Background and Vision
Tierra Colectiva GES is a community land trust located in north Denver’s Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods. Started through community organizing between neighbors in 2016, Tierra Colectiva has been incubated by GES Coalition and Colorado Community Land Trust since 2017.
The vision of Tierra Colectiva is organized to prevent the displacement of our neighbors through the creation and preservation of affordable and accessible housing, real-estate and community-ownership of land. The vision of Tierra Colectiva is achieved through community planning and organizing around the collective stewardship of the land, and is supervised by a tripartite board-of-directors, with a 2/3 community majority.
Building Community Power
Tierra Colectiva is organized with the community, by the community, and for the community. Utilizing collective tools based in the history of community organizing, community planning, and collective governance, Tierra Colectiva serves to create (and preserve) affordable and accessible housing for our neighbors most impacted by displacement, while building the collective leadership capacity of neighbors around the long-term stewardship of community-owned land.
We are still going.
Tierra Colectiva Community Land Trust’s most recent successes.
Sold
• 1 rehabilitated house
• 2 duplex modular homes
Set and almost finished!
Acquired land
• 5 attached modular homes
• For 7 more homes!
Re-zoned
• 1 property for 3 homes
• (In process) 2 additional tandem homes
Built our Organizational foundation
• Finished our strategic plan!
• Approved organizational by-laws
• Elected officers of the board!
• Submitting for incorporation!
Tierra Colectiva Community Land Trust’s most recent successes.
To combat displacement in our neighborhood, we’re expanding our housing portfolio with urgency and purpose. Meeting our community’s needs would require undoing decades of loss — a time when hundreds of homes and businesses were erased during one of the most devastating housing crises in history.
New Projects
• Joined the 4995 Washington St. development team
– 197 affordable rental units
– Community-serving retail in Globeville
Won
• $50,000 grant from Gates for community development work
• $1.55M in federal funds from Hickenlooper’s discretionary projects
– For I-70 remnant parcel acquisition from CDOT
• Ongoing support from the City and State
Forged New Partnerships
• For down payment assistance
• For ITIN loans
• With new developers
Trained and Prepared
• 5 leaders attended the Grounded Solutions Conference
• Prepared GES potential buyers for homeownership
Path to Homeownership with Tierra Colectiva
Step 1: Attend an Information Session
Begin your journey by participating in a Tierra Colectiva Information Session. These sessions offer insights into the history and mission of the community land trust, explaining how this model maintains neighborhood affordability. Attendees will learn about the benefits of community land trusts, the application process, and how to join the Tierra Colectiva waitlist. These sessions also provide an opportunity to engage with community members and understand how collective efforts support the acquisition of more homes for neighbors.
Step 2: Verify Eligibility
Tierra Colectiva is designed to serve individuals and families who live in, work in, or have been displaced from the GES neighborhoods. Currently, homeownership opportunities are available to those earning between 50-60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Importantly, ITIN recipients are eligible to purchase homes through the trust. While Tierra Colectiva does not offer financial aid or down payment assistance, staff members are committed to helping applicants determine their eligibility and connect with partner organizations for additional support.
Step 3: Complete Education & Pre-Qualifications
Prospective homeowners must complete a CHFA-approved first-time homebuyer education course and obtain pre-approval for a loan through one of Tierra Colectiva’s partner lenders. This step ensures that applicants are well-informed about the responsibilities of homeownership and financially prepared for the process. Timely completion of these requirements is crucial, as it affects the speed at which applicants can join the waitlist. Tierra Colectiva staff will provide periodic check-ins and reminders to assist applicants throughout this phase.
Step 4: Join the Waitlist
After meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the necessary education and loan pre-approval, applicants will be added to the Tierra Colectiva waitlist. Staff members will keep waitlisted individuals informed with quarterly updates, including timelines, homebuyer resources, and information about available homes. This ongoing communication ensures that applicants remain engaged and prepared for the next steps in the homeownership process.
Step 5: Home Selection and Closing
When a home becomes available, applicants on the waitlist will have the opportunity to select a property that meets their needs. The closing process involves final income verification, typically within six months of the closing date, and the preparation of necessary documentation. Tierra Colectiva staff will guide applicants through this process, ensuring a smooth transition to homeownership.
Step 6: Stewardship and Community Engagement
Homeownership through Tierra Colectiva extends beyond the purchase of a home; it includes active participation in the community. Homeowners are encouraged to attend Tierra Colectiva dinners, activities, and GES Coalition events. These engagements foster a sense of community and collective responsibility. Additionally, Tierra Colectiva provides resources for home maintenance, gardening, and seasonal upkeep, supporting homeowners in preserving their properties and the neighborhood’s character.
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