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Terrell Curtis
Leader. Housing Advocate. Collaborator. Writer and Artist.
Professional Background
Terrell Curtis is a dedicated community leader with over 20 years of robust experience in nonprofit management, specializing in services for vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness and low-income housing. Terrell’s journey is characterized by her passion for advocacy, collaborative efforts, and her ability to build constructive teams that create lasting change within the community.
Terrell's significant tenure at The Delores Project, spanning over 11 years, has truly showcased her commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals facing housing insecurity. Under her leadership, The Delores Project embarked on a groundbreaking initiative called Arroyo Village, geared towards meeting the pressing need for affordable housing in Denver. This innovative project is not only co-owned with Rocky Mountain Communities but also marks a significant stride forward in utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to support Colorado’s housing model. Arroyo Village successfully incorporates 95 housing units designed specifically for working families, alongside 35 units catering to formerly chronically homeless individuals. More importantly, it is home to Denver's first shelter specifically designed for this purpose from the ground up, incorporating advanced features such as Trauma Informed Care as a fundamental architectural and operational concept.
Education and Achievements
With a strong background in both homeless service provision and arts management, Terrell has had a multifaceted career that greatly enriches her professional capabilities. Before her impactful role at The Delores Project, Terrell spent eight years as the Director of Communications at The Gathering Place, an essential daytime center providing resources for women, children, and transgender individuals confronting homelessness and poverty. Her comprehensive understanding of the intersection between communication, community engagement, and nonprofit service delivery has empowered her to effectively advocate for policy changes and sustainable solutions to homelessness.
In terms of her influence on local governance, Terrell was appointed by Mayor Michael Hancock to participate on the Commission to Address Homelessness, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to addressing critical community challenges through civic engagement. Furthermore, in 2015, she was invited to join a stakeholder group to lend her insights toward the development of a sustainable affordable housing fund, signifying her pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives at the city level.
Notably, in 2018, Terrell was called upon to provide guidance to the Community Planning and Development department of Denver, focusing on the revision of the Shelter section within the Group Living Zoning Code. This involvement highlights Terrell’s understanding of urban planning and her ability to impact policy that directly affects community welfare.
Achievements
Terrell Curtis has made remarkable strides in the nonprofit sector, particularly in her efforts to advance housing solutions in Denver. The successful development of Arroyo Village stands as a testament to her capability in redeveloping real estate to enhance community welfare. The facility exemplifies a progressive approach to homelessness and housing, tailored to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Her prior roles in various nonprofit organizations, especially in the arts and humanitarian sectors, further amplify her versatile skill set. Her time as the Associate Investment Director, Family Economic Security at Gary Community Investments underscores her understanding of the financial aspects of nonprofit management and community programming. Terrell’s leadership style is noted for its collaboration and emphasis on sustainable impacts, ensuring that community initiatives not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term stability and growth.
With a commitment to best practices and innovation, Terrell continues to be at the forefront of creating and implementing programs that provide essential services, empower community members, and advocate for systemic change in the realm of affordable housing and homelessness.
Conclusion
Terrell Curtis is a passionate advocate for the community, an influential leader in the nonprofit realm, and a builder of impactful programs that resonate with individuals in need. Her extensive career is characterized by a commitment to collaboration and excellence in service delivery, which positions her as a vital contributor to the ongoing dialogue and action surrounding housing and homelessness in Colorado. As she continues to innovate and lead with purpose, Terrell's work remains vital to the individuals and families she serves.
