Affordable Housing
 

   Providing care for the elderly and disabled has been the life work of Tom Pritchard, developer of the Villagio Senior Living Center in Walsenburg, Colorado.  As a retired family therapist, Mr. Pritchard saw a need and wanted to help. "Of our 20 tenants, most are on a fixed income of $600-$1,000 per month and just can't make ends meet."  Tom is no stranger to poverty as this is the fourth non-profit organization he founded to serve the needy. "This was a 'hard row to hoe' with the rising costs of materials and a shortage of labor in the area --- costs doubled."

Rose Tadlock, Manger; Hobert Graham, maintenance; and Tom Pritchard, seated.

   Still, he was able to offer rents starting at $205/month with free laundry and cable TV. "The utility costs are my next challenge."  Pritchard is attempting to raise money to finish installing solar for space heating and hot water. "I put a system in my home and it eliminated 90% of my gas usage." He's also preparing to ask the city of Walsenburg to consider charging the same rate for gas, sewer and water that is charged for other housing authorities' tax-subsidized apartments. "This project used no tax payer dollars to fund and it doesn't seem fair that these tenants should be penalized with higher utility rates." Tom was also very fortunate to have found an excellent resident manager and maintenance man.

   "The final four apartments of phase III are now complete and available," says Tom. They consist of a one-bedroom unit and three studios.  If anyone would like more information or would like to help out, Villagio Senior Living Center is a non-profit, tax exempt charity."  Contact Tom at hellopritchard@yahoo.com or call (719) 738-2149.