals. Who couldn’t be excited about that?”

Q: How do you see Partners in Housing’s efforts as we move past our 30th anniversary?

A: “Through the efforts of Mary Stegner, together with her incredible staff and volunteer group, PIH has already vastly improved the types and quality of services available to Partner Families. I see PIH continually evolving to better serve the needs of families experiencing homelessness. Moving away from its earlier heavy reliance on unpredictable government funding to more community-based funding models was a tremendous move in the right direction, and it was long overdue. I see even more innovation on the way. Keep it up!”

Q: What are you most proud of from your time as ED/Ops?

A: “Several years before I assumed the ED position, PIH had embarked on an ambitious “Capacity-Building” initiative to increase our inventory of transitional housing for the families in our program, as well as affordable housing for low-income families and individuals. It was a collaborative, multi-year effort, and required the dedicated support of many community partners, literally too numerous to list here for fear of unintentionally leaving one or more out. The result was ten brand-new single-family townhomes and 14 apartment units. During this time, we also joined the Myron Stratton Consortium and added apartments on the campus. These projects spanned my time both as the Operations Director and ED, so it was particularly rewarding for me to see it through from concept to completion. I still get nostalgic whenever I drive by any of those homes!

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Donation Needs

Dianne — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:42:41 +0000

Check out our Donation Center feature by FOX21 News at the link below! Our Volunteer and In-Kind Coordinator, Tarin Potter, shares information on the different items we accept, our high priority needs, and how these donations help families experiencing #homelessness in #coloradosprings on their path to long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency.

FOX21 News Feature: https://www.fox21news.com/news/partners-in-housing-detail-donation-needs/

If you would like to learn more about in-kind donations we accept, visit our Give Items page here.

Donation Drop-Off Information: Donations can be made Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at 450 Gold Pass Heights, or by appointment by calling 719-559-3286. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and distribute donations!

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Holiday Giving Information

Dianne — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:49:38 +0000

Check out the different ways you can make the holidays brighter for families working toward independence this holiday season!

Support Partners in Housing’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Partners in Housing is the largest and longest-lasting transitional housing program serving families with children in the Pikes Peak Region. Of the families served FY 24-25, 88% attained long-term, stable housing post program. To learn more about our program or give today, please visit here.

Partners in Housing Gift Card Drive

This annual drive ensures each household in our program has the ability to continue their traditions, choose gifts for their loved ones, and prioritize what matters most.

Holiday Shopping Event Support

Each year, Partners in Housing hosts a free “Holiday Shopping Event” for families in the Self-Sufficiency program. Generous donors provide gifts for children and parents. During this event, parents and children in the program split up and pick out gifts for each other in separate rooms. Volunteers help families wrap the gifts, and they reconvene with presents ready to celebrate the holidays! This event provides financial relief to families, a fun outing, and a way for kiddos to give a gift to mom or dad.

Check out the links below to give gifts to parents and children this holiday season!

Volunteer helping children in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program wrap presents during our 2023 Holiday Shopping Event

High Priority Food Needs: Volunteers and Partners in Housing staff have identified several foods that are routine #highpriority needs. 68 families in our program depend on the pantry to supplement breakfast, lunch, and dinner- your donations help parents stretch tight grocery budgets, ensure children have consistent, nutritious meals, and reduce the stress of choosing between food and other essentials like rent or childcare. If you, your office, school, club, or church would like to coordinate a #donationdrive to collect food for families, please contact Tarin Potter at tpotter@partnersinhousing.org or (719) 559-3286. To learn what High Priority Needs we have this season, please visit here.

Volunteer with us: Are you interested in giving time as a volunteer this holiday season? We are looking for support during our Holiday Shopping Event, along with many other opportunities!

Please visit here to learn more and get connected today!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

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Affordable-housing expansions increase supply for low-income Colorado Springs residents

Dianne — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:48:59 +0000

GPR Properties’ Bentley Commons Apartments has officially completed construction, delivering 192 units of affordable housing in southeast Colorado Springs at 2715 Bentley Point. The project’s three development partners will celebrate this milestone with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 7.

“The buildings and the landscaping are just beautiful — we’re really proud of it,” said Mary Stegner, Executive Director of Partners in Housing.

Partners in Housing, which provides transitional housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, developed Bentley Commons in collaboration with two local nonprofit partners: Greccio, which will serve as the property manager and operates nearly 30 affordable apartment communities in Colorado Springs, and Rocky Mountain Land Trust, which offers affordable homeownership programs.

The grand opening marks the availability of 168 new one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for singles and families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). Notably, 28 units are dedicated to formerly homeless veterans, helping provide stability and long-term housing opportunities for those who have served.

Click here to read the full article available on the Gazette.

Article Written by Gazette Reporter, Debbie Kelly

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Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Debbie & Kathy

Dianne — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:44:36 +0000

Kathy Hogeboom (left) and Debbie Caldwell are longtime Partners in Housing volunteers.

Debbie Caldwell and Kathy Hogeboom have been volunteering with Partners in Housing since 2016! Debbie starting in April and Kathy later joining in September. Nearly a decade later, the two remain a Thursday fixture at the Donation Center, where they welcome families with a smile and help them find essential items to turn their homes into a place they can call their own.

Both were drawn to Partners in Housing after retiring. Debbie was impressed with the program’s philosophy, while Kathy was encouraged by a friend who described it as a meaningful place to serve. Together, they’ve found a mission they wholeheartedly believe in. A place where families receive not only resources, but the tools, confidence, and support needed to move toward a brighter future.

Some of their favorite moments come from the little things. The sparkle in a child’s eyes when they spot a cool, new toy; a teen’s excitement of finding shoes that feel just right; or someone finding an interview outfit that gives them that boost of confidence. “Seeing people light up like that never gets old,” they shared.

After nearly 10 years of service, Debbie and Kathy agree that volunteering at Partners in Housing is both rewarding and essential. “This is one of the best nonprofit programs I know of,” says Debbie. “The success rate is amazing, and whatever you do makes a difference,” adds Kathy.

We’re deeply grateful for Debbie and Kathy’s dedication, compassion, and the countless ways they’ve helped families move forward!

If you are interested in working with Partners in Housing as a volunteer, please check out our Volunteer Page where we have the full process, application, and positions listed.

For questions, please reach out to Tarin Potter, our In Kind and Volunteer Coordinator, at tpotter@partnersinhousing.org or (719) 559-3286. To read the full Fall 2025 newsletter, please click here!

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Moving Families Forward 2025

Dianne — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:52:39 +0000

Partners in Housing showcased newly opened affordable housing at the recently completed Bentley Commons apartment complex on Saturday, Sept. 13. The 192-unit was developed by GPR Properties which is comprised of Greccio Housing, Partners in Housing, and Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust.

The Moving Families Forward event featured property tours and refreshments, along with a short program where Crystal Rodriguez, Partners in Housing board member and Advisory Council chair, shared her personal story while Mary Stegner, Partners in Housing Executive Director, highlighted Partners in Housing’s efforts to guide Colorado Springs families in housing crisis from insecurity to stability, self-reliance and prosperity. Sharon Tunson, Partners in Housing board chair, also spoke.

Bentley Commons, located at 2715 Bentley Point, offers 168 new units and 24 renovated units for those who fall within 30-60% of the Area Median Income. These affordable housing units also feature amenities like on-site management and open space. There are 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, including accessible units, available.

A special thanks to our sponsors

Lay the Foundation Sponsors: Frazee Construction, Myron Stratton Home, US Bank

Welcome Home Sponsors: FirstBank, Terra Nova Engineering, Palace Construction, Harris Group Realty, NES, El Pomar Foundation and PNC Bank

Thanks also to our other supporters: O’Briens Carpet One, HFS Flooring, Comparion Insurance, Diocese of Colorado Springs and The Gazette.

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Bentley Commons catches Gov. Polis’ eye during Colorado Springs visit

Dianne — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:58:41 +0000

Bentley Commons, a joint project of three Colorado Springs housing-focused nonprofits, will open leasing in January for the first of six buildings in a $65 million expansion of a former luxury condominium site off Hancock Expressway near South Academy and Astrozon boulevards.

About three months later, the first renters will move into the new apartments, said Lee Patke, executive director of Greccio Housing, one of the three organizations orchestrating the project.

The other five new buildings will come online four to six weeks apart following the initial opening, he said. Mary Stegner, executive director of Partners in Housing, and Nate Clyncke, executive director of Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust, make up the other partners in the development.

When completed in mid-2025, 168 new one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments of independent living for families, singles and veterans earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income will be on the market.

Together with the existing 24 units on the site, the development will feature a total of 192 apartments. Twenty-eight units will be reserved for veterans who receive housing vouchers and assistance through the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We’ll have 44 of the 192 at 60%, but the majority will be for 50% or below, for which we have very high demand,” Patke said. “We see no problem filling these units. We’re pretty excited; it’s a big project.”

The complex spans more than 7 acres and has been 15 years in the making. It’s unusual because of the structure of three local nonprofits undertaking the effort, he said, since developments of this size normally involved out-of-state investors and overseers.

“This project is important to our three organizations for the benefit of our community,” he said.

To read the full article, please visit here.

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Bentley Commons: Now Leasing!

Dianne — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:44:45 +0000

GPR Properties is pleased to announce that Bentley Commons is open for leasing to households!

At this time one- bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available for those at 50%-60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). PLUS, get your first full month’s rent FREE when you sign a lease! *

First full month’s rent free

New construction

Income-qualified affordable housing

Limited availability

Visit here to see if you qualify for 50-60% AMI through the El Paso Annual Income Limit Range: https://doh.colorado.gov/2025-colorado-home-income-limits

Learn more and apply today: https://www.greccio.org/bentleycommonsleasing

*Income restrictions apply. Free rent applied for first full month. Offer available for a limited time.

Greccio Housing is acting as the property manager. For more information on the income requirements and leasing process, please go to: https://www.greccio.org/bentleycommonsleasing

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