An apartment complex near Hancock Pkwy and Academy Blvd. in Colorado Springs that sat empty for years is now home to dozens of people.

The Bentley Commons opened Saturday as an affordable housing apartment complex.

Laurie Squire is one of dozens moving into the Bentley Commons. "I loved this place, since I walked in the door," said Squire. She had been living with her son since September when she moved to Colorado Springs from Salida.

She grew tired of dealing with the demands of other apartment complexes. "People want first months, last months, they want deposits, things like that," said Squire.

She found Greccio Housing a few weeks ago. Greccio is a non-profit organization that helps low-income families find affordable housing in the Pikes Peak region.

"Our call volume has increased three fold in the last year and a half," said Tracey Griggs, the property management director for Greccio Housing. He tells 11 News between the Bentley Commons and Greccio's 14 other complexes, people like Squire are given more than just a break on their monthly rent.

“Our residents have a life coach in the office that will help them with money management, parenting skills, food vouchers," said Griggs.

Originally built in 2006, the 24 unit Bentley Commons was designed as condominiums and until this weekend have sat empty. Rent for the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom units range from $367-$575 per month, based on income.

"I really thought, for a moment, that this might not be really true," said Squire. Thankfully for her, and 23 other families, it is true.

Greccio is able to make the complex available as affordable housing with the help of Partners in Housing and Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust.