Why We're Creating Gratitude Village

At Gratitude Village Colorado, we often say we’re not just building a neighborhood; we’re building a new way to live. This project was born from a collective sense that the old ways aren’t working—that the rising cost of housing, increasing social isolation, and the pressures of climate change are calling for something more intentional, more connected, and more sustainable. We envision a multi-generational, inclusive, Net Zero community where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds live with purpose, with people, and with the planet in mind. We see a place where neighbors know one another, where shared meals and shared values go hand in hand, and where community is not just a dream but a daily reality.

For many of us involved in founding Gratitude Village, the idea began with a longing. A longing for connection in a world that often feels fragmented. A longing for a home that reflects our values and supports our well-being. A longing for our children to grow up in a neighborhood where they are known and cherished, and where elders are respected and included. It started as a personal hope, but quickly grew into a shared vision as we met others who wanted the same thing: a place where people and the planet come first.

The loneliness epidemic is real. Even before the pandemic, studies showed that more than half of Americans felt lonely on a regular basis. The way most neighborhoods are built today—garage-forward, backyard-centric, and car-dependent—makes spontaneous connection rare. We pass our neighbors on the way to work, while walking our dogs or we wave from a distance, but rarely do we really know the people living next door. In cohousing communities like Gratitude Village, the design itself fosters interaction: homes are clustered around shared spaces and green areas, pathways are pedestrian-friendly, and community life happens naturally.

Then there’s the affordability crisis. Housing prices have skyrocketed in Colorado and across the country, pushing many families, elders, and young adults out of the market altogether. At Gratitude Village, we’re committed to creating a mixed-income community where at least 30% to 50% of the homes will be permanently affordable for qualifying buyers. We’re using tools like community land trusts, deed restrictions, and shared-equity models to make this possible. Our goal is to ensure that people who contribute to the fabric of our society—teachers, caregivers, artists, essential workers—can afford to live here and build equity for the future.

Climate change adds another layer of urgency to our mission. We know that the built environment is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. By designing Gratitude Village to Passive House and Net Zero standards, we’re taking a proactive step toward reducing our ecological footprint. That includes energy-efficient homes, solar power, greywater reuse, green roofs, community gardens, composting, and a walkable layout that encourages biking and transit use. Sustainability isn’t an afterthought for us—it’s baked into the DNA of what we’re building.

But more than anything, we’re creating Gratitude Village because we believe people are meant to live in community. Not just beside one another, but with one another. We believe in shared meals, shared laughter, and shared responsibility. We believe in raising children with a village of support, in aging with dignity and friendship, and in making decisions together in ways that honor every voice. In a world that often pushes us to isolate or compete, we are choosing collaboration, inclusion, and care.

This vision isn’t theoretical. It’s already happening in cohousing communities across the country and around the world. And now, we’re bringing the next generation of cohousing communities to life in Denver. Gratitude Village will be home to families with young kids, retired couples, single adults, neurodivergent folk, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyone in between. It will be a place where diversity is valued, where accessibility is prioritized, and where joy and purpose are everyday experiences.

We know this is ambitious. We also know it’s possible—because people like you are reaching out, signing up, showing up, and saying, “Yes! This is what I’ve been looking for.” We’re still in the early stages—securing land, finalizing designs, and raising funds—but every new member, every donor, every conversation helps move us forward. This is a collective effort, and we’re honored to co-create it with you.

So why are we creating Gratitude Village? Because we want to live in a place where people matter. Where the environment is protected. Where housing is accessible. And where belonging isn’t just a buzzword—it’s built into the blueprint. We’re creating Gratitude Village because we believe this is the future of housing—and we’re building it now, together.