PAINT-A-THON'S SILVER ANNIVERSARY A SUCCESS
Record volunteer turnout enables BRI to paint 114 homes on Aug. 18
DENVER--On a sunny, scorching Saturday, Tessa Atencio was warmed by the efforts of some of Denver‘s stars.
More than a dozen Denver icons and media personalities--including Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Lt. Governor Gale Norton and Denver’s 7 anchors Bertha Lynn and Mike Landess--turned out last month to paint the 74 year-old’s south Meade Street home as part of Brothers Redevelopment’s 25th Annual Paint-A-Thon. Supported by BRI staff, the celebrity-scraping and brush-stroking began at 7 a.m. and concluded late in the afternoon.
“This is very special to me,” Atencio said as she watched all of the activity from the comfort of her lawn chair. “I had no idea there would be so many people here to do this today. It‘s nice to know that there are programs that can help senior citizens.”
It was a sentiment echoed by more than 100 senior and disabled homeowners throughout metro Denver. With help from more than 1,000 volunteers, BRI celebrated the Silver Anniversary of its signature event by painting 114 homes belonging to seniors in several metro area cities, including Aurora, Commerce City, Denver, Englewood, Golden, Littleton, Northglenn and Westminster.
And if Tessa was feeling like a queen during the day-long event, still others must have felt like the won the Paint-A-Thon Powerball. Just a few blocks away, a 60-person strong employee-volunteer team from PCL Construction--including company president Peter Beaupre and Vice President Al Troppmann--rolled up their sleeves to not only paint the Custer Place home of Denver resident Ray Espinoza, but also carry out major repair and refurbishment.
The PCL team rolled-out and filled a trash roll-off bin, added new siding, repaired a porch and replaced rain gutters. The caring construction crew, with help from their friends and family, also landscaped the West Denver home. Volunteers even washed Espinoza’s car.
“We’ve been doing this for 19 years, and these guys wouldn’t miss it for the world,” said Lori Schwartz, PCL volunteer coordinator. “Our staff gets anxious around August and start asking, ‘When is the Paint-A-thon?’
“We’re happy to do it--and because we have electricians, carpenters and [construction] crews that do this all the time, we ask for only the most challenging sites to work on. Everyone really enjoys this--and leaves grateful for a chance to help improve these homes and save the owners some money,” Schwartz says.
Cost-savings are a key aspect of the Paint-A-Thon. Seniors eagerly await the event each year, as the average cost to paint a home is $3,000--well-beyond the reach of many who live on a fixed income. The average Paint-A-Thon recipient is 74 years-old living on a monthly income of $900. The event saves recipients more than $300,000 collectively in home maintenance costs.

"By encouraging people to do whatever they can to help those who need assistance, BRI is helping to improve the quality of life in the commuinty," said Mayor Hickenlooper, who volunteered for several hours alongside Denver diva Hazel Miller.

Other community leaders who painted for several hours were Les Franklin and hs family, representing the Shakka Foundation; Noel Cunningham, owner of Strings Restaurant; former Denver City Councilwoman Happy Haynes; and newly appointed Denver Fire Chief Larry Trujillo.

Others attending the event were Denver City Councilmembers Michael Hancock, Rosemary Rodriguez and Judy Montero, LARASA Executive Director Polly Baca, American Furniture Warehouse CEO Jake Jabs and Lisa McCaffrey, wife of Denver Bronco Ed McCaffrey.
The Paint-A-Thon has become a national model replicated in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and San Antonio.
The 25th Annual Paint-A-Thon was sponsored by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Diamond Vogel Paints, the Universal Lending Foundation, Denver's 7 and KEZW 1430-AM.
Additional support also was provided by Kelly Cable Corporation Colorado Business Bank, K & H Windows & Exteriors, Neisen Insurance Company, the City of Westminster and E & C Precast Concrete/Plum Creek Products.

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BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT SEEKS DESERVING SENIOR HOMEOWNERS IN NEED OF HOUSE PAINTING
Volunteers will paint the homes of deserving fixed-income seniors during the nonprofit's 25th Annual Paint-A-Thon

DENVER--Brothers Redevelopment is seeking deserving seniors who would like to have their homes painted--free of charge--during its 25th Annual Paint-A-Thon, set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.

Because house painting is a costly, but essential, part of a home’s overall upkeep and appearance, more than 1,000 caring volunteers will donate their time during the event to paint the homes of low-income seniors throughout the metro area.

As a result, they’ll be saving seniors thousands of dollars in home maintenance costs. These days, the average cost to paint a home is $3,000. The average Paint-A-Thon recipient is 73 years old living on a monthly income of $750.

Qualified homeowners must be at least 60 years old, demonstrate financial need and be on-site during the Paint-A-Thon. Once an applicant has been selected, BRI officials will visit the home to determine if it's in need of painting, and if the job can be carried out during the day-long event.

Anyone can nominate a senior’s home for painting. Seniors who would like to have their home painted can obtain an application by calling Brothers Redevelopment at 303-202-6340. Applications also are available online: www.briathome.org.

The application deadline is June 20. Applicants will be notified during the third week in July whether their home has been selected for painting.

