For Jose, a lifelong Tucson native, the desire for a safe and stable home for his young family was the driving force behind his journey in Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program. Now, as a future homeowner, he is building not just a house, but a secure foundation where his daughters can grow up surrounded by love and safety.
Jose, will be moving into the new home with his girlfriend, Andrea, and their two young daughters: four-year-old Ayla and one-year-old Anaya. He describes his family as “pretty close,” noting, “We kind of do everything together. We’re always together.”
Currently, the family is living in a two-bedroom apartment, a space they upgraded to from a one-bedroom just last December to accommodate their growing family. However, their current neighborhood has presented serