The Buildout

On our second episode focused on responses to homelessness, we hit the highway, away from Colorado’s densely populated cities and downtowns to rural communities in the southwestern part of the state. The affordable housing crisis is just as dire in cities like Durango or Cortez, but in many cases, they face greater challenges when it comes to increasing the supply of affordable housing.

When it comes to reaching people, rural housing insecurity tends to be more hidden away; it’s not uncommon for people experiencing homelessness to couch surf, or to live in their cars. This can make it harder to assess the need, which can then make it more difficult to get the necessary resources. 

But these challenges have only inspired creative, collaborative strategies. In this episode, we hear from a soup kitchen that is way more than just a soup kitchen, and an organization building relationships throughout the region to better serve those in the greatest need.

Links to resources you heard about in this episode: 



• Get Involved with Manna Soup Kitchen 
• Learn more about Project Moxie 
• Learn about the Neighbors in Need Alliance 
• Read NINA and Project Moxie’s 2022 Unhoused Count and Survey 
• Colorado’s Affordable Housing Toolkit 

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.

Housing insecurity is on the rise in the U.S. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), more than 770,000 Americans were experiencing homelessness in January 2024—the largest number ever recorded since HUD began gathering data in 2007. The main factor driving housing instability in this country is the shortage of affordable housing. 

Like everywhere else in the nation, Coloradans are feeling the effects of this housing shortage, but what that looks like depends on where in the state you stand. Because of how complex this crisis is, we’re devoting the next two episodes of The Buildout to solutions to tackling homelessness, focusing this first installment on Colorado’s urban areas. Along the Front Range, the affordable housing crisis tends to be a lot more visible, where large urban encampments have become the norm in recent years, sparking controversy and capturing headlines. We hear from guests who have been working to shift how cities approach homelessness, through the use of supportive housing, safe outdoor sites, and compassionate policies.

Links to resources discussed in this episode:

• If you or a loved one are experiencing homelessness, contact 211 Colorado for information about resources
• Learn how to get involved with Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH)
• Learn how to get involved with Community Investment Alliance 
• Denver Department of Housing Stability 
• Learn more about CCH's Advocacy Network
• Analysis on the Denver Supportive Housing Social Impact Bond Initiative 
• Invisible People’s 2023 documentary “Finland Solved Homelessness: Here’s How” 
• CCH’s 2023 State of Homelessness Report
• Pallet rapid-response shelter builder
• Restoration Christian Ministries’ affordable housing development partnership, King’s Crossing Village 

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.

The state’s Affordable Housing Task Force says that Colorado has a housing shortage of about 325,000 units. That deficit has contributed to rapidly rising housing costs over the last decade plus. And the demand only continues to grow. How can the state keep up with that demand, while also keeping up with the cost of building and the time it takes? Innovation.

From 3D-printed units to panelized housing to shipping container construction and tiny homes, Colorado has established funding sources to encourage innovative building across the state.

“It's not just, let's do more of the same. It's let's do more, but different,” says Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes.

In this episode of The Buildout, we explore some of those innovations, including developers and builders who are using methods like modular construction to build housing faster and for less, without sacrificing quality and design.

Resources shared in this episode: 

• Vederra Modular 
• Azure Printed Homes 
• Adam Berger Development 
• Proposition 123 Colorado Affordable Housing Financing Fund 
• Colorado’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program 
• CHFA Info on Innovative Housing and Modular Manufacturer Financing 

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2025 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.

For the last 50 years, CHFA, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, has worked alongside partners and communities in pursuit of the vision that everyone in Colorado will have the opportunity for housing stability and economic prosperity. In this first episode of The Buildout, we chat with Cris White, outgoing executive director, about his more than 30-year career at the organization and all of the changes and growth he’s seen. Cris takes us back to CHFA’s first partnership after the 1976 Big Thompson Flood, to CHFA’s expansion to offer business financing and the many programs CHFA has developed over the years. We’ll dig into CHFA’s investments in increasing homeownership, building affordable housing and creating partnerships to support a stronger Colorado.  

Resources from this episode: 

• CHFA’s 50th Anniversary 
• Homebuyer’s Roadmap 
• Business Lending Programs 
• Find Affordable Housing 

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2024 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.

Introducing The Buildout, a new podcast from CHFA, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. For 50 years, CHFA has worked alongside partners and communities in pursuit of the vision that everyone in Colorado will have the opportunity for housing stability and economic prosperity. Now, we’re uplifting the stories of those partners: people and organizations tackling some of the toughest housing challenges in the Centennial State. Over the course of eight episodes this season, The Buildout will take listeners across Colorado: from Front Range cities to resort towns to rural communities; from homelessness to homeownership; to the collaborations and innovations to build and preserve affordable housing. For every gap, there are hardworking, committed changemakers working to close it.

By accessing this podcast, I acknowledge that: views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and that this podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial or other advice. CHFA does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency, or suitability of the information provided and reference to any specific product or entity does not necessarily constitute CHFA’s endorsement or recommendation of it. The podcast may not be reproduced or redistributed without CHFA’s prior written consent and may be subject to the respective terms and policies of CHFA and the podcast hosting provider(s). CHFA is an Equal Opportunity Lender. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. For more information about CHFA, nondiscrimination, and other legal notices please visit chfainfo.com. 

Copyright ©2024 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. All rights reserved.