STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Hilda Loya didn’t want to leave securing her future home up to chance.
The housekeeper, who has lived in Steamboat for 12 years, arrived at 3 a.m. Monday to get in line at Library Hall with her application for The Reserves, a new 48-unit affordable housing complex expected to open in the spring.
Loya was first in line, but was soon joined by other prospective tenants, who arrived at 4 a.m., 5 a.m. and later, hoping to live in the apartment complex, which is a project of the Yampa Valley Housing Authority located near the intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and Elk River Road in West Steamboat. By 10:30 a.m., about 80 people were waiting in line to turn in their applications, which were being accepted beginning at 11 a.m.
Retired teacher Kathleen O’Keefe, who said she’s lived with friends and family during her 10 years in Steamboat, hopes an apartment at The Reserves could finally be a place of her own. “Itap something I can afford,” said OKeefe, who searches for housing daily.
Income information will be verified and approved applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for 12-month leases. After the complex is rented, other applicants will be placed on a list and invited to apply again when openings become available.
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