The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and Metropolitan State University of Denver have formed a transformational partnership to address critical workforce demands within the affordable housing sector in Denver and across Colorado.
Recently, CHFA made a $300,000 gift to help launch the Affordable Housing Institute within the MSU Denver College of Business. The anticipated impact of this strategic investment includes substantial contributions to the state’s growth and sustainability of affordable housing initiatives.
“The Institute will play an important role in training the skilled professionals needed to meet the workforce demands of Colorado’s affordable housing industry,” said Cris White, executive director and CEO of Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.
The Institute’s core objectives are workforce development and ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals for the affordable housing sector. It will serve as a central hub for interdisciplinary education, workforce development and strategic industry connections, closely aligning with CHFA’s mission to fortify Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development.
CHFA’s generous support has allowed the AHI to jumpstart efforts, hiring an industry navigator – a bridge between MSU Denver students and affordable housing employers – and a director to oversee and coordinate efforts.
Andy Proctor, director of the Affordable Housing Institute, said the College of Business discovered the unmet workforce needs of the affordable housing industry while developing its Real Estate major, leading to the formation of the Institute through a collaborative effort between community members, leaders within the affordable housing industry and an interdisciplinary team at the University.
“The goal of the Institute is to provide a pathway to employment within the affordable housing industry while, at the same time, providing a well-educated and trained workforce to the industry,” said Proctor.
The MSU Denver Department of Social Work was brought into the fold when research and discussions illuminated the need for wraparound services as an essential element of successful affordable housing.
“The retention and turnover of residents is related to the competence of property managers to understand how to oversee onsite supports and ‘resident social needs’ awareness and policies that can lead to success,” said Jessica Retrum, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Social Work.
According to Retrum, providing professional support to connect property residents with social support services related to employment, childcare, education and healthcare increases the likelihood that residents will meet their responsibilities as tenants and appreciate a stable, safe, healthy and attractive place to live.
Tailoring the Institute’s curriculum and academic activities to incorporate workforce training such as housing and health service program procedures and requirements, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills ensures the needs of MSU Denver students, the affordable housing industry and affordable housing communities will be met.
In recognition of its status as a founding donor, the Affordable Housing Industry Navigator office, working hand in hand with the Affordable Housing Institute, will be named after CHFA.
“CHFA is proud to support the launch of the Affordable Housing Institute within MSU Denver’s College of Business,” said White.
“Ultimately, this will provide more Coloradans with the opportunity for housing stability.”