Casa de la Esperanza is a 32-home community in Longmont that supports agricultural workers and their families. It is owned and managed by the Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA). The property includes a community and learning center that offers free educational and recreational programs for residents.
Casa de la Esperanza
Our History
Casa de la Esperanza was created through a partnership between Community Action Programs, the Boulder County Commissioners, the Boulder County Housing Authority, and other community members.
The first families moved in during the fall of 1993, and a bilingual coordinator was hired the following year to support residents. For more than 30 years, Casa de la Esperanza has helped hundreds of farmworker families find housing, access education, and build a strong sense of community.
Our Mission
Casa de la Esperanza’s learning center helps residents reach their full potential through education, collaboration, and community programs that build confidence and skills for the future.
Our Vision
We strive to build a thriving, self-sustaining community that learns from one another and honors the generations that came before us. Our goal is to help today’s children become tomorrow’s leaders.
About the Program
The Casa de la Esperanza program supports more than 100 children and youth who live in the community. Working with local partners, schools, and volunteers, Casa de la Esperanza offers tutoring, STEM and robotics programs, classes, and fun community events.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers from universities, local businesses, and the broader community donate their time and skills to help Casa de la Esperanza residents learn and grow.
Staff
- Michael Lozano Roman – STEM Educator & Lab Technician
- Isabel Tarr – BCHA Housing Compliance Coordinator
- Lizbeth Campuzano – Property Manager
For more than 30 years, Casa de la Esperanza has provided housing for agricultural workers and their families. Agricultural families will still receive priority, but vacant homes are now open to all qualifying low-income households.
If you’re interested in living at Casa de la Esperanza, complete the application online.
Eligibility
- The head of household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified resident
- Household income must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
- Income limits (as of 06/18/2025):
| Family Size | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People | 7 People | 8 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income | $93,800 | $104,200 | $112,550 | $120,900 | $129,250 | $137,550 |
- The size of the household must match the size of the unit:
- Three-bedroom homes can house three to seven people
- Four-bedroom homes can house four to nine people
Benefits
- Affordable rent (3-bedroom units are $720/month and 4-bedroom units are $845/month)
- Personalized support for residents
- Services to help older adults stay in their homes
- After-school and summer programming for kids
- Community parties and potlucks
- Fitness classes
- Resident meetings to share ideas and connect
- Connections to resources for health and wellness, job skills, and managing money
Please reach out to Lizbeth Campusano with any questions about eligibility or applying at 303-548-6422 or lcampuzano@bouldercounty.gov.
STEM Program
The Casa de la Esperanza STEM Program gives students hands-on learning experiences that build skills and confidence in these areas.
The Casa de la Esperanza Robotics Academy began in 2007 to help students stay engaged in learning through robotics. Students work with professional mentors to design, build, and program robots for competitions held at local universities such as the University of Denver, the University of Colorado (Denver and Boulder campuses), and Regis University.
The Robotics Academy offers programs for all ages:
- Jr. LEGO Robotics (ages 6–9)
- LEGO Robotics (ages 9–12)
- VEX Robotics (for 5th–8th graders)
- FIRST Robotics Competition (for high school students)
Casa also offers other STEM activities, including math, science, and computer technology classes and projects.
Cottonwood Summer Program
Each summer, students at Casa de la Esperanza can join the Cottonwood Institute for outdoor learning and adventure. The program is open to all school-age children (grades K–12) and helps students explore nature while building confidence and teamwork skills.
Through hands-on activities, students learn to communicate clearly, work together, and adapt to new situations — all while having fun outdoors.
Rocket Club
The Rocket Club is a NASA-funded summer program that helps Casa de la Esperanza students get excited about math, science, and engineering. This five-year program is designed for middle school students. Participants learn about Newton’s laws of motion, physics, and engineering through hands-on rocket projects. By building and launching rockets, students explore how science works in real life. The goal of the Rocket Club is to inspire the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.
Casa Scholars
The Casa Scholars program helps K–12 students succeed in school and prepare for college. It offers tutoring, mentoring, and other academic support from volunteers and program staff. Students take part in a variety of learning opportunities, including classes, enrichment activities, campus visits, field trips, college planning, youth internships, and special events. Casa Scholars creates a pathway to higher education, encouraging students to graduate from both high school and college.
The Casa de la Esperanza Learning Center runs Monday through Thursday all year, with occasional weekend activities.
Volunteers play an important role in helping students learn, grow, and succeed. When you volunteer at Casa, you’re investing in the future of our youth and our community.
Ways to help
- Teach or assist with math, art, yoga, martial arts, digital photography, language and culture, and more.
- Lead literacy groups, tutor small groups, or provide one-on-one help.
- Mentor students in the Robotics Academy.
- Support special events, field days, and community service projects.
If you’re interested in getting involved, fill out the Casa de la Esperanza Volunteer Application.
What services does the Casa de la Esperanza Learning Center provide?
We help students succeed in school and grow their skills. We also offer classes for adults.
When we’re open
- School year: Monday–Thursday, 4–8 p.m.
- Summer: Monday–Thursday, 2–8 p.m.
Core programs
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math): Math clubs and classes, computer and science activities, and the Casa Robotics Academy.
- Early Learning (ages 3–8): Reading, math, and basic computer skills.
- Esperanza Scholars (K–12): Tutoring, scholarships and college help, field trips, and special events.
- Adult Classes: English (ESL), computers, citizenship, GED preparation, and parenting.
Does the Casa de la Esperanza Learning Center accept donations?
Yes. Donations support our programs.
Who manages donations?
The Boulder Community Housing Corporation (BCHC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the Learning Center.
How to give money
-
Mail checks to:
BCHC, Casa de la Esperanza Learning Center
P.O. Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306
Items we can use
- Clothing: coats, gloves, scarves, jeans
- Books: bilingual, Spanish, and English
- Supplies: art, school, and computer
- Holiday support: new gifts and gift cards for families
To donate items or ask questions, contact Mike Lozano at 303-678-6220 or mlozano@bouldercounty.gov.
Contact Us
Casa de la Esperanza
Phone: 720-564-2855
Fax: 303-441-1523
Hours: 8 – 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306
