Our newest development, Overlook at Powers Park, is changing the face of affordable housing by providing elevated living with thoughtful design, upgraded features, and a fantastic location near downtown Littleton. It is also making a difference in lives of the people who call it home.

Meet Jim, the first resident to move into Overlook. Jim sat down with David Gilbert, Senior Media Strategist for the City of Littleton, and SMHO’s Communications Specialist, Kim DeCero, to talk about his story, how he ended as a resident of affordable housing, and what Overlook at Powers Park means to him. Below is his story in his own words.

“I served in the Marines from 1977 to 1981. My whole family served – my dad was in the Army in World War II, and my older brother served in Vietnam. I’ve got a grandson thinking about enlisting in the Marines, and a granddaughter looking into the Air Force.

After I got out of the Marines, I worked for a military contractor for a while, making torpedoes and underwater mines. Then I went into masonry – I loved working with rock. But I injured both my shoulders, and I wound up on disability.

It was scary. I didn’t have the income to afford most stuff. But I got a housing voucher through the VA, and it saved my hide.

Between my small pension from the bricklayer’s union, disability, and my voucher, I’ve got everything I need. I’m happy. Without my housing voucher, I hate to even think about where I’d be. Probably a trailer out in the middle of nowhere.

I grew up in Colorado – my dad worked in meatpacking plants, then for King Soopers. As a kid we didn’t have a lot of money, but every chance we got we loaded into the station wagon and headed to the mountains. I’ve always cherished Colorado. My housing voucher means I still have enough money to fill my gas tank and drive with my girlfriend up to the mountains. We go fishing, or we take a blowup mattress and a tent and go camping.

Living at Overlook has been great. They have birthday parties, bingo nights, and lots of opportunities to meet your neighbors.

It’s the perfect place for me. It’s a brand new facility, it’s right next to the park, it’s got covered parking, and everyone I’ve met here is so nice and quiet. The Bookmobile comes around. I can leave for the day and not worry about the packages delivered outside my door. You can live your life in peace here.”