After decades of serving their communities—Larry as an EMT firefighter and Lora as a nurse—this retired couple is now on the receiving end of a life-changing partnership. Larry, 75, and Lora Davidson, 57, are future homeowners with Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program, and for them, the program represents a long-awaited path to stability, comfort, and independence.
Describing themselves as “home bodies,” “gardeners,” and “makers,” the Davidsons have spent 25 years building a life together. But for the last six years, that life has been confined to a temporary FEMA trailer, a living situation fraught with challenges.
"This is a FEMA trailer that they moved up from Louisiana, so it’s not supposed to be a permanent residence," Lora explained. The trailer, never intended for long-term use, has become increasingly difficult to live in. "The floor squeaks... we have cracks that you can see through the door... So, we lose, I think, a lot of energy through that." For a couple living on a fixed retirement income, the poor construction leads to high utility bills and an uncomfortable living environment. "It’s just not very cost effective here," she added.
The search for a better, more affordable living situation led Lora to Habitat Tucson. “I was actually looking for home loans and grants, and it popped up under home builders,” she said. When they received the call that they were accepted into the program, the ever-even-keeled Larry was pleased and noted that Lora “flipped out” with excitement.
Both living with disabilities that require mobility equipment, the Davidsons have been completing their sweat equity hours at the CHUCK Center and the HabiStore. “It’s been great learning new stuff, just being able to help out,” Lora shared. Larry, drawing on his background as a handyman, has also found the experience rewarding.
When asked what they are most looking forward to about their new home, their answers, while different, stem from the same desire for autonomy and community.
For Lora, it’s about the people. “Actually, being in the community, the people that we’re working with… it’s nice to know that there are nice people in the world,” she said, already planning a shared garden with a fellow future homeowner.
For Larry, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, it’s about “Independence.”
“I don’t have to rely on somebody else to come over and do something… Over here you have to get permission, and you’ve got to go by this law and their rule… It’s just too much,” he expressed. The ability to control their own living space—to paint, to fix, and to truly make it their own—is a profound change from their current restrictions.
This new chapter promises a dramatic shift in their quality of life. “The level of comfort is off the chart,” Lora said, looking forward to a safe, stable, and efficient home.
After a lifetime of service and years of uncertainty, Larry and Lora Davidson are finally building a foundation for the peaceful, independent retirement they deserve.
Like Lora and Larry, your family can benefit from the Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program. Learn more about how it works here.