One of the ways we connect community needs to the local resources of the housing and building industry is by assisting housing-related nonprofit agencies with construction projects.  Colorado Springs-based Dream Centers is committed to ending generational poverty and family homelessness in the Pikes Peak Region.  With the support of HBA Cares, they will renovate two building for a Family Life Center and Family Services Center, allowing space for more families at Mary's Home. 

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Mary's Home provides housing for single mothers and their children transitioning out of homelessness.  Families receive both medical and behavioral health services.  They are welcomed into a safe, trauma-informed place to heal.  Beyond healing, Mary's Homes provides hope and opportunity through life skill classes and access to college classes.  For these women, it's a chance to break the cycle and rewrite their stories.  

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The Dream Center's administrative and counseling offices are currently located inside Mary's Home.  The Family Services Center will house these offices as well as other office-type areas, opening up three new units within Mary's Home for women transitioning out of homelessness.  

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Retaining walls for the Family Services Center were poured at the end of August.  Projected completion of the new building is the end of 2018/beginning of 2019. 

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In a separate effort, HBA builder member Aspen View Homes partnered with HBA Cares to build a Family Life Center as part of Dream Centers' "Extreme Dream" initiative.  The new building features a safe play area for kids, a community room with space for healing and celebration, a kitchen to learn how to prepare family meals, and more.  Inspired by the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition TV series, Aspen View Homes completed the build in just 10 days.