The BRI Paint-A-Thon is the state's largest single-day event that serves seniors. Over the past two decades, BRI has used the event to paint the homes of more than 5,700 low-income seniors statewide.

This year, the BRI Paint-A-Thon is celebrating its 25th anniversary. To date, generous support has been received from Diamond Vogel Paint Company, Colorado Housing and Finance (CHFA), Denver's 7, Kelly Cable Corporation and KEZW-AM-1430. Additional contributors include Colorado Business Bank, K & H Windows & Exteriors, Neisen Insurance Company and the City of Westminster.
Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a Denver-based nonprofit housing services provider. The organization provides safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado's low-income, disabled and elderly residents.

Mary Ann Shing, 303-202-6340
Jeff Martinez, 720-323-2487

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Brothers Redevelopment Names DENVER'S 7
Official Television Sponsor of 25th Annual Paint-A-Thon

DENVER, May 5, 2003--The renewed pairing this summer of two caring, Denver-based community organizations will boost the prospects of a long-established event set to hit a milestone.

Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. (BRI), is proud to announce that Denver's 7 (KMGH-TV Channel 7) will serve as the television media sponsor for the Silver Anniversary of the state's largest single-day event that serves seniors--The BRI Paint-A-Thon.

Now entering its 25th year, this year's version of the event--during which hundreds of volunteers representing community, corporate and faith-based organizations will paint the homes of metro area seniors--is set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003. Over the past two decades, BRI has used the event to paint the homes of more than 5,700 low-income seniors statewide.

The effort remains an important endeavor because it keeps home maintenance costs down for homeowners. These days, the average cost to paint a home is $3,000. The average Paint-A-Thon recipient is 73 years old living on a monthly income of $750.

As a result of the station's sponsorship, Denver's 7 will develop a promotional spot that will air in June. The station also plans to spearhead a “Community Leaders Circle”--asking local celebrities, as well as business, community and political leaders to join Paint-A-Thon teams at dozens of sites throughout the metro area.

"That Brothers Redevelopment would select Denver's 7 to sponsor this unique event should be no surprise," says Mary Ann Shing, BRI executive director. "The station has always demonstrated a willingness to help serve Colorado's hardworking homeowners."

Historically, it's been a successful pairing. In addition to sponsoring last year's Paint-A-Thon, Denver's 7 also sponsored BRI's renown "Neighborhood Caretakers" program--a weeklong effort that utilizes volunteers to refurbish communities throughout the metro area. The station also helped BRI raise funds to establish the Homeowners Emergency Grant/Loan Program (H.E.L.P).

"Denver's 7 is proud to be associated with Brother's Redevelopment, Inc., its excellent staff and its devoted volunteers,” says Pauline Rivera, Denver’s 7 Community Affairs Manager. “We look forward to partnering 7Solutions with a prestigious event that continues to benefit senior citizens across the Denver metro area."

Seniors who wish to have their home painted can obtain an application by calling BRI, 303-202-6340. Applications also are available online: www.briathome.org. applications for individuals or organizations wishing to volunteer also are available online.

Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a Denver-based nonprofit housing services provider. The organization provides safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado's low-income, elderly and disabled populations.

Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a Denver-based non-profit housing redeveloper. The organization provides safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado's low-income, elderly and disabled populations.

CONTACT:
Mary Ann Shing, Executive Director, 303-202-6340
Jeff Martinez, Publicist, 720-323-2487

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BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT TO SERVE
AS COMMERCE CITY ‘CARETAKERS’ THIS SUMMER
DENVER,April 30, 2003

A Denver-based nonprofit organization plans to serve as Commerce City's ‘caretakers’ this summer.

Nonprofit housing services provider Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. (BRI) will lead hundreds of volunteers in the exterior repair and maintenance of dozens of Commerce City homes during its 2003 "Neighborhood Caretakers" initiative, set for July 28-31.

Sponsored by the Home Builder’s Foundation of Metropolitan Denver and slated to take place in the Monaco neighborhood--in the vicinity of Monaco Elementary School--Neighborhood Caretakers is BRI’s annual effort to renovate city blocks and bring neighbors together. The organization will team hundreds of volunteers from metro area corporations and churches with neighborhood residents for ‘summer sprucing‘ projects both big and small.

Where necessary, teams will paint and re-roof homes, pour concrete into new sidewalks and driveways, install fences and more. In all, BRI plans to carry out more than 70 projects over the course of the four days.

“We’re very excited to bring Neighborhood Caretakers to Commerce City in 2003,” says Mary Ann Solano-Shing, Brothers Redevelopment Executive Director. “Over the past 15 years, this effort has been lending the metro area’s hard-working homeowners a helping hand. When the neighbors come together to make a difference in the look of their community, great things can happen.”
BRI selects communities based on an area’s income level and its rate of homeownership. In Commerce City, the organization figures the aesthetic changes that will result will stand the test of time.

Like many Adams County municipalities, Commerce City boasts a working class community with high rates of homeownership--making the area a great fit for the program. The reason? Homeownership points to pride among residents--and ensures that improvements will be maintained over time because residents will want to preserve their investment.

