In this unique Colorado village, both young adults and seniors in need of support are bridging the age gulf by living in community with each other. The Village on San Juan, the state’s first intergenerational supportive housing community, opened in August 2024, creating a custom-built neighborhood where seniors at risk of homelessness and young adults aged 18 to 24, many of whom have aged out of foster care, have the opportunity to form relationships that enrich each other's lives. The youth, who must leave by age 25, also learn valuable skills for a successful start in adulthood.
Exchanging their diverse life skills and experiences so that both age groups mutually benefit is the goal. Most of these youth have lacked significant older figures in their lives, while seniors typically don’t have the stamina, strength, and technical abilities of the youth. This concept emerged during COVID when a teen in temporary hotel housing and a neighboring senior began helping each other. Carlton Mason, CEO of CASA of the 7th Judicial District, a nonprofit advocating for abused and neglected children, proposed a broader housing solution to support both generations.
A former tradesman, Carlton envisioned and led the design of the community to foster intergenerational relationships. It features single, one-bedroom houses grouped in pods of three, each with facing porches and a common walkway to encourage connections. Each group includes both young adults in need of support to transition toward independence, and seniors aged 62+ who previously lacked stable housing. A community center offers indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, encouraging tenants to interact and support one another. Onsite case management and housing staff help residents explore opportunities to continually build bridges between generations. While staff plan Community Center activities a couple of times a month, the hope is that spontaneous and organic intergenerational interactions amongst tenants will continue to grow. Carlton emphasizes that staff support the community and open doors to opportunities, but the tenants make the connections happen.
What is the value of generations coming together in programs like this?
By bringing young adults and seniors together into a single community, meaningful connections form that reduce loneliness, share hopes, and develop trust. Young adults converse with senior neighbors who have the time to listen, while seniors provide guidance and companionship. One young lady described it as “the wisdom of both generations is exchanged.” Seniors gain companionship and a sense of belonging, while young adults benefit from guidance, wisdom, and different perspectives. One tenant reflected, “the whole world is going to s**t, yet when I pull into The Village, I know everything is okay, it’s the only sane place. In a time when both youth and elders often feel disconnected and under-valued, intergenerational supportive housing offers a practical, compassionate, and forward-thinking solution that creates a kinder place to live."
Carlton Mason, CEO of CASA 7th District
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