PRESS RELEASE
2023 Inspiration House
Among the new homes being built at The Canyons at Castle Pines is one with a very special purpose. Shea Homes is the partnering home builder for the 2023 Inspiration House, which is a collaboration between Shea and its trade partners that benefits the nonprofit Home Builders Foundation (HBF). A groundbreaking ceremony was held in late May, during which it was announced that nearly 30 trade partners had committed to donating or discounting materials, labor or supplies. Those contributions, combined with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the home, will be donated to HBF and help to provide home modifications that elevate the lives of individuals with physical disabilities.
The house being built by Shea Homes at The Canyons is the ninth Inspiration House undertaken since the program began in 2003. The previous eight homes have together raised more than $1 million, which has helped HBF complete home modifications to increase safety and independence for nearly 2,000 individuals.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, client Frank C. shared the importance of the work done by HBF. Frank, who is a father of five and former high school basketball coach, was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis in early 2021. This rare inflammatory disease causes progressive muscle weakness. After moving to a more accessible home, Frank realized that additional modifications were necessary to accommodate his power wheelchair. He contacted HBF, which upgraded his ramp and installed additional features to enhance Frank’s independence and safety. According to Frank, these modifications were life changing. “While it may seem like a small thing to have a pull bar or automatic door opener, it makes a huge difference to someone in a wheelchair who has limited use of his hands,” explained Frank. He praised the compassion and professionalism of HBF staff and the contractors who completed the work and thanked the nonprofit for easing his family’s caregiving burden. Due to his increased independence, Frank is now able to return to work in his community and assist the local high school girls’ basketball program as an assistant coach.
RELATED: Nested Continues to Pay It Forward
Chetter Latcham, President of Shea Homes Colorado, has been involved with HBF for years and shared that being the partnering homebuilder for the 2023 Inspiration House is an honor and a great fit with the company’s values. “Our charitable foundation allows us to support various initiatives that have a positive impact on the lives of employees, our homeowners and the neighborhoods in which we build and live,” stated Latcham. “We are pleased to spearhead this year’s effort on behalf of HBF to make a real difference for individuals and families living with long-term physical disabilities.”
The 2023 Inspiration House is expected to be completed by end of year. The home is part of Shea’s Reserve Collection and features three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a study, finished basement with a wet bar and covered deck. The 3,200-square-foot walk-out home sits on a corner homesite with views of open space and mountains in the distance.
HBF, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has seen a significant rise in demand as more people with long-term physical disabilities are requesting services. In recent months, the nonprofit has received double the number of applications that it typically receives. The funds raised from this year’s Inspiration House will help HBF complete an estimated 240 projects this year — all of which will enable individuals with disabilities to live more comfortably, safely and independently.