Since 1980, Brothers Redevelopment’s has used its Neighborhood Caretakers initiative to renovate more than 40 neighborhood blocks in several metro area counties. In manpower, materials and consultation combined, the effort often saves its collective-recipients more than $100,000 annually.

To volunteer learn more about Neighborhood Caretakers or about BRI’s numerous housing programs and services, call (303) 202-6340, or visit the organization’s Web site, www.briathome.org.

Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a Denver-based non-profit housing redeveloper. The organization provides safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado’s low-income, elderly and disabled populations.

CONTACT:

Mary Ann Shing, executive director, 303-202-6340
Jeff Martinez, publicist, 303-873-6566

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BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT NAMES KEZW 1430 AM
OFFICIAL RADIO SPONSOR OF 25TH ANNUAL PAINT-A-THON
Strategic partnership will help promote state’s largest single day event that serves seniors

DENVER, March 5, 2003--Nonprofit housing services provider Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. (BRI), is proud to name KEZW-1430 AM as the radio broadcast sponsor for the Silver Anniversary of the state’s largest single-day event that serves seniors--The BRI Paint-A-Thon.

Now in its 25th year, this year’s version of the event--during which hundreds of volunteers representing community, corporate and faith-based organizations will paint the homes of metro area seniors--is set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003. Over the past two decades, BRI has used the event to paint the homes of more than 5,700 low-income seniors.

“We’re extremely pleased that KEZW 1430 AM has signed-on as the radio sponsor of Brothers Redevelopment’s longest-running volunteer event,” says Mary Ann Solano-Shing, executive director. “Strategically, we couldn’t ask for a better partner. The station brings to the table a long-established and proven track record of serving the metro area’s seniors, both through its programming and its community involvement.”

As a result of the partnership, KEZW will promote the event through a significant number of on-air mentions. The station also will post updates on is Web site, www.kezw.com. As the event approaches, the station also will invite BRI staff to discuss the 25th Annual Paint-A-Thon on its Tuesday evening live show, “Colorado Today.”

“Helping those in need has been a focus of our efforts for years,” says Rick Crandall, KEZW Program Director. “ We believe it’s important to affect all aspects of our listeners lives and take pride in our community involvement. The Paint-A-Thon is one of those special ways we can all make a difference”

The event remains an important endeavor because it keeps home maintenance costs down for homeowners. These days, the average cost to paint a home is $3,000. The average Paint-A-Thon recipient is 73 years old living on a monthly income of $750.

Seniors who wish to have their home painted can obtain an application by calling BRI, 303-202-6340. Applications also are available online: www.briathome.org. applications for individuals or organizations wishing to volunteer also are available online.

Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a Denver-based nonprofit housing services provider. The organization provides safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado’s low-income, elderly and disabled populations.

Entercom Communications is one of the countries five largest radio broadcasters with stations in Boston, Seattle, Denver, Portland, Sacramento, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Norfolk, New Orleans, Memphis, Buffalo, Greensboro, Rochester, Greenville/Spartanburg, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Wichita, Madison, Gainesville/Ocala and Longview/Kelso, WA.

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Brothers Redevelopment Helps Metro Area Homeowners Fight Foreclosure

Local nonprofit offers valuable insight during difficult process
DENVER, Feb. 28, 2003--According to Public Trustees, home foreclosures in the metro area reached their highest point in a decade, with more than 6,600 foreclosures filed in the seven-county metro area during 2002. Metro area homeowners who suddenly find themselves in difficult financial situations should know that there is a resource available that can help them keep their home.
Whether a homeowner has borrowed heavily against their home, lost a job or experienced an unexpected crisis that keeps them from meeting their financial obligations, Denver-based nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. (BRI) provides free default counseling for those in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure.
BRI counselors walk homeowners through the foreclosure process--sharing with them what they can expect and the timeframes within which they must take action. BRI's caring staff can also negotiate with a lender on the homeowner’s behalf.
“Homeowners should understand that the situation isn’t hopeless,” says Megan Bunge, BRI housing counselor. “Generally, lenders can be very helpful. But the longer a homeowner waits to take action or seek assistance, the harder it will be to help them rectify the situation.”
Bunge adds that homeowners need to be wary of unscrupulous lenders that feign concern, but instead are preying on their anxiety and financial circumstance.
“Homeowners always should seek multiple opinions before pursuing any loans to delay the process or that promise to defer their mortgage payments,” Bunge says. “Acting without fully-assessing their options can have negative consequences--including the loss of their home and irreparable damage to their credit rating.”
As BRI counselors share with homeowners the resources available during the process, the can also offer household budgeting tips that will help them avoid a similar situation in the future.
Default counseling is available by phone, 303-202-6340, or by visiting BRI’s office, 2250 Eaton St., in Denver. Spanish language default counseling also is available.
Since its inception, the organization has given default and first-time homeownership counseling to more than 14,000 clients.
Entering its fourth decade, Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. is a Denver-based non-profit housing redeveloper that offers safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado’s low-income, elderly and disabled populations. For more information on BRI’s services, visit the organization’s Web site, www.briathome.org.

CONTACT:
Mary Ann Shing, 303-202-6340
Jeff Martinez, 720-323-2487

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December 2002: Allstate Foundation Helps BRI refurbish homes of seniors, disabled.

