Q&A: Dez Duran on Warren Village Alameda’s First Year

Our new location, Warren Village at Alameda, is managed by Rocky Mountain Communities. Deseree Duran is the Community Property Manager at Alameda, on behalf of Rocky Mountain Communities. She’s been with Alameda since before it opened in summer 2024. We sat down to talk with Deseree (also known as “Dez”) about what it’s like to see residents moving in, and the joy of watching its community take shape.

Warren Village: What drew you to this work at Warren Village Alameda?

Deseree Duran: I can relate. I was once in the same position—a single mom receiving TANF, Medicaid, food stamps, and Section 8 housing. What’s really incredible is that I actually lived in a Rocky Mountain Communities property when I was 18. It was called Town View Annex, and has since been rebuilt. So this feels like coming full circle.

WV: What’s it like when you call families to tell them they’ve been accepted to Alameda?

DD: Oh, folks are super excited. I’ve seen people cry and hug their children when they move in. It touches my heart, and that’s definitely a big perk of my job. [When I tell them the news] they say, “I’ve been waiting to get in here” or “I was hoping to hear from you soon.” Many are desperately in need—they’re homeless, staying with friends, or in shelters. They say “This is such a blessing.”

WV: How is managing Warren Village different from typical property management?

DD: Having [Warren Village’s] Family Support Services in-house has been incredible. Where I would normally take on helping residents with all their needs and resources, Family Support steps in and takes that off my plate. I see residents come down needing toiletries or diapers, and Family Support has them readily available. I’ve seen residents having a bad day meet with their case manager, shut the door, let it all out, and leave in a much happier mood.

WV: What makes Warren Village Alameda special as a community?

DD: You get this real sense of community that I don’t always see in other properties. We just had a barbecue where everybody came out and socialized and [Warren Village] provided the food and drinks. By the North Building, we have couple of tables with umbrellas that folks will sit down in. In the mornings when folks are getting ready for work or taking their children to the Early Learning Center, and in the afternoons when I’m leaving, they’re all sitting outside—the children play in our little grassy area, throwing the ball around.

WV: What would you tell donors about why this work matters?

DD: Warren Village Alameda is showing folks there are ways to turn your life around, that you can have a secure home where you can raise your children and focus on becoming self-sufficient. We’re going to support you and give you the resources and tools you need. I feel like I’m a prime example. I was once given that opportunity, and look at me now! These are opportunities that can change lives and create good, contributing citizens who give back to their communities.

Thank you to Dez and Rocky Mountain for all you do for our residents. To learn more about our families and community, read more Impact Stories here!