Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday July 21st and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Last week, Marisa Felix-Campbell, of Housing Resources of Western Colorado, learned that a client’s rent would increase by 50%.
It paints a picture of the rental and housing landscape for Montrose and other areas on the Western Slope…. pretty much all of Region 10.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
Last week, Marisa Felix-Campbell, of Housing Resources of Western Colorado, learned that a client’s rent would increase by 50%.
That’s when the client started looking for other places to live.
They eventually secured a showing, but it didn’t matter much. There were already 25 applications for that rental, and the price was out of reach.
So they opted to look at another, but it was much the same.
What the local nonprofit providing housing services and serving western Colorado saw with that client is just one example.
It paints a picture of the rental and housing landscape for Montrose and other areas on the Western Slope…. pretty much all of Region 10.
Demand for assistance is prominent. 50% are for people in need of affordable housing. And out-of-state employees looking to make a potential move make up 25% of the calls. People with disabilities round out the rest.
Felix-Campbell said the organization is witnessing an average of $900 for a one-bedroom apartment, with two-bedroom apartments setting around $1,100.
Others clients have reported to HRWC that they’re tired of renting, and want to own a home.
But for some, it’s too expensive, and for others that do own a home, they’re requesting mortgage assistance.
Felix-Campbell stressed that assistance is available.
Housing Resources has its community block services grant, as well as other funding streams, like donations, to assist the public.
As far as a more permanent solution - there’s hope that the Montrose Housing Action Plan can create opportunities for safe, stable and attainable housing.
Also, the Montrose community was recently accepted into Built For Zero, a national initiative to measurably end homelessness.
By participating in the initiative, local agencies working in unison can use real-time data and analyze and target interventions.
For now, for those seeking assistance, Felix-Campbell suggests continuing to ask questions.
The Housing Resources can refer a client to another agency that may be able to assist with a certain request or need.
Her advice? Don’t rule yourself out before you’ve even tried.
To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com
And now, a story from our online community forum — NABUR.
Music has always been Katy Kristoffersen’s friend and confidante.
Since the age of two when she picked up her first instrument, she’s traveled along her musical journey.
Her newest endeavor sits in Montrose as the new Valley Symphony Association chorus director.
Kristoffersen graduated with a double degree in music and psychology, initially attending Mount St. Joseph University to pursue a career as a therapist.
But she quickly “woke up” to what her work would be in the world.
The newly-minted graduate set out in a new direction, gaining experience by teaching in schools despite not having a teaching degree. .
Kristoffersen sees herself as a “joyful forklift,” someone who lifts up others as a team builder and a support for her students and fellow musicians.
Her career may have deviated from her original plans, but the end result leaves the director feeling aligned with herself and her vision in life.
Part of that vision is creating a fusion between her musical and psychology background so she can facilitate an environment where her students feel safe enough to be themselves.
And through the challenges of the past year’s pandemic, Kristoffersen hopes people recognize the importance of the arts as a fundamental part of “being human.”
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
