(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Widefield School District 3 (WSD3) has partnered with Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity to offer affordable housing to qualified staff members. The program is open to all staff who apply, not just teachers.
The homes will be in Southeast Colorado Springs, near the intersection of East Drennan and South Marksheffel Roads, with 41 lots available for development. The initiative aims to support district employees by providing them with affordable housing options close to their workplace.
“In 2026, we will begin putting in the infrastructure, the roads, the sidewalks, things of that nature. We’ll be able to then start to see buildings go up and houses go up in early 2027,” said Aaron Hoffman, the district’s Superintendent. “We’re hoping to have staff members move in and potentially have the opportunity to live here in 2027.”
The application process for the housing program will start in September of this year. Habitat for Humanity will consider factors such as current living situations and income when reviewing applications.
Habitat emphasized that these homes will not be given away for free. If staff successfully apply, they have to put in sweat equity, and can then purchase a home with a mortgage no more than 30% of their income.
Informational sessions will be held for interested employees to provide them with more details about the application process and eligibility criteria.
Not all 41 lots will be under construction at the same time. The district says it’s a long-term project, and they’ll do a few houses at a time.
A few years into the future, the program will also include the district’s career technical education students. They’ll have the opportunity to work on these homes while still earning certificates through their school for a career in construction. Simply put, students interested in the construction field will be able to work on the homes for staff.
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