“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams
Partners in Housing has been blessed with remarkable Board Chairs that have moved our agency forward while remaining true to our core values. In January of this year, Barbara Harris (pictured above, left) completed her two-year Board Chair term. Barbara is a force to be reckoned with, overflowing with passion for our mission and armed with nearly 30 years of housing and real estate expertise. She was recognized for her abundant work in the community by receiving the coveted Accolades award, ‘Business Leader of the Year’ in August 2021, presented by the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. While Barbara has handed over the Board Chair reins, she will remain on the Board as past Chair for one year and will continue to play an active role on our Development Committee. With her critical thinking and creative mindset, we are thankful to have her continued involvement!
Barbara and her 'Business
Leader of the Year' Award!
We are pleased to announce that former Board Vice Chair, Keri Ellen White (pictured above, right) has stepped into the role of Board Chair! Keri Ellen, a D49 teacher, was a Partner in our Family Self-Sufficiency Program in the 2000s. While it is common for past Partners to serve on our Board of Directors – bringing a much-needed perspective to ensuring our program is as effective as it can be – a past Partner going on to become Board Chair is a rare feat. We are thrilled to be guided by Keri Ellen’s leadership. With her sheer determination and heart for giving back, she is a role model for Partners in Housing staff, program families, and our community.

Keri Ellen’s full story can be found here.
CHEERS TO 30 YEARS!
Mary Stegner and Dick Conn toast to 30 Years
On November 11th, Partners in Housing hosted a small gathering of staff, current and past members of our Board of Directors, long-time supporters, and volunteers to celebrate 30 years of assisting families in our community. The attendees enjoyed dinner and a toast to Partners in Housing for 30 years of service. Barbara Harris, Board Chair, welcomed the group, Mitchell High School ROTC provided a flag ceremony, and Father Ron Raab the dinner blessing. After dinner, Dick Conn, former Executive Director, provided remarks on the early days of the agency and Mary Stegner, current Executive Director, spoke about the ongoing needs of families and introduced incoming Board Chair Keri Ellen White.

We rely on community support in so many different ways. Having helped families in need for 30 years, we know we do not do this work alone. Thank you all for your help, guidance, donations, and well wishes!

Did you miss any of our 30th Anniversary countdown emails?
You can travel back in time and view all of them here!
PROGRAM FAMILY UPDATE!
“Hello my name is Natalie* and I am a single mother living in the Partners in Housing program. We have lived here for the past 8 months. Throughout my stay here I have been provided with several different resources to accommodate our needs such as grief counseling, childcare, transportation, credit repair and budgeting as well as household items and daily essentials like diapers and food. They have also encouraged me to find great employment and I’m very proud to say I’ve started my new career! My credit score has improved tremendously and I am free from all debt. They are now working very closely with me to find affordable housing for us. I couldn’t be any happier to truly know what self-sufficiency is.”
*Edited to maintain anonymity
MORE FAMILIES NEEDING MORE HELP
During calendar year 2021, Partners in Housing saw an increased number of applicants for our Family Self-Sufficiency Program. A total of 836 adults applied with the number of individuals in families at 2,652. While Partners in Housing continues to assist all that we can, these numbers show a need in our community which is often overlooked. The lack of affordable housing here and the end of the eviction moratorium are ongoing issues affecting families as they seek housing stability. We are continuously looking to expand our housing resources to serve more, as outlined in our agency strategic plan.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Partners in Housing staff is committed to moving families into our units as soon as possible when households exit, and with their hard work, we were pleased to see 10 families from our waitlist move into their homes in December. It is important all year, but especially gratifying to provide homes leading up to the holiday season!
WIND STORM DAMAGE
On the afternoon of December 15th, wind gusts of up to 100mph were recorded. Unfortunately, the powerful gusts uprooted an 80ft tree at one of our properties that we believe was original to the home built in 1953. To ensure the safety of everyone in the home, Partners in Housing staff worked quickly to relocate the family of six to a hotel, where the family’s insurance covered the initial stay while the hazard was removed. After the hotel, we provided the family with a new temporary unit while repairs took place. Using emergency funds, we are also working with the family to rent a new place and pay upfront rent and deposits. We are saddened by the damage the storm caused throughout our community but are relieved that everyone is safe and sound.
CELEBRATING YEARS
OF DEDICATED SERVICE
We would like to celebrate Mary Stegner, Dovey French, and Abel Tovar on reaching work anniversary milestones! Their steadfast commitment to fulfilling Partners in Housing’s mission has made our community a better place.

Thank you for your many years of dedicated service!
Mary Stegner
30 years in 2020
Dovey French
15 years in 2021
Abel Tovar
10 years in 2021
BRING HOPE AND HELP
TO FAMILIES IN HOUSING CRISIS
Coloradans can give all or part of their state income tax refund directly to nonprofits registered with the state – Partners in Housing being one of them!

To participate, look for the “Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit” line on your tax return or tax software and enter this information:

Name: Partners in Housing
Registration Number: 20023002966
For more information, click here.
WANT TO SAVE ON NEXT YEAR'S TAXES?
We’ve made it easier to support Partners in Housing
AND save on your Colorado state taxes!
EL PASO COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE –
25% TAX CREDIT
To qualify, donate $250+ in 2022 in a single donation or through multiple donations (minimum of $25/gift). You can give by check or by card. For your donation to qualify, you must include specific information with your donation. For details, please call or email Jillian at (719) 325-5830 or [email protected] or visit partnersinhousing.org/tax-credit- information.
CHILDCARE TAX CREDIT – 50% TAX CREDIT
(and no, you don’t need to have children to qualify!)
The most advantageous tax credit we offer is the Childcare Tax Credit which gives donors like you a 50% credit on your state tax liability! A popular misconception for this tax credit is that a donor needs to have children to qualify – that isn’t true. This tax credit was created to promote giving to nonprofit organizations that provide quality childcare in Colorado. Partners in Housing’s Child Enrichment Center is
a qualified program and allows our donors to have this tax credit opportunity! To qualify, donate $500+ in 2022 in a single donation. You can give by check or by card. Please include “Child Enrichment Center” in the memo line of your check or if giving online, select “Other” for the Designation drop-down box and enter there.
Always consult with your accountant and/or tax advisor for advice concerning your particular circumstances. If you would like additional information regarding either tax credit, please contact Jillian at [email protected] or (719) 325-5830.