On October 8, Housing Catalyst hosted the Fall Financial Festival, a welcoming and educational event for residents of our communities and participants in the JumpStart program. Designed to celebrate fall and promote financial literacy and stability, the festival brought people together to connect with resources, enjoy family-friendly activities, and strengthen relationships with local organizations.
Put on by our Resident Services Department, the event featured free food, prizes, and engaging activities for kids and adults alike. Families got creative with seasonal crafts like popsicle stick spider webs and painted leaf prints, while adults explored vendor booths offering financial tools, educational opportunities, and community support. Canvas Credit Union led two popular workshops on “Money Personalities,” helping attendees better understand their financial habits and decision-making styles.
This event was made possible thanks to a generous grant from FNBO. We’re grateful for their commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening our local community!
Strengthening Community Partnerships
The event supported our goal of enhancing the social and economic well-being of residents. It focused especially on strategies that increase access to financial education and community resources.
We were proud to partner with a wide range of organizations, including Canvas Credit Union, Esusu, FNBO, Front Range Community College, JBA Wealth Management, Larimer County Food Bank, Neighbor to Neighbor, Poudre Libraries, Project Self-Sufficiency, UCHealth Aspen Club, and the Larimer County Workforce Development Center. We also hosted a voter registration table to help residents prepare for this fall’s election.
Vendor Passport Challenge
One of the highlights of the day was the vendor passport challenge. Households that visited at least five booths were entered into a drawing for three $50 gift cards. Nineteen households — about 35 adults and children — completed the challenge, and the winners used their gift cards to support personal financial goals they identified during the event.
The impact of the festival was felt immediately. One vendor shared that a Housing Catalyst resident who attended the event had already enrolled in their Homebuyer Education Class, a powerful example of how access and engagement can lead to real progress.
Building Community and Empowering Residents
The Fall Financial Festival was a celebration of community, learning, and financial empowerment. We’re grateful to everyone who made it possible and look forward to continuing our work to support residents and build stronger connections across Fort Collins!
