Faces, Places & Voices Of PVREA: Mercy Housing

When Carol unlocks her workplace at Springfield Court Apartments each morning, she’s not just opening a management office. She opens a place of stability, dignity, and hope.

Springfield Court Apartments in Fort Collins is part of Mercy Housing, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating stable, vibrant communities through affordable, service-enriched housing.

Operating in 28 states, including 19 communities across Colorado and two in Fort Collins, Mercy Housing goes beyond providing a roof overhead. It’s mission is to support families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who lack the economic resources to access quality housing by pairing affordability with enriched programs that promote health, financial stability, and long-term independence.

This missions is carried forward daily by people like Carol Pegg.

“We go out of our way to find ways to help our residents manage their lives and their home.”

As the property manager at Springfield Court, Carol is often the first person residents turn to when they need help, or simply someone to listen. Many residents arrive during moments of transition, some after experiencing homelessness, others navigating financial hardship.

Support extends well beyond housing. A communal pantry stocked with donated food, pet supplies, and household goods allows residents to access essentials when they need them the most. If paying rent becomes difficult, residents are connected with financial assistance programs and local partners who provide job support, resume building, and financial planning. A flexible rent payment option even helps residents build positive credit while staying housed.

The impact of that support is deeply personal. Carol recalled a formerly homeless grandmother and her granddaughter who moved in with nothing. Through a community donation drive, they received air mattresses and bedding — a gift of comfort and dignity during a vulnerable time.

“So that was wonderful,” Carol said.

Moments like these are what keep Carol committed.

“You go home and you feel good about what you did,” she explained. “People are surprised when someone cares enough to find them help or get what they need. It makes a big difference in people’s lives.”

Mercy Housing also fosters connection and opportunity through after-school programs, various donation drives, exercise events, cooking classes, and more. The goal is always the same: to help residents move forward.

“We’ve had a family of five who were here for around six years,” Carol said. “That’s really good to see them come in and get financially stable and on their feet, then move into their own place.”

Recently, Springfield Court received upgraded heating and cooling systems. Poudre Valley REA was proud to support Mercy Housing’s mission by providing $88,500 in rebates for 140 new high-efficiency heat pumps to help improve residents’ comfort and energy-efficiency year-round. Special thanks to Mercy Housing’s Green Hope and Regional Facilities teams and Springfield Court property staff for making this project possible.

“There’s a lot of need in the whole area,” Carol said.

At Springfield Court, that need is met with compassion, consistency, and care one resident at a time.

To learn more about Mercy Housing or support their work, visit www.mercyhousing.org.

Those interested in making local donations or getting involved should contact Shelton Dunn, Mercy Housing Mountain Plains, shelton.dunn@mercyhousing.org.