DENVER (KDVR) A vacant home in east Denver is attracting squatters, and neighbors blame the home’s owner.

affiliate KDVR learned Habitat for Humanity owns the home. The organization, which builds and renovates affordable housing, was unable to provide KDVR with a comment since the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood home is now involved in a legal case.

Nicole Nelson told KDVR that various people have been living in the home illegally.

“There were people in the house; they were vagrants, squatters,” she said.

Nelson said mail has been stolen, and strangers have tried to connect to her Wi-Fi service. Other neighbors said they have dealt with nuisances, as well as noise and safety violations.

“It gets scary, it does get scary for everyone,” said Christina Flores.

Nelson reported a fire at the home in the fall of 2024. The problems come with an increased presence of those coping with homelessness.

“We miss our trash cans because the homeless take them to pick up metal and stuff because that metal place is just up the street, so they go and sell it,” said Flores.

Nelson said Habitat for Humanity actually helped her refurbish her home and that she fully supports the organization’s community service. She would like the home to be used to help others rather than sit empty.

“It’s too much homeless people out here, people who need housing, to have dilapidated houses that aren’t having anything done to them,” she said.

The Denver Police Department told KDVR that anyone witnessing trespassing on private property should call police. The Homeless Outreach Team provides resources to those in need.