In the first 25 years of operation, CRHDC concentrated primarily in rural markets providing a wide array of services that addressed the affordable housing needs of the residents and communities. CRHDC has worked in 30 counties in Colorado and has overseen the construction of over 1600 “Self-Help” homes for households of low-to-moderate income. CRHDC has also built over 500 units of farm worker housing and over 300 units of affordable multi-family housing across the state.

The mission of the organization has expanded in the last decade to address many housing needs and asset-building opportunities—both rural and urban—on a state-wide scale. CRHDC is taking a more holistic approach in delivering its services and has incorporated new lines of business that provide clients and communities with more sustainable housing and economic development efforts. Homebuyer Education is a key component in helping families and individuals make the right and informed decision in purchasing a home. This component has expanded to include pre-and post purchase homebuyer education, financial fitness, and foreclosure counseling and prevention. Lending is another feature that CRHDC added to its lines of business in June 1998. Colorado Housing Enterprises, LLC (CHE) was incorporated as an affiliate of CRHDC and became a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The CDFI was created in support of a mission to develop loan products and services that create housing and economic development opportunities for low and moderate income households. CHE provides down payment assistance grants and loans, originates first mortgages for low-to-moderate income households, and also offers foreclosure prevention loans and small business loans.

With the expansion to the urban market and the addition of new lines of business, it became apparent that the name Colorado Rural Housing Development Corporation did not fully capture the essence of our services and activities. In October 2009 the board of directors, staff and partners agreed that it was appropriate to change the corporation’s name to Community Resources and Housing Development Corporation. This decision required much deliberation and reasoning since CRHDC has been an icon in the housing arena and has an impressive track record. The conclusion was that the name better serves the organization and captures the full scope of activities. The name also kept the acronym CRHDC intact.

Moving forward with the new name, CRHDC realizes that the organization must position itself to adjust to the changing markets and take advantage of opportunities as they become available. Understanding that CRHDC must surround itself with strong partners both locally and nationally, CRHDC became an affiliate of a national nonprofit organization, NeighborWorks America®. This national organization was chartered by Congress and has a network of 250 of the strongest and most successful housing & community development organizations across the U.S. in both rural and urban areas. Locally, CRHDC works in tandem with cities, community leaders, rural communities, lenders, public and private sector agencies, philanthropic foundations, and corporations to deliver the best practices and services possible. To deliver the most comprehensive services, CRHDC operates a one-stop-shop NeighborWorks® Home Ownership Center out of its main headquarters in Westminster, Colorado. The Home Ownership Center is staffed by highly qualified and certified individuals who are committed to helping families and households throughout the state of Colorado.