Allstate Foundation representative Linda Gibson, left, presents a $15,000 check to Brothers Redevelopment officials. BRI will use the grant to repair the homes of elderly and disabled homeowners throughout the metro area. Pictured with Gibson are (from left to right): Joe Giron, BRI president; Angela Williams, Allstate Foundation; and Mary Ann
Solano-Shing, BRI executive director.

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PAINT-A-THON 2002:
VOLUNTEERS, RECIPIENTS APPRECIATE EVENT'S BENEFITS
DENVER

Ignoring the thick smell of paint that filled the air, 72
year-old Denver resident Connie Gutierrez took a deep breath and
looked-admiringly at the new black and white 'coat' that graced her
north Denver home.

"This is so nice," Gutierrez said. "I still can't believe it. I would
never have been able to afford to have my house painted without this
program."
From the Westwood to Whittier neighborhoods, from northeast Park Hill
to northwest Denver, dozens of fixed-income, metro-area homeowners were
echoing similar sentiments. Gutierrez was one of 53 seniors who on Aug.
17 had their homes painted by volunteers during the 24th Annual Brothers
Redevelopment (BRI) "Paint-A-Thon."
In all, BRI led more than 500 volunteers representing 15 different
community, corporate and faith-based in the Paint-A-Thon--which now has
become the state's largest single-day volunteer effort that serves
seniors.
With support from sponsors Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
(CHFA), KMGH-TV Denver's 7, Diamond Vogel Paints, the Homebuilder's
Association of Metropolitan Denver and Universal Lending, BRI staff
provided the supplies and technical expertise to coordinate the day-long
effort.
Given the cost to paint a home, it's little wonder that the event has
grown in popularity and significance. The average cost to paint a house
exceeds $500. That's quite a bit of money for anyone--especially
individuals living within modest means on a fixed income. The average
Paint-A-Thon recipient is 82 years old living on a monthly income of
less than $1,000.
But house painting is about more than aesthetics. Exterior painting not
only makes a house look better, it remains a crucial step in a home's
overall maintenance.

That's the reason many of the homeowners felt like they had won the
lottery. Retired Baptist Minister Patrick Jackson was so grateful to the
20 volunteers from St. Michael's Catholic Church--who painted the trim,
deck and garage of the modest Quebec Street abode he's called home for
more than 40 years--that he made sandwiches with all the fixings.
"I used to the do the front porch and the deck myself," Jackson said.
"But with my health, there was no way that I can do it anymore. What
these fine people are doing is very nice."
Event volunteers, who came from all age groups and walks of life,
expressed equal doses of enthusiasm. Tina Smith, a volunteer who joined
daughter Dorian-Michelle and about 10 of her neighbors in the painting
of 80 year-old Lucy Garner's home in the 2500 block of Humboldt Street,
relished the sense of community that was being forged through the
altruistic and artistic endeavor.
"We all want our neighborhood to look good and we all want to help one
another," Smith said. "We're coming together to do both today. It's
going to strengthen the block."
Since the Paint-A-Thon's inception in 1978, more 2,800 metro area homes
have been painted, along with another 2,800 statewide.

Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a Denver-based nonprofit housing
services provider. The organization provides safe, affordable,
accessible housing and housing services for Colorado's low-income,
elderly and disabled populations.

BRI Paint-A-Thon volunteer Jennifer Morales paints the trim of a home
belonging to 71 year-old Patrick Jackson. Morales was one of more than
500 volunteers who on Aug. 17 painted the homes of 53 senior homeowners.
BRI's Paint-A-Thon is the state's largest single-day volunteer effort
to serve seniors.

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A BOLD STROKE FOR A BROAD BRUSH:

GOV. OWENS PROCLAIMS AUG. 17
BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT "PAINT-A-THON" DAY IN COLORADO

DENVER, July 25, 2002--With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Bill Owens on
Thursday helped promote a broad brush stroke popular with thousands of
Colorado's elderly residents.

The Governor last week signed a resolution proclaiming Aug. 17
"Brothers Redevelopment (BRI) Paint-A-Thon Day" in Colorado.
(See picture).

It's an action that's long-overdue. Annually, BRI enlists the help and
support of hundreds of volunteers to paint the homes of seniors
statewide. Since BRI created the Paint-A-Thon in 1978, the organization
has painted more than 2,750 homes in the metro area and another 2,800
statewide.

"The Brothers Redevelopment Paint-A-Thon is a great event," Owens said.
"It gives hundreds of Coloradoans an opportunity each year to volunteer
and provide a valuable service to the state's senior citizen
population."

The Governor's right. Exterior painting not only makes a house look
better, it remains a crucial step in a home's overall maintenance.
Unfortunately, it's become a luxury that many senior homeowners find out
of their financial reach. Surveys of local contractors show that the
average cost to paint a house is in excess of $800. That's quite a bit
of money for anyone--especially for individuals living on fixed incomes.

It's the reason BRI annually receives hundreds of applications from
seniors hoping to get their homes painted during the event. BRI's staff
selects the applicants most in need of assistance--based on income and
personal circumstance. The average Paint-A-Thon recipient is 82 years
old living on a monthly income of less than $1,000.

