For Celene Mares and her two children, 19-year-old Jasmine and 6-year-old Frank, the dream of homeownership always felt out of reach. Now, as a future homeowner in Habitat for Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program, she is building not just a house, but a safe and stable foundation for rest of their lives.
A Tucson native, Celene, has worked at the same company for over 18 years, building a stable career in customer service to support her family. She describes her family as “unique” with a “really good dynamic,” where Jasmine often steps into the role of a “second mom” for her younger brother. Despite their close bond, their current living situation has created significant challenges.
Driven by soaring rental costs and safety concerns, Celene was pushed to seek a permanent solution. “The rent was like $750 at that point when I first moved in,” she shared, “and now it’s at $1000… we need to move.” Before that, the family spent a year and a half living with Celene’s mother, where she slept on the floor.
Their current neighborhood, however, has introduced new anxieties. Living near the University of Arizona, Celene has encountered homeless individuals sleeping on her porch and has faced theft from her car. “I feel so violated when that happens,” she confessed. The environment has made simple pleasures, like walks or playing outside, sources of stress rather than joy. “We’re not really outside other than going out walking and then coming right back inside.”
The path to Habitat Tucson was a family affair. Celene learned about the program through her cousin, who became a homeowner with Habitat over 20 years ago. For years, she doubted she would qualify, but with persistent encouragement from her aunt and her mother, she finally applied.
The life-changing phone call came unexpectedly. “I was super excited. I just started crying,” Celene recalled. “My daughter is like, ‘Are you okay, Mama?’ And I’m like, ‘We got the house… we got qualified for it.’” While Jasmine, who is on the autism spectrum, initially didn’t grasp the magnitude of the news, she has since grown into the process. Celene beamed with pride describing her daughter’s confidence at the volunteer orientations, noting, “She surprised me… she was just so focused.”
When asked what she is most looking forward to, Celene’s vision is centered on community and security. “Having the kids play together, having that community,” she said. “I remember when I was little, I would play out in the streets… and not have to worry about the dangers that we’re facing today.”
For Celene and her family, this new Habitat Tucson home represents more than just affordable ownership, it’s the key to a brighter, safer future. As she simply and powerfully put it: “Love and happiness start with a home.”
Like Celene, your family can benefit from the Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program. Learn more about how it works here.