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Affordable Housing Initiative Launched for Widefield D3 Educators

Widefield School District 3 (WSD3), in collaboration with Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity and Careers in Construction Colorado (CICC), announced the launch of a new Housing for Educators program designed to provide affordable housing opportunities for all staff within the district who qualify. This is at no cost to the school district.

"We are incredibly excited about this partnership, which represents a significant step forward in supporting our dedicated educators," said Aaron Hoffman, Superintendent of WSD3. "Affordable housing is a major challenge for many, and this program will provide a tangible benefit, allowing our teachers and staff to live and thrive within the community they serve. It also offers a unique educational opportunity for students in the Careers in Construction program."

This innovative partnership aims to address the critical need for accessible housing solutions, helping to attract and retain high-quality educators in the Widefield community. The Housing for Educators program will leverage the expertise of all three organizations to create sustainable and affordable homeownership opportunities. Pikes Peak Habitat will lead the construction of new homes in a community called Rising Moon, offering their proven model for affordable housing development. In addition, home build projects from CICC students will also be placed in the development. Students from WSD3 and across the region will help with the building process, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and contributing directly to community development. 

“This initiative is the embodiment of what community collaboration should look like. By building homes for the educators shaping our future, our students are also building purpose, skills, and pride. Projects like this don’t just teach construction—they teach compassion, responsibility, and the real-world impact of skilled trades. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that lifts up both the workforce of today and the workforce of tomorrow.” -Renee Zentz, CEO-President, CICC.

Pikes Peak Habitat CEO Kris Lewis said that Habitat houses are not simply given away, but that homeowners purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage. 

“Economic growth starts with a home. A safe, affordable home allows a family to be independent, find and keep stable work, grow wealth, and plan for the future. Building decent and affordable homes helps build a stronger community. We look forward to working with CICC and together lifting up WSD3 educators to the opportunities homeownership provides.”

The involvement of CICC provides a unique synergy, offering students real-world training while contributing to a vital community initiative. 

Rising Moon is expected to start construction on its first homes in summer of 2026 with a goal to deliver affordable housing units in early 2027. Pikes Peak Habitat will be

managing the selection of applicants, and eligibility criteria for WSD3 staff will be announced in the coming months.

This collaboration exemplifies a community-wide effort to support education and foster local growth. It serves as a model for how partnerships between school districts, non-profit organizations, and vocational training programs can collectively address pressing societal needs.

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