This year's Paint-A-Thon gets started at 8 a.m. Aug. 17. Plenty of
volunteer opportunities remain available. Volunteer teams will paint
the exteriors of homes-- including patios and trim. Teams may also be
asked to carry out basic maintenance or landscaping to get the job
done--such as the trimming of shrubbery around windows.

The event is a perfect team building activity for companies,
congregations, youth groups civic organizations and individuals. Food
and refreshments will be provided.

To volunteer your organization or for more information, call BRI,
303-202-6340.

The 2002 Paint-A-Thon is sponsored by the Colorado Housing and Finance
Authority (CHFA), Diamond Vogel Paints, Denver's 7, the Homebuilder's
Association of Metro Denver and Universal Lending.

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BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT GETS READY TO
PAINT THE TOWN — BRI preps for 2002 Paint-A-Thon

DENVER, July 18, 2002--Because a home is where the heart is, hundreds of volunteer house painters will descend on Denver next month and put their hearts into the homes of the metro area's seniors.

The painters will be participants in Brothers Redevelopment, Inc.'s (BRI) 2002 Paint-A-Thon, set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, August 17. Now in its 24th year, the event is the state's largest single-day volunteer effort to serve seniors.

Under the supervision of BRI staff, hundreds of volunteers will paint the homes of dozens of senior statewide. It's an important endeavor. Exterior painting not only makes a house look better, it remains a crucial step in a home's overall maintenance.

Unfortunately, it's become a luxury that many senior homeowners find out of their financial reach. Surveys of local contractors show that the average cost to paint a house is in excess of $500. That’s quite a bit of money for anyone--especially individuals living within modest means on a fixed income.

And it's the reason BRI annually receives hundreds of applications from seniors hoping to get their homes painted during the event. BRI selects the applicants most in need of assistance--based on income and personal circumstance. The average Paint-A-Thon recipient is 82 years old living on a monthly income of less than $1,000.
Last year, BRI painted the homes of more than nearly 100 seniors--saving them more than $50,000 in home maintenance costs. Since the Paint-A-Thon’s inception in 1978, more 2,750 metro area homes have been painted along with another 2,800 statewide.
“With the help of caring volunteers, Brothers Redevelopment is once again honored to coordinate this very special event," says Mary Ann Shing, executive director. "This effort provides extraordinary value in the heart of the homeowner and the volunteer."
The event is sponsored by Diamond Vogel Paints and Denver's 7. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain. To sign up a volunteer team or for more information, call BRI, 303-202-6340.
Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a Denver-based nonprofit housing services provider. The organization provides safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado’s low-income, elderly and disabled populations.

CONTACT:
Mary Ann Shing, 303-202-6340

Jeff Martinez, 303-873-6566, 303-870-1837

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BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT SEEKS VOLUNTEER TEAMS
TO PAINT THE HOMES OF ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS
DURING ANNUAL "PAINT-A-THON"

DENVER, July 18, 2002--Denver-based Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. (BRI)--a nonprofit housing services provider--seeks teams of volunteers to paint the homes of elderly homeowners throughout the metro area during the organization's annual "Paint-A-Thon," set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, August 17. Now in its 24th year, the event is the state's largest single-day volunteer effort to serve seniors.

Under the supervision of BRI staff, volunteer teams will paint the exteriors of a single home, including patios and trim. Teams may also be asked to carry out basic maintenance or landscaping to get the job done--such as the trimming of shrubbery around windows.

House painting is an important endeavor. Exterior painting not only makes a house look better, but remains a crucial step in a home's overall maintenance.

BRI annually receives hundreds of applications from seniors hoping to get their homes painted during the event. BRI selects the applicants most in need of assistance--based on income and personal circumstance. The average Paint-A-Thon recipient is 82 years old living on a monthly income of less than $1,000.
Last year, BRI led several teams in the painting of 92 homes--saving senior homeowners more than $50,000 in home maintenance costs. Since the Paint-A-Thon’s inception in 1978, more 2,750 metro area homes have been painted along with another 2,800 statewide.
The event is a perfect team building activity for companies, congregations, youth groups civic organizations and individuals. Food and refreshments will be provided.
To volunteer your organization or for more information, call BRI, 303-202-6340. You can also visit the organization's Web site, www.briathome.org. The deadline to register your group is Aug. 10.
Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a Denver-based nonprofit housing services provider. The organization provides safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado’s low-income, elderly and disabled populations.
CONTACT:
Mary Ann Shing, 303-202-6340
Jeff Martinez, 303-873-6566, 303-870-1837

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Home seizures on rise in Colo.
Foreclosures on pace of 1992 rate

