Bridging the Housing Gap at Gratitude Village
A Path Between Renting and Owning
For many individuals and families, the dream of homeownership feels like it's slipping further out of reach. Skyrocketing home prices, limited inventory, and rising interest rates have created a growing chasm between renting and traditional ownership.
In cities across the country, people find themselves in an impossible bind: earning too much to qualify for subsidized housing, yet not enough to afford a market-rate home. This "missing middle" is one of the most urgent housing challenges of our time.
At Gratitude Village, we believe there's a better way.
We're creating a new model of living—a cohousing community that bridges the divide between renting and owning while cultivating deep roots of connection, sustainability, and long-term stability.
A National Crisis: The Housing Squeeze
Let’s take a look at the numbers.
Between 2019 and 2023, the median home price in the U.S. increased by more than 40%, according to the National Association of Realtors.
In Colorado, the median price for a single-family home in the Denver metro area reached $660,000 in early 2024.
Rents rose 18% nationwide from 2021 to 2023, with even sharper spikes in major cities.
More than 60% of renters say they want to buy a home but can’t afford to do so.
Many Americans are caught in the middle—too much income for assistance, too little for a mortgage.
Gratitude Village offers a community-first solution that meets people where they are—and helps them grow from there.
A Spectrum of Housing for Real Life
Gratitude Village is more than a housing development. It’s a net-zero, intergenerational cohousing community rooted in equity, environmental responsibility, and neighborly connection.
Here’s how we’re creating housing that adapts to real lives:
1. Mixed-Income Housing Options
Our village plans to include:
Market-rate homes for those ready to buy
Permanently affordable homes through a Community Land Trust (CLT)
Rent-to-own units that help build equity over time
Cooperative rentals for residents who choose not to purchase
Residents can transition between housing types as their financial situations evolve—without losing their place in the community.
2. Rent-to-Own & Shared Equity Models
In a rent-to-own model, a portion of monthly rent goes toward a future down payment. This makes it easier for residents to move toward ownership over time.
We also explore shared equity models, where homebuyers partner with the community to reduce up-front costs. According to Grounded Solutions Network, shared equity homes typically sell for 30–50% less than market-rate homes, while still allowing owners to build wealth.
3. Community Land Trust (CLT)
A CLT is a nonprofit structure where the community owns the land and residents buy only the home itself. This lowers purchase costs and keeps resale prices affordable.
Research from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy shows CLT homes have a 99% success rate in avoiding foreclosure. Another report indicates that as of the end of 2009, only 0.56% of CLT mortgages were in foreclosure, compared to 3.31% for prime loans and 15.58% for subprime loans in the broader market.
4. Cooperative Rentals with Resident Leadership
In our co-op rental homes, residents have a say in how the housing is managed. They enjoy stability, access to shared amenities, and the dignity of participation—without the burden of ownership.
Housing becomes not just a commodity, but a shared responsibility.
5. Social and Community Equity
At Gratitude Village, equity goes beyond finances. Whether renting or owning, all residents share meals, garden together, celebrate milestones, and participate in village governance.
According to the Foundation for Intentional Community, cohousing significantly reduces loneliness and increases residents’ sense of belonging.
Built for Life Transitions
Life isn’t linear, and neither are housing needs. At Gratitude Village, you don’t have to leave the community when your circumstances change.
A young adult might start out in a co-op rental, transition to a rent-to-own unit, and one day purchase a market-rate home. A retired couple might downsize to a smaller unit while staying close to longtime neighbors.
We believe community should grow with you.
Why It Matters
Bridging the gap between renting and owning is about more than economics. It's about dignity, agency, and belonging.
Gratitude Village empowers residents with housing choice, long-term security, and meaningful connection to others. We're not just solving a housing problem. We're nurturing a movement—toward a more inclusive, regenerative way of life.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a lifelong renter, or simply seeking something more intentional, we welcome you to explore what life could look like in a place where housing is built for people, not just profit.