For Orlando, the path to homeownership has been marked by resilience, family, and an unwavering commitment to his three children. A Tucson native and weatherization professional, Orlando is now building a new future through Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program.
Orlando describes his family as “very loving and caring, respectful, hardworking.” He shares three children who will be moving into the new home: Aiden, 15, Antonio, 10, and his 2-year-old daughter.
Orlando leads by example when it comes to hard work. "I work on houses a lot, so I'll even take my kids on the weekend when I get a side job—they'll come with me," he says.
For the past decade, Orlando has worked in weatherization—making homes more energy efficient for low-income and elderly residents at no cost. “I love it. It’s really rewarding being able to go to people’s houses that need help and are in need of heating and cooling and different things. Then we’re able to just help them, and it’s all no cost, it’s all free for them,” he shares. “It’s really nice to be able to help people in need.”
Orlando currently lives with his parents in a three-bedroom home, but the living situation is far from stable. His parents had decided they might move back to Mexico, which left Orlando wondering what he would do. “I know that it’s so expensive to get a house on your own, you know, without a program like this,” he says. “That’s really what led me to Habitat for Humanity Tucson.”
Although Orlando had made do with a converted space—he built a wall dividing the living room from the rest of the house and added a closet to create his own room. “My two boys were able to have their own room,” he says. But it wasn’t a true bedroom, and it lacked the privacy and amenities he longed for. “It was nice, but I’m really excited to have my own room with a bathroom and everything in there.”
When Orlando received the news that he had been accepted into the Habitat for Humanity Tucson Homeownership Program, he was overwhelmed. “I didn’t believe it at first,” he admits. “I had been waiting for months. Every day I had anxiety, just wondering if I was going to get in.”
He had been bracing for disappointment when the call came and then the voice on the other end said, “’Congratulations, you got into the program.’ It was just all kinds of emotions at once. I was happy, I felt emotional. It was really cool.”
His children’s reaction made it even more special. “They were really happy when I told them. The little one started crying a little bit. The older one was just really excited and he can’t wait. They’re really happy that I’m doing everything I can to get them into this home.”
Then, just weeks after being accepted into the Homeownership Program with Habitat for Humanity Tucson, “We had a storm at our house and half of the roof blew off,” Orlando recalls. The damage was severe, forcing the family out of the home. Because of all the moisture and water damage, his mother actually had to go to the hospital. The family is now staying in a hotel and expects to move into an Airbnb for three to four months while the roof is repaired and he works on his Sweat Equity.
Though naturally shy, Orlando has found community among his fellow future homeowners. “I’m a really shy person, so at first it was hard to go to the classes, and if I had to speak in front of everyone, I was really nervous,” he shares. “But now it kind of feels like we’re all starting to become a little bit of a family. Getting to know everyone in the neighborhood is really nice, and I’m enjoying it.”
He’s also discovered a passion for the work itself. “I love working on homes to begin with on my own time. When I put in my hours, to me, it’s fun helping the other homeowners if they have any questions, or even some of the volunteers, helping them with different things. It just feels really good.”
In fact, Orlando plans to keep volunteering even after his hours are complete. “After this, I still want to volunteer every once in a while, and help build whatever homes are next, because it’s really fun out there on the job site.”
The program’s financial literacy classes have already made a tangible difference. “The budgeting class—there’s just so much information that I didn’t really know that’s helping me a lot,” Orlando says. “I’ve been saving a lot more after doing the budgeting plan and writing everything down. I’ve been trying to be tighter with my money.”
For Orlando, home means something deeply personal. "It's a happy place—somewhere to enjoy family and be yourself," he says. When asked to describe home in one word, he answers simply: "Paradise."
He already has plans for his new home. “Just being able to do whatever I want inside,” he says. “I have a lot of different ideas for the kids’ bedrooms, the living room, the garage—everything. I’m just excited to do it all with my kids and as a family.”
Orlando’s journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the power of a community coming together. From a home in crisis to a future filled with possibility, he’s building more than a house—he’s building a foundation for his family’s future.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he encourages others. “Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s going to be really worth it in the end. When we give you your keys, it’s going to be amazing.”
Like Orlando, your family can benefit from the Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program. Learn more about how it works here.