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A Homegrown Vision: The History of

Crestone Peak Community Housing & Living Wisdom Village

In the quiet, high-desert town of Crestone, Colorado—cradled by the rugged beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—a group of residents dared to dream big. Their mission? To ensure that people aged 55 and older, living on fixed incomes, could continue to call Crestone home.

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This is the story of Crestone Peak Community Housing (CPCH), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its landmark achievement: Living Wisdom Village. What began as a heartfelt vision has become a cornerstone of care, connection, and resilience in one of Colorado’s most remote yet tight-knit towns.

 

A Vision and a Visionary Leader Emerge

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By 2014, the need for affordable senior housing in Crestone had become urgent. Barbara Hoeppner, a long-time Crestone resident known for her significant contributions to local projects, began to reflect on the challenges of aging as she cared for her ailing father. Together with other residents, Barbara imagined a new kind of community. Their goal: to create a place where older adults could age with dignity—surrounded by beauty and supported by one another.

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Barbara and her team envisioned more than just homes—they dreamed of a village. A place rooted in sustainability and harmony with the land, where shared spaces and support networks will enhance independence. A place walkable to town, designed for accessibility, and built with deep respect for Crestone’s values.

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Recognizing the need for formal structure and support, the project joined forces with Crestone Peak Community Housing. Over the next several years, CPCH held listening sessions, refined the vision, and laid the groundwork for what would become Living Wisdom Village.

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By 2019, LWV had a plan: a 20-unit, eco-conscious community for adults 55+ offering rental studios and one- and two-bedroom homes, a central gathering space, and shared outdoor areas that honored the surrounding landscape. Through a generous private donation, CPCH purchased a 4.6-acre parcel—offering both stunning views and walkable access to downtown Crestone.

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Barbara wanted to age in place with friends at LWV, but the village was unfinished when she died in 2022. She will be remembered as “keeper of the vision.”

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​The Struggle and the Breakthrough (2019–2023)

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Bringing this ambitious vision to life in a small rural town posed significant challenges. Funding such a project required creativity, persistence, and deep community involvement.

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CPCH tapped into a wide network—pursuing grants, welcoming private donations, and launching grassroots fundraising efforts. Volunteers stepped up, hosting events, knocking on doors, and giving generously of their time and energy.

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Then, in 2023, a breakthrough: CPCH was awarded a $4.5 million construction grant from the Colorado State Housing Board—covering 75% of the then-anticipated construction costs. Additional grants and private donations helped CPCH fulfill a core tenet of the original vision: to complete the project debt-free, to keep rents affordable for residents with modest Social Security incomes.

With funding secured, CPCH partnered with architects, engineers, and housing experts to finalize the design and prepare for construction.

 

Building a Dream, Step by Step (2024–2025)

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Construction began in June 2024. Despite national supply chain issues and rising material costs, CPCH pressed forward, driven by the knowledge that every beam, wall, and walkway would serve the older adults of Crestone.

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The design reflected Crestone’s spirit: energy-efficient systems, including solar. and landscaping that preserved natural features while promoting privacy and connection. From window placement to accessibility features, every detail was chosen with care.

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More than a decade in the making, the dream was finally becoming reality.

 

A Village Realized: The Grand Opening (October 2025)

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In October 2025, Living Wisdom Village officially opened its doors. The grand opening celebration brought together funders, supporters, volunteers, donors, and state officials—all united by a common purpose.

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A separate open house welcomed the broader community. With deep pride, the first residents were welcomed home. For many, this marked not just a new chapter, but a renewed sense of security, belonging, and possibility.

 

Looking Forward:

CPCH seeks affordable housing and economic development opportunities

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As of Spring, 2026, all LWV’s units are leased.  CPCH will continue to oversee the village's governance, policies, finances, and infrastructure improvements.

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CPCH will explore new projects that reflect its mission of providing affordable housing and economic development opportunities to the residents of Saguache County. This objective ensures that everyone, regardless of age or income, has a place in Crestone, Baca and beyond.

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What began as a vision in 2014 is now one of Crestone’s proudest accomplishments, a model for rural, interdependent living and a legacy for generations to come.

 

 

 

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