DENVER — The dedication of a small community, and the tenacity it took to fight for their homes have paid off in a big way.
Around 80 Westwood families, at one of the last remaining mobile home parks in Denver, are calling this moment historic. They're now the first community-owned mobile home park in Denver, according to the nonprofits Justice for the People Legal Center and Sharing Connexion.
On Tuesday, Sharing Connexion officially closed on the sale of the mobile home park. The nonprofit has a real-estate rescue program and were voted to become interim owners. Together with residents, and Justice for the People Legal Center, they were able to secure the $11.5 million needed to purchase the park, preserving their homes and community.
The residents have renamed their community, "Montevista."
There have been a few setbacks, and it took almost two years, but neighbors are excited because they're on track to finally own the land underneath their homes.
"I feel very happy because now, I can say that I am not going to move from here, and that I am already stable here," said resident Imelda Zunija.
Back in July 2022, the mobile home park went up for sale, worrying residents who feared being displaced and having little to no affordable options for housing.
Andrea Chiriboga-Flor, executive director of Justice for the People Legal Center, said residents were determined to fight for their homes. With the help of nonprofits, including 9to5 Colorado, the residents took advantage of the state Opportunity to Purchase law passed in 2020. That gave them 120 days to come up with the money needed to make an offer.
"I want to thank God, that we can say that we have a place to live, and we want to keep going and do what’s best for us," said Zunija.
Sharing Connexion will be the interim owner of the park for 1-3 years, until the residents are able to manage and operate it on their own.
*Note: Quotes from Imelda Zunija have been translated from Spanish to English.
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