ByKristi Arellano
Denver Post Business Writer

Kristi Arellano, Denver Post Business Writer
Friday, July 12, 2002 - lost her job as a day-care employee in February and spent four months searching before she landed a part-time position. But it still wasn't enough to cover her $853-per-month mortgage payment.
Now behind on her payments, Romero's lender is threatening foreclosure, which would force her into the swelling ranks of homeowners losing their homes to lenders.
In the first six months of the year, public trustees in the metro area started nearly 57 percent more foreclosures than they did a year ago.
"It seemed like I was going through depression. It's been really frustrating," said Romero, who is divorced and has an 11-year-old son.
The increasing foreclosures, if they continue at their current rate, could push this year's total to its highest level since 1992.
Experts lay most of the blame on widespread layoffs that have marred the economic landscape. Colorado companies announced more than 11,000 job cuts in the first six months of 2002 and more than 31,500 job cuts last year.
"A big portion of the people we talk to have been laid off from telecommunications or Internet companies that went bad," said Peter Crane, a housing counselor for Brothers Redevelopment, a nonprofit organization that counsels homeowners facing foreclosure.
Brothers' clients are not necessarily low- or moderate-income homeowners who have fallen behind on their payments. The organization often hears from high-end homeowners whose incomes have dropped to levels that will not support their pricey mortgages.
"For a lot of people that lose their jobs, their only option is to downsize. Some of the expensive homes aren't selling as fast, so people get stuck," Crane said.
Through June, public trustees in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties started foreclosure on 3,148 properties - more than they started in all of 1997. A year ago, public trustees initiated 2,006 foreclosures in the first half of the year.
Economists say the increase is a troubling but expected trend.
"The increase in foreclosures is consistent with where we've gone with the economy," said Phil Colling, an economist with the Mortgage Bankers Association of America.
Nationally, foreclosures increased by 16 percent in the first quarter - the most recent quarter reported by the association. In Colorado, the number of foreclosures started in the first quarter increased 63 percent, Colling said.
But the number of foreclosures started in Colorado in the first three months of the year was still barely a quarter of a percent of the total number of mortgages.
"Part of the reason Colorado jumped so much higher than the rest of the country is because it started out so much better than the rest of the country," Colling said.
Local mortgage brokers said the increase in foreclosures for the first half of the year is even less disturbing when compared with the metro area's 1988 high of 17,122 foreclosures.
Colling expects the number of foreclosures to remain relatively steady before dropping off late this year or early next year.
"I don't think we need to push the panic button just yet," Colling said.
For Romero, things might be looking up.
She starts a new, full-time position on Monday. With the help of her counselor at Brothers Redevelopment, she's asking her lender to devise a plan that would allow her to make up the missed payments on her two-bedroom home in Denver's Valverde Park neighborhood.
"All I can tell people is that they need to contact someone early and ask a lot of questions," Romero said of her experience

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BRI'S 2001 'Neighborhood Caretakers' Events Bring Community Together

Earlier this year, BRI helped boost the pride of residents in Denver's Westwood Neighborhood via its Neighborhood Caretakers Program. With the help of sponsors1stBANK, the City and County of Denver, and Denver's 7 (KMGH-TV Channel 7), BRI used two, week-long Neighborhood Caretakers events to complete more than several dozen projects on more than 50 homes and properties in the West Denver neighborhood.

"Our 2001 Neighborhood Caretakers events were a tremendous success," says event coordinator Mike Van Eps. "Collectively, the scope of the two projects rivaled any that Brothers has carried out heretofore. We weren't deterred by the nature or cost of the refurbishments, and neither were our volunteers."

Tapping into the 'can-do' spirit of more than 500 volunteers--a daily average of 50 over 13 days--BRI was able to provide more than $120,000 in renovation to area homeowners in manpower, materials and consultation combined.

Working with volunteers and Westwood residents, BRI teams carried out all manner of neighborhood refurbishment and home repair. BRI teams completed major projects: they poured concrete sidewalks and driveways, laid sod and installed fences. They also got their hands dirty carrying out myriad home maintenance projects--from landscaping to weed-pulling, from picking-up trash to planting flowerbeds to painting patios, BRI teams did it all.

Over the past two years, BRI has used its Neighborhood Caretakers program to renovate nearly 50 homes in low-income target neighborhoods--saving homeowners more than $155,000 in refurbishment costs. Since 1980, Brothers has renovated more than 40 neighborhood blocks in several metro area counties.

"Because our many volunteers continue to demonstrate their selflessness in this effort, BRI is making a tangible difference in challenged neighborhoods," says Joe Giron, BRI president. "With the continued support of our caring sponsors and volunteers, BRI can--and will--continue to have this kind of impact in Colorado."

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BRI BOOSTS PROSPECTS OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

DENVER--With interest rates at their lowest point in a generation, many local residents are wondering how they can finally cash in on what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For individuals who seek a better understanding of the home buying process, Brothers Redevelopment, Inc., (BRI) offers both one-on-one counseling and educational seminars.
During one-on-one counseling, BRI professionals share with potential homeowners what they can expect during what can be a lengthy purchase process--equipping clients with the information they'll need to make informed choices along the way. BRI counselors also acquaint participants with the many special funding sources available to the first-time, low- to middle-income homebuyer.

BRI supplements its one-on-one counseling with a comprehensive Pre-Purchase Education class. Taught in both English and in Spanish, seminar presenters share with attendees the information they need to know about the home-buying process from start to finish--from the terminology they'll hear, to the tools they'll need and the resources available. Speakers also offer insight on maintenance and other homeowner issues.

Over the past year, BRI has counseled 660 families through its Home Counseling Program, resulting in 386 new first time homeowners. Since the program's 1991 inception, BRI has counseled more than 15,000 individuals.

