HomesFund, a Durango-based nonprofit that provides affordable homeownership programs and services to the people of Southwest Colorado, has purchased an office in the Colorado Heritage Building, better known as the former Red Snapper building, located at 150 East 9th Street in Durango.
HomesFund purchased the entire second floor of the building from D&G Partnership/Instone Enterprises. The purchase transaction closed on August 10, 2022, and HomesFund moved into the new space on August 31, 2022.
HomesFund will occupy the main office suite, unit 207, and lease the seven additional offices on the second floor.
Though the move was a short physical distance—the new office is just across the alley from the old office—it was a significant accomplishment for HomesFund. “As an agency that promotes and facilitates affordable homeownership, it is important for HomesFund to secure ownership of our own space too,” noted Lisa Bloomquist, Executive Director of HomesFund. “We now have a home of our own and all the benefits of ownership that come along with it.”
The purchase of the new office was prompted by the hiring of an additional staff person, bringing the HomesFund staff from five to six people. HomesFund hired Sharon Carroll as the Homebuyer Program Coordinator for the organization in July, 2022. Sharon will provide the Housing Counseling services for HomesFund, as well as support of the Homebuyer Education and Mortgage Assistance programs.
“We needed more space for Sharon,” noted Bloomquist. “She was in an office that was also our kitchen space, and it had no windows. It was not acceptable. In our new location each staff member will have their own office, and we even have room for growth.”
Two USDA loans from First Southwest Bank provided financing for the purchase of the property. “First Southwest has provided financing for the two major transactions that HomesFund made in 2022,” Bloomquist stated, noting that First Southwest Bank also financed HomesFund’s purchase of the Triangle Trailer Park.
The new HomesFund office at 150 East 9th Street, Suite 207, is open for business as of September 1, 2022. “We’re still working on getting some signs up, but we are open for business,” said Bloomquist. All those in-need of HomesFund’s services may access the new HomesFund offices during their business hours of 8-5 Monday through Friday.
