We’re excited to share that Home Trust of Ouray County has officially been selected to provide Housing Administrative Services for Ouray County, the City of Ouray, and the Town of Ridgway!
This collaborative agreement is a big step forward for the county as we work together to expand access to affordable and attainable housing. Home Trust will lead a wide range of responsibilities which includes expansion of local housing programs, managing deed restrictions and overseeing leases, to coordinating community education and applying for grant funding.
And there’s more good news: Home Trust has hired Eva Henson as the new Housing Services Director, bringing seasoned expertise and a deep commitment to community-centered solutions..
Eva has spent her career addressing the unique housing challenges that mountain and rural communities face. With a background in public administration, housing policy, real estate, and development, she has been instrumental in the creation of more than 300 affordable and attainable homes. Her work includes leading housing needs assessments, facilitating public forums, and working hand-in-hand with local governments and stakeholder partners to ensure that housing strategies are responsive to community needs.
From deed restriction management and program compliance to financial oversight and program development, Eva brings a practical, community-first approach to everything she does, making her the perfect fit to lead Home Trust’s new role as a “one-stop shop” for housing information and resources throughout Ouray County.
As part of this expanded scope, Home Trust will serve as a centralized hub for renters, homebuyers, and community partners – offering guidance on navigating affordable housing programs, applying for homes, and understanding complex housing policies. The organization will also manage local affordable housing inventories, support workforce housing development, lead strategic and financial planning efforts, and ensure compliance with statewide initiatives such as Proposition 123.
By consolidating housing services under one roof, Home Trust will help Ouray County avoid reactive responses and promote proactive, strategic responses. Instead of leaving each jurisdiction to address housing challenges on their own, this countywide approach allows for shared resources, coordinated systems, and solutions that scale with community growth.
With Eva Henson joining the team, and a clearly defined scope of work grounded in collaboration and accountability, this new partnership represents a major step forward for affordable housing in Ouray County.
Home Trust of Ouray County is especially grateful to Ouray County, the City of Ouray, and the Town of Ridgway for their proactive and unified leadership in creating this collaborative service model through a Department of Local Affairs Local Planning Capacity Grant. Their foresight and commitment to working together reflect a shared dedication to thoughtful planning, smart policy, and sustainable solutions that truly serve our communities.
Home Trust of Ouray County is a nonprofit housing organization dedicated to creating and preserving permanently affordable housing opportunities for the people who live and work in Ouray County. Through a combination of property acquisition, stewardship, and community partnerships, Home Trust works to ensure that housing remains accessible for future generations.
Most recently, Home Trust purchased a triplex property in the City of Ouray and is currently renovating it into a five-plex, adding much needed affordable rental units to the local inventory. This project is part of a broader goal to expand the organization’s portfolio from 8 to 43 affordable homes by 2028. To help fund this ambitious effort, Home Trust has launched a $1.4 million capital campaign and is actively seeking community support to bring more attainable housing to the region.
To learn more or to get involved, visit hometrustoc.org.