On behalf of the entire HBA Cares Board, I would like to thank you for an extraordinary return to the new normal in 2022!  Your HBA Cares board had a great year hosting numerous events and raising funds to support our mission of “partnering with other nonprofits, engaging industry resources to support transitional and accessible housing and other community projects.” 

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Woody and Millie Ingram Guest House Update

As we enjoy the holidays we are reminded and humbled by the many things for which we are thankful. In 2022, based on the vision and seed money of one of our industry members, Executive Officer of the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs, Renee Zentz, and Builder Captain of the John Zay Guest House, George Hess, we embarked on our new journey of adding an additional Guest House at the St. Francis Medical Center Campus. In 2022 we began the construction of the Woody and Millie Ingram Guest House. 

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Although we have faced some turbulent times, our industry has shown up in full force. We have given of our time, talents, and gifts to bless those who are facing difficult times themselves while receiving cancer treatment, extended stays in the hospital, and for the parents who have children in the NICU. 

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This home will service patients and families by allowing a free place to stay. This facility will have 25 guest rooms with a dining room, living room, activities loft, and kids play area. Our goal is to provide amenities that will allow them a home. This will allow people the ability to have a place to stay that is right next to the hospital and give them a retreat where they can relax and get away from the stressful decisions and situations that they are facing. Part of that retreat is an unobstructed view of America's Mountain, Pikes Peak.

 

Even though we are already under construction, we still need your help. Without the help of our industry and involvement of the community this would not be possible. We still need donations of material, labor, and monetary gifts to help make this project a success. If you would like to be a part of this project that will leave a legacy to this community, please feel free to reach out to Josh Peterson who is the Builder Captain for this project. His email is josh@vanguardnewhomes.com or you can call him on his cell at 719-243-4181.

A few highlights from 2022:

 

HBA Annual Awards Dinner (April)

HBA Cares Past President and longtime board member, Josh Peterson, was recognized by the HBA as the Industry Person of the Year!  Josh is the COO of Vanguard Homes as well as the Builder Captain for the Woody and Millie Ingram Guest House project.  Josh also volunteers his time as a high school football coach at TCA, a set builder to support his daughter’s performances and as a pit crew member for George Hess’ Pikes Peak Hill Climb Race Team! What an amazing individual, we are blessed to have him as an HBA Cares Board Member! 

 

Peel Out Party (June)

Despite the unseasonably chilly weather, this years’ Peel Out Party was a tremendous success!  Special thanks to George Hess for donating the exterior of his Pikes Peak Hill Climb race car and for all the sponsors who donated by purchasing decals for the race car as well as the trailer  Proceeds from the event went to support the construction of the Woody and Millie Ingram Guest House.

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Creek Week (September)

Over 40 volunteers including 6 HBA Cares Board Members and 7 HBA Staff members volunteered to clean up the creek bed along the Sinton Trail, in the Douglas Creek Open Space in central Colorado Springs.  Please keep this fun community event on your radar for 2023!

 

Hockey Game (October)

A local team of building professionals, led by HBA Cares Board Member Mike Finkbiner, took on a team of local law enforcement officers at the Sertich Ice Arena.  Proceeds from the event went directly to support Officer Ragsdale who was recently diagnosed with cancer after suffering a seizure while on duty in Colorado Springs. HBA Cares is already planning the rematch in 2023!   

 

Sponsorship Commitments

One of the goals for HBA Cares in 2022 was to expand our outreach.  The board felt that one of the ways we could accomplish this goal was by paying it forward.  In 2022, HBA Cares committed to funding the following nonprofits:

• $5,000 to the newly formed nonprofit Community Housing Affordability Taskforce (CHAT), led by HBA BOD member Kevin Walker.  This new 501(c)3 focuses on research and advocacy for a variety of housing types across El Paso County.

• $5,000 a year for three years for Face it Together, a program whose mission is to get people with addiction and their loved ones well.  Face it Together provides their services for any employee or loved one with ties to an HBA member company. https://www.wefaceittogether.org

• $5,000 a year for three years for The Place.  The Place ignites the potential in youth to exit homelessness and create self-determined, fulfilled lives.  Their vision is that all Colorado youth have safe housing, supportive relationships and the opportunity for self-sufficiency and success. https://theplacecos.org/

 

Committed Volunteers

During 2022, HBA Cares Board Members volunteered more than 1600 hours on projects and events in our community fulfilling our mission. This is not just time spent, but time invested in building a stronger more resilient community!

 

Looking Forward to 2023

HBA Cares is excited for what 2023 will bring to our community. From our work with the Woody and Millie Ingram Guest House, to the new partnerships we have forged with CHAT, Face it Together and The Place, we know and firmly believe this work cannot be done alone. Our mission: “To partner with other nonprofits and engage industry resources to support accessible housing and other community projects,” can only be accomplished from the strong relationships we’ve forged within and outside of the HBA. 

 

HBA Cares wants to thank you for your involvement with our organization, whether it be through a project, fundraiser, or donations. As 2022 comes to an end, please consider donating to HBA Cares. HBA Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is funded solely by donations and fundraising. Your donations help to fund HBA Cares projects and outreach, which are both focused on transitional and accessible housing. Donate today online at hbacares.org/donate or by calling Lisa at 719-592-1800.

 

On behalf of the entire HBA Cares Board, we would like to thank you again and we look forward to your continued partnership and support of HBA Cares in 2023!

 

Sincerely,

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Blake Green

2022 HBA Cares Board President