At Heartside Hill, something extraordinary is taking shape.

As the final stages of construction bring more homes closer to completion, the neighborhood is already demonstrating what it means to create a community where people of different ages, incomes, and abilities can live, connect, and thrive together.

Over the past month, Heartside Hill has been at the center of important conversations about the future of affordable housing, both nationally and here in Northern Colorado. From Habitat for Humanity’s National Conference in Atlanta to a special visit from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, the neighborhood is serving as an inspiring example of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared vision.

Sharing the Heartside Hill Story on a National Stage

Recently, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kristin Candella shared the Heartside Hill story with Habitat colleagues from across the country at the organization’s National Conference in Atlanta. The session, “Mobilizing Faith Partnerships for Housing Impact,” explored how creative partnerships can help communities respond to the nation’s affordable housing challenges. As rising land values and construction costs make affordable housing increasingly difficult to develop, these collaborations open new possibilities.
One approach is known as YIGBY—“Yes in God’s Backyard”—a movement that recognizes the potential of faith communities to help address housing needs through their land, relationships, volunteer networks, and commitment to serving others.
Heartside Hill brings that vision to life.
Through collaboration with a local church, CARE Communities, and L’Arche, the neighborhood brings together affordable rental housing, Habitat homeownership, inclusive housing for people with and without disabilities, and shared community spaces. Together, these partners are creating more than housing: they are creating opportunities for connection and belonging.
At the heart of this vision is a simple belief: housing needs are not one-size-fits-all. A thriving community should offer opportunities for people of different backgrounds, ages, incomes, and abilities to live alongside one another.
No single organization could have created Heartside Hill alone. Each partner contributes distinct strengths, resources, and perspectives, demonstrating what becomes possible when a shared commitment to community takes shape in a neighborhood.
By sharing Heartside Hill’s story on a national stage, Kristin offered fellow Habitat leaders an example of how faith partnerships can help meet local housing needs—and inspiration to explore what might be possible in their own communities.
Welcoming Senator Bennet to Heartside Hill
On October 11, Heartside Hill welcomed U.S. Senator Michael Bennet for a special visit highlighting the neighborhood’s collaborative approach to affordable housing.
Representatives from Faith Build, L’Arche, Habitat for Humanity, and the Senator’s office gathered to celebrate the progress of Heartside Hill and reflect on the importance of creating inclusive, affordable communities.
Among those who shared their perspectives was Sister Mary Alice Murphy, a passionate advocate for housing and community. She started CARE Housing when she was at an age when many people are just enjoying retirement.  We celebrated her 90th birthday at the groundbreaking for Heartside and so it was very meaningful to have her there. 

The visit was an opportunity to highlight the impact of Heartside Hill, but one of the most meaningful moments came from a simple conversation between neighbors.

 

A Watermelon, an Art Class, and the Meaning of Community
During the visit, a CARE resident shared that he had been growing watermelons in the neighborhood’s community garden.
With the watermelons finally ready to harvest, he was excited to share them with his neighbors.
That small gesture sparked another idea. Julie, a Habitat homeowner, mentioned that she had been hoping to organize community art classes for the neighborhood.
It was a simple exchange, but one that beautifully captured the spirit of Heartside Hill.
A neighbor sharing something grown in the garden. Another imagining a way to bring people together through art. Two small acts of generosity and a connection that reflects something much bigger.

These moments remind us that a strong community is built not only through homes and shared spaces, but through the everyday relationships that develop between neighbors.

 

At Heartside Hill, community is not simply something we hope to create in the future. It is already happening.
Neighbors are finding ways to share their talents, care for one another, and create opportunities for friendship and belonging. And that is what makes this neighborhood so special