Residents of Ouray Purchase Manufactured Home Community for $2.5 Million

Swiss Village Cooperative is Colorado’s 14th Resident-Owned Community.

Paula Damke (Board President) speaking at the Swiss Village Cooperative “We Own It” Party 

Ouray, Colo. – When a mobile home park goes up for sale, residents often face an uncertain future. Barb Kent, Resident and Board Treasurer of Swiss Village Cooperative, recalls the fear clearly, “We were terrified when this all started out, because most of use couldn’t live here without our mobile home park. When we met Thistle, it just felt like we weren’t alone, and becoming a Resident-Owned Community (ROC) gave us a path forward. This option saved us.” 

The purchase process began in July 2024, and after months of hard work by residents and partners, the community was officially acquired on June 16, 2025. Adam Kunz, Swiss Village’s Operations board member remembers the early uncertainty: 

“Our small community recently came to the attention that the owners of our park were going to put the land up for sale. Over 20 homes and we were all imagining the worst case. We figured the land would sell immediately to a developer and make us all move our homes. Within a week we were contacted by Thistle ROC. They have taken charge and helped us become what was needed to keep our homes.” 

Like many manufactured home parks, Swiss Village was structured so that residents owned their homes but rented the land beneath them—leaving them vulnerable to rent hikes or eviction, especially when a property goes up for sale. Now, with the land under resident ownership, the community has control over critical decisions, including infrastructure improvements, community rules, and lot rent rates. 

Sherrie Haselnus, a three-year resident of Swiss Village and a 13-year Ouray local, shared her relief, “This is phenomenal! I was very surprised that we were able to keep rents the same, because I was really worried, I wouldn’t be able to afford a new higher rent." 

Colorado has supported resident ownership of mobile home communities since 2020, when legislation was passed requiring sellers to give residents a first opportunity to purchase their communities. While the path to becoming a ROC requires commitment and organization, the benefits—long-term affordability, stability, and resident control—are substantial. 

From the beginning, the residents collaborated with Blair Kanis of the Colorado Poverty Law Project, who provided pro bono legal support throughout the acquisition. Hillary Ellis of Milgrom, Daskam, & Ellis also provided additional low bono legal support. Along with the legal support, the residents partnered with Thistle, a Boulder-based nonprofit that specializes in helping communities transition to resident ownership. Thistle guided residents through the acquisition process and will continue to provide technical support throughout the 10-year purchase loan. Tim Townsend, the Program Director, commended the community's dedication in a long process which requires quite a lift on board members and residents to ensure a successful close. 

“It’s been an incredible experience walking alongside this community,” said Tim Townsend, Program Director. “From day one, they’ve shown what ‘Swiss Village Strong’ truly means—leading with heart, resilience, and vision to secure their homes for the long haul.” 

“We’re especially excited to welcome IDF as a lending partner,” Townsend added. “Their flexibility, creativity, and belief in resident ownership helped make this possible. This deal sets a new tone for what’s possible in small communities ready to take ownership of their future.” 

“I couldn’t be prouder of this community,” Townsend said. “They overcame the odds, stuck together, and made something extraordinary happen.” 

Three levels of government played critical roles in making the Swiss Village Cooperative resident acquisition possible. The City of Ouray and Ouray County committed $200k and $50k respectively, and the Cooperative was awarded $880k in DOLA Prop 123 funds from the State of Colorado. Two local families, the Lichtenbelts and Lauterdales also stepped up to support – contributing $900k in critical funding in the early stages of the project. The Massard Family Foundation also contributed to the purchase. Impact Development Fund (IDF) and Thistle were proud to support this effort through state resources made available by Senate Bill 160. IDF contributed $1.4 million in below-market financing through a low-interest, subsidized loan from the SB 160 revolving loan fund, while Thistle provided a $70,000 grant to cover pre-development costs from the same fund. 

Erica Madison, Chief Lending Officer at Impact Development Fund, shared, “This achievement reflects the power of deep partnership and a shared commitment to housing justice. From local residents and legal advocates to city leaders and state partners, this deal brought together a coalition determined to preserve affordability and stability. IDF is proud to have played a role in helping the Swiss Village community secure their future through ownership.” 

Lichtenbelts and Lauterdales both reflected on the housing need in Ouray. Jay Lauterdales stated, “Housing security is essential to maintaining a thriving, diverse community. Ouray has always had a strong spirit of mutual support; we chose to get involved in the Swiss Village project because we believe that people are the heart of a strong community, and we saw a way to contribute to the creative problem solving that led to this neighborhood remaining a valued part of the Ouray community.” 

Cat and Barthold Lichtenbelt, shared, “A community can only thrive if people can afford to live there. Affordable housing and access to healthcare are two fundamental pillars that provide stability and a feeling of security, so that you can build your life the way you want. We are passionate about helping our community achieve those two fundamental goals.”   

Swiss Village Co-op President Paula Damke reflected on the journey, “On behalf of the Swiss Village coop board, our coop members, are extremely excited to begin our new chapter of park ownership! It is what we have worked towards since last summer when our owners put the park up for sale. With the assistance and expertise, of Thistle ROC, they have navigated the very complicated puzzle of finding financing that fit our park needs, while also assisting in the actual offer and finally the completion of the sale so that we are now a ROC. The coop members and board look forward to continuing to work with Thistle ROC as we navigate through our first year of ownership.”  

"The homeowners at Swiss Village transformed fear into empowerment and instability into long-term affordability," ROC USA® CEO Emily Thaden said. "As Paula Damke put it, this is the beginning of a whole new chapter for this community – an opportunity to take ownership and shape their future together.