Habitat for Humanity Tucson is accepting applications for its upcoming Casitas on Park community, a development specifically designed only for veterans and adults 55 and older.
The new development on the Southside will include 21 one- and two-bedroom casitas, giving qualified first-time homebuyers a chance to own a home with an affordable monthly mortgage instead of paying rising rent.
Charlie Buchanan, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tucson, says the community is the organization's first-ever designed exclusively for veterans and adults 55 and older.
"It's going to bring affordability and stability to really deserving population," Buchanan said.
He says each home is designed to help residents live independently, with features like step-free entry and accessible layouts. The community is also located near the VA Health Center, public transportation and the brand new Southside Public Safety Complex.
"Both veterans and seniors have worked their whole lives often serving our country, our community, their families, and they deserve stability in homeownership. But right now, they're being priced out. Some are on fixed incomes, and so it's important to have affordable solutions for them." Buchanan said.
To qualify, applicants must be first-time homebuyers living in Pima County, meet income requirements and complete Habitat's homebuyer education program and sweat equity hours.
"We serve primarily 40 to 80%of median income, so low to moderate incomehouseholdsand we bring homeownership into reach for those thatit'sout of reach through the affordable mortgage product," he said. "0% interest loan, all mortgage payments are paying down equity, creating wealth for generations of their household, but it also maintains that affordability."
Demand for the Casitas on Park community has been so high that Habitat has extended the application deadline through the end of August.
Click here for more information from Habitat for Humanity Tucson.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
——
Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, AZ., she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Now this U of A wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and is looking forward to involving herself in the community. Share your story ideas with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline.aguilar@kgun9.com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or X.
