For decades, Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans made its mark in western Colorado one house at a time. A single-family home built each year might not sound like much, but for the families who became homeowners, it changed everything.
Now, under the leadership of Executive Director Amanda Gerhardt, the organization has grown its capacity to the point where several projects are happening at once — duplexes, a triplex, and even a 24-unit development in the pipeline. Together, they represent a shift from incremental progress to transformational growth.
“We’ve gone from building about one home a year to building about six or seven units a year,” Gerhardt said. “That’s huge.”
Rotary-supported duplex nears completion downtown
Among the most visible projects is a two-unit duplex in downtown Montrose. Ground was broken on May 3, 2024, and the homes are expected to be finished in November. Two families — both single mothers — have already been selected to move in.
“This project has been a long time coming,” Gerhardt said. “Rotary celebrated its 100-year anniversary before I took this role, four and a half years ago. They raised $75,000 for the project, and we’re so excited to see it come to life right downtown.”
Known locally as the “Rotary build,” the duplex reflects a deep partnership with Montrose Rotary, which rallied members to raise funds for the project as part of its centennial celebration.
Gerhardt said Habitat is excited not only about placing two families in new homes but about the potential ripple effect for the surrounding neighborhood.
“We’re excited to see what else we can inspire as far as neighborhood revitalization and just adding to the community down there,” she said. “And then we have two single moms that are moving into those units, and so that’s very exciting.”
A closing ceremony is expected in November, when the families officially sign papers and receive keys.
West Meadows duplexes bring six more units
On Montrose’s west side, three duplexes are rising quickly in the West Meadows neighborhood, near Indian Grass Loop. When completed, they will provide six new homes.
“They are vertical as well, and the first of those duplexes is also slated to be done by the end of the year,” Gerhardt said. “Those are moving very quickly. We broke ground on those less than a year ago.”
While some families have already been matched with units, Habitat is still seeking applicants for the final homes.
“These are opportunities for people right now,” Gerhardt said. “We’re actively looking for new homeowners.”
Triplex set to break ground in early 2026
Another upcoming build is a triplex on land donated by the Montrose County Housing Authority, located behind Sunshine Peak Apartments. That project is in pre-development now and expected to break ground in early 2026.
Gerhardt said the project is another example of strong community partnerships.
“They are in the pre-development phase right now, and currently we’re in an open enrollment or an open application basically permanently and also seeking homeowners for that project,” she said.
With land donations and consistent volunteer labor, Habitat is able to keep costs manageable — making these homes affordable to families who might otherwise be priced out of the local housing market.
A 24-unit development on Niagara
The largest project yet for Habitat of the San Juans is a planned 24-unit development comprised of triplexes in partnership with Buckhorn and the City of Montrose. The property is located on 6700 Road and Niagara Road, with infrastructure work expected to begin in 2026.
“That will bring 24 units,” Gerhardt said. “That’s just really exciting.”
For Gerhardt, the project represents a dream long held by the organization: to move beyond one house at a time and deliver affordable housing at a scale that could change the trajectory of dozens of families.
“When I got here, the thing that they told me is our mission is we build houses, affordable homes for people. And we need to build more, and we need to build faster,” she said. “It was always kind of the dream for us to be able to do one of those bigger projects.”
By acquiring the land at a favorable price and pulling together nonprofit and community partners, Habitat positioned itself to take on the challenge.
“Putting 24 homes online over the course of 18 months, two years — now we’ve got a huge impact and we’ve really increased visibility and support within our community,” Gerhardt said.
How the Habitat model works
Unlike a traditional real estate transaction, Habitat for Humanity operates on a model designed to keep homeownership accessible to low- and moderate-income families. Prospective homeowners apply and must demonstrate need, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat.
Once accepted, families invest hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” by working on their own home, volunteering on other Habitat builds, or helping in other ways. In return, they purchase their home through a zero-interest, affordable mortgage, ensuring monthly payments are manageable.
By keeping payments affordable and reinvesting mortgage proceeds into future builds, Habitat creates a cycle of community-driven housing development.
Growth through partnerships
The organization’s increased capacity is no accident. Gerhardt credits much of the momentum to partnerships, particularly with Diaz Consulting and Construction.
“One of the main ones that we have done is with Diaz Consulting and Construction,” she said. “He served as a board member and now just runs our construction committee. And so he’s kind of revitalized that, revolutionized that process for us, and showed us how we can build efficiently and effectively in an affordable housing setting.”
Montrose Housing Authority has also been critical in donating land, while local businesses and community groups such as Rotary have raised funds. Volunteers remain the lifeblood of each project.
“We love skilled volunteers, but we have a place for everybody on our job site,” Gerhardt said. “You don’t have to have any skills or anything — just a willing heart and an able body.”
Always seeking applicants and volunteers
Even as construction ramps up, Habitat is actively seeking both new homeowners and people willing to give their time.
Gerhardt said the organization maintains an open application process for families in need of affordable housing and encourages anyone who qualifies to apply. She also stressed that volunteer support is more critical than ever.
“We’re looking for new homeowners and we’re always looking for volunteers,” she said.
From swinging a hammer to painting walls or helping with landscaping, Habitat offers opportunities for people of all skill levels to contribute.
“Everybody can play a role in this,” Gerhardt said. “You don’t have to have any skills — just show up ready to help.”
A growing impact
For Gerhardt, the progress reflects more than just bricks and mortar. Each project represents stability for a family, revitalization for a neighborhood, and a tangible sign of community commitment.
“It’s wonderful if we build one house a year. That still helps. But six or eight homes a year means a huge impact,” she said.
With a duplex nearly complete downtown, six units rising in West Meadows, a triplex breaking ground in early 2026, and a 24-unit development in the works, Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans is delivering on its mission at a new level.
And in Montrose, where housing costs continue to rise, the need has never been greater.
Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.
