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About the Yampa Valley Housing Authority
The Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) was formed in November 2003 through collaboration between the City of Steamboat Springs and Routt County governments in response to growing concern for the lack of affordable housing for people living and working in the Yampa Valley. As a result of an intergovernmental agreement, the Housing Authority, a multi-jurisdictional governmental agency, is charged with overseeing all aspects of projects or programs to provide housing for families of low or moderate incomes in Routt County. The Housing Authority is also responsible for providing housing counseling services to these same income groups.
Where We've Been
The Yampa Valley Housing Authority was preceded by the Regional Affordable Living Foundation (RALF), a community formed non-profit organization established in November 1997. The mission of RALF was to promote a healthy and diverse community by increasing the availability of affordable housing for the people of Routt County. RALF's accomplishments include:
- Purchasing and renovating the Hillside Village Apartments, which provide 55 units of affordable rental housing in Steamboat Springs;
- Aiding residents of Trailer Haven to purchase the lots for their mobile homes, ensuring continued housing security for these households;
- Placing 33 low to moderate income households in West End Village;
- Acquiring the grant and qualifying 14 families for the Hayden and Oak Creek Self-Help Housing builds.
YVHA is continuing the efforts of RALF with its own commitment to affordable housing by:
- Offering 30 low to moderate income households the opportunity to purchase a condominium in Fox Creek Village, YVHA's maiden affordable housing project under construction in 2005.
Where We're Going
Always on the alert for opportunities to advance affordable housing, some of the areas YVHA has targeted for future emphasis include:
- Developing purchased lots in the Sierra View subdivision in Oak Creek;
- Acquiring land for new projects in areas accessible to families and workers in Steamboat Springs and Routt County;
- Advocating the inclusion of provisions for affordable housing in future planning applications with the City and County;
- Providing a full slate of homebuyer education courses, including post purchase financial management, credit counseling, and foreclosure prevention;
- Bringing in State and Federal monies for down payment assistance and similar financing grants.
- Increasing public awareness and developing housing advocacy partners throughout the county.