For funding guidelines, to schedule an appointment with a BRI counselor or for more information, call BRI at 303-202-6340.

Celebrating its 30th year, BRI is a Denver-based non-profit housing redeveloper. The organization provides safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado's low-income, elderly and disabled populations.

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Brothers' helping hands Editorial, The Denver Post
March 17, 2001

Denver-based non-profit housing redeveloper Brothers Redevelopment Inc., has been in the business of providing safe, affordable housing and housing services o Colorado's low-income, elderly and disabled populations for 30 years this month.

Founded in 1971 by a group of community activists and local ministers, Brothers Redevelopment has created several programs that provide the state's less-fortunate with viable housing options.

The Home Maintenance and Repair program taps into the energy of hundreds of volunteers who make repairs for elderly homeowners. Brothers Redevelopment staff members and volunteers fix a variety of problems, making repairs on thousands of homes each year. In 2000, Brothers repaired the homes of nearly 1,000 seniors, collectively saving the recipients more than $122,000.

Since the organization began home counseling in 1981, its members have taught nearly 12,000 Coloradoans how to buy a new home. Through monthly education sessions taught in English and Spanish, Brothers walks clients through the home-buying process and counsels people in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure.

But Brothers Redevelopment is best known in the community for its annual Paint-A-Thon. This years event , the 23rd, will be on Aug. 18. As in years past, Brothers will bring hundreds of volunteers together to paint the homes of more than 100 seniors citizens throughout the metro area. Brothers' Paint-A-Thon is the state's largest single-day volunteer event to benefit seniors. More than 5,000 homes have been painted for people who can't afford to pay to have the job done.

Volunteer participation is one of the main reasons Brothers Redevelopment has been able to keep costs down and help so many people, so it is important to recognized this spirit of volunteerism.

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Brothers on its commitment to the community for the past three decades and thank the organization whose mission has been to help people and fight poverty.

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In Search of Higher Ground Jeff Martinez, Compass The Denver Post
Aug. 8, 2001

Generally, Latinos are a people in search of higher ground. Many a Latino I know can point to, with great detail, the symbolic moments of their spiritual journeys: from first communions, to dedications, to baptisms and to quincineras.
The issue of personal faith--so important to our collective soul--has been on my mind a lot lately. Maybe it’s because I’ve been challenged this year. Maybe it's because as I grow older, I'm thinking more about the hopes that I have for my family and my future. Whatever the case, I'm considering these days how one reconciles a lifelong faith with one long life.
Fortunately, our community has many strong, spiritual role models we all can look to for guidance and inspiration in such a camino, or journey. I'm fortunate to personally know of two such leaders, both of whom are celebrating special anniversaries this summer. One individual I’ve known nearly my entire life, the other I only met this year--but for as long as I‘ve been on this earth, both have been putting their faith into action to meet the needs of others.
The Rev. Elias Gonzales, 63, last month celebrated his 30th Anniversary as pastor of Healing Waters Family Center. Rev. Gonzales’ church, formerly called The First Spanish Assembly of God, was indeed the first church that many metro-area Latinos considered ‘home.‘
I know that I did. During the last three decades, Pastor Gonzales and his wife, Esther, have ministered to no less than four generations of the Martinez clan, as well as thousands of other Latinos in the Denver metro area.
Through the years, Gonzales has shared the community’s joy during countless weddings; comforted us during the difficult times that all families face; and has collectively inspired us to serve without ceasing.
Rev. Gonzales has led by example: by praying for our peace and prosperity with many civic and state leaders; and by spending time in impoverished Latino neighborhoods throughout Denver--providing assistance both in the form of provisions and prayer.
“My reason for being is the Hispano community,” Gonzales says. “I want to erase the walls of my church so that we all can see into the community. We’re not going to distribute food in a neighborhood and then leave--I want us to serve the neighbors and listen to them, and bring love and encouragement to their community.”
Similarly serving others is Joe Giron--this weekend celebrating his 30th year as president and founder of the nonprofit housing agency, Brothers Redevelopment, Inc (BRI). A self-described 'roaming' Catholic because he works with people of so many different faiths, Giron has become a well-known advocate for the state's low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners.
Giron’s desire to serve others grew after attending a spiritual retreat deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Then a searching 30-something wanting to do more in his life, Giron descended from the mountains with a vision to serve his community in a most unique way: by making housing affordable and accessible, and by helping those who struggled to maintain and keep their homes.
“When we began BRI, I didn’t know much about housing, but I knew what it was to be poor and without a house,“ the 66 year-old Giron says. “I combined that knowledge with my trust in a Jewish carpenter and he’s blessed me and this community ever since. I see God’s [goodness] everyday in the faces of the people we help.”
There’s plenty to see. Last year alone, BRI assisted more than 2,180 people by offering them valuable housing options. Whether their homes needed minor refurbishment or major repairs, whether they needed some time to time to stave off their debtors or needed assistance to buy a home in the first place, BRI has served residents most in need when they’ve needed it most.
Two men. Three decades. A shared spirit of selflessness.
And plenty of inspiration for the rest of us in search for higher ground.

