Whoever said, "There is no second life for small, rural communities" doesn't understand determination - the determination to maintain and expand the supply of affordable housing shared by HUD, state governments, local leaders and passionate nonprofit groups.

Colorado's West Central Housing Development Organization (WCHDO) and HUD's Denver Office provided graphic proof that it is practical and desirable to maintain the supply of affordable housing where people live today - and want to live tomorrow.

BEFORE: A 1913 house - long neglected and vacant - in the heart of small-town Delta, Colorado. There are tens of thousands of similar dilapidated houses waiting to become desirable homes in smaller towns.		AFTER: A delightful, inviting bungalow, newly remodeled and filled with the love and laughter of its new owner, Leta Lopez, her family and friends. Best of all, it's attractive and affordable.

The West Central Housing Development Organization has plans and projects underway to bring its Delta, Colorado "before and after" magic to other communities, including Montrose, Ouray, Hinsdale, San Miguel and Gunnison. As a HUD-approved nonprofit, WCHDO is able to purchase HUD-acquired, single family homes at a significant discount, and help local residents like Leta Lopez become homeowners.

The old, dilapidated kitchen...		...and the beautiful, remodeled kitchen.

Leta is a Western Slope native who grew up on a farm in Paonia, Colorado. Except for a 5-year stint with the airlines that took her to Kansas City, Missouri, she has called the town of Delta home since graduating from high school. Marriage, college, various jobs, divorce, and a new career in massage therapy followed over the next 20+ years.

By 2002, Leta had searched unsuccessfully for over a year to find a house she could afford in Delta. Listings in her price range were old and required extensive, costly repairs. WCHDO had a plan to help Leta realize her dream. With a bank loan, they paid a discounted price of $50,400 for a HUD home, applied HUD Community Development Block Grant and HOME dollars toward rehabilitation costs of $27,750, provided Leta with a 20 percent downpayment assistance loan at 3 percent interest, and helped her to obtain a Colorado Housing and Finance Authority mortgage at 6 percent. An affordable sales price of $88,000 ($7,000 - $10,000 less than the median price for similar homes in the area) covered costs of $80,555 and allowed WCHDO to recapture $7,445 for their next project. All of the funding sources and discounts were critical to the purchase of the Delta property and its eventual resale as an affordable property.

The old deck was uninviting and possibly dangerous...		...but the remodeled deck invites people to enjoy themselves.

Everyone involved in the project gives great credit to WCHDO's Executive Director, Steve Heald for bringing new life, spirit and drive to this nonprofit group. Today, there is new hope that WCHDO can continue to meet its twin goals - providing housing for low- and moderate-income families, while also revitalizing neighborhoods. As their first client, Leta thinks they've found a recipe for success: "I am proud to be a homeowner and a vital part of my community."