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THE DENVER POST--EDITORIAL
Heroes to homeowners

Thursday, April 25, 2002 - Residential foreclosures in the Denver area have increased by more than 40 percent through the first quarter of 2002 - another solid indication that the slowing economy and layoffs are taking a toll.
Homeowners who suddenly find themselves in difficult financial situations should know that help is available. Denver-based nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment Inc. provides free default counseling for homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.

Entering its fourth decade, BRI is a housing redeveloper that offers safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado's low-income, elderly and disabled populations.

BRI counselors are available to walk clients through the foreclosure process. They coach homeowners on what to expect and when and how to act to save their homes, their credit, or both. BRI officials even will negotiate with lenders on behalf of needy homeowners.
This is a very valuable service to the community. As The Post has uncovered in recent months, many low-income and elderly homeowners are targeted by unscrupulous real-estate investors who obtain homes for pennies on the dollar. Homeowners who trust such scam artists often end up losing their homes and any equity they have built up.

In addition to assisting homeowners during the very difficult foreclosure process, BRI also teaches families budgeting skills to stave off future foreclosure threats. The organization also offers a wide-range of housing counseling for metro-area residents. As a HUD-certified comprehensive counseling agency, BRI can offer assistance to first-time homebuyers and reverse mortgage counseling for senior homeowners, who wish to access the equity in their homes while still living in them.

Last year, BRI counselors provided default counseling to more than 800 local homeowners. Since starting the program, the organization has provided default and first-time homeowner counseling to more than 14,000 clients. Counseling is offered in Spanish as well. Services can be obtained by calling 303-202-6340 or by visiting BRI at 2250 Eaton St. in Denver.

In the midst of a slow economy and scam artists waiting to pounce on those in vulnerable financial situations, the services offered by BRI are a saving grace. Homeowners who are having trouble making ends meet - or those who have been contacted by real-estate investors who claim to want to help save their homes - should contact BRI for advice before signing a contract with any for-profit organization.

Editorials alone express The Denver Post's opinion.
The members of The Post editorial board are William Dean Singleton, chairman and publisher; Glenn Guzzo, editor; Sue O'Brien, editorial page editor; Bob Ewegen, deputy editorial page editor; Peter G. Chronis, Angela Cortez, Al Knight, Penelope Purdy and Billie Stanton, editorial writers; Mike Keefe, cartoonist; and Barbara Ellis and Peggy McKay, news editors.

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BROTHERS REDEVELOPMENT UNVEILS ANNUAL REPORT —
30th Anniversary Issue Highlights "The Many Faces of Brothers Redevelopment"

DENVER, July 10, 2002--Denver-based nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. today announced the publication of its 30th Anniversary Annual Report, "The Many Faces of Brothers Redevelopment."

BRI's 30th Anniversary Annual Report highlights the organization's programs, people and partnerships--all of which help the metro area's low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners. The annual report also salutes the organization's clients, volunteers and sponsors.

If you would prefer a hard copy of the publication, feel free to call BRI, 303-202-6340, or to visit the organization's office, located at 2250 Eaton St.

Entering its fourth decade, Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. is a Denver-based non-profit housing redeveloper that offers safe, affordable, accessible housing and housing services for Colorado’s low-income, elderly and disabled populations.

NONPROFIT AGENCY HOPES TO "HELP" ELDERLY AND DISABLED HOMEOWNERS
Brothers appeals to Owens, Hispanic leaders to support grant, loan program

By John Rebchook, News Real Estate Editor
May 9, 2002

DENVER--The nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment, Inc., which has repaired homes for low-income residents for more than 30 years, is hoping to renew interest in its latest program with the help of Gov. Bill Owens and 100 Hispanic leaders throughout Colorado.

Brothers will unveil the program tonight at an invitation-only event hosted by Owens and Channel 7 Vice President and General Manager Cindy Velasquez.

Brothers wants their help for a program called HELP--Homeowners Emergency Loan/Grant Program.

HELP targets low-income seniors, disabled families and low-income families with one or more disabled children.

The HELP program actually was conceived last summer with disappointing results.

"W e kicked off the program at our 30th Anniversary dinner last August and thought we could quickly raise $50,000," said Mary Ann Shing, executive director of Brothers. "But we were only able to raise $11,000. Our goal was to have at least $30,000 before we officially launched it."

Shing blamed Sept. 11 and the slowing economy for not being able to move more quickly on the HELP program. But the program is needed now more than ever, she said.

"One of the things we've found in our fourth decade is that a lot of seniors cannot event afford to call a plumber," Shing said.

"If we can help them with plumbing, that means they can have more money for food and medicine and their heating bills. "

Brothers also is seeking to help low-income families with a disabled child.

"If a family has a child in a wheelchair, we'll build ramps and modify bathrooms for them," she said.

Shing said she's asking Hispanic leaders for help because Brothers was founded by Hispanics and always has been active in the community.

"We thought it would be nice to get Latino leaders involved with this," she said.

Linda Alvarado, who heads Alvarado Construction, said she is a strong advocate of Brothers and its programs.

"They're one of the most wonderful groups out there," Alvarado said. "We love what they're doing and support what they're doing. We love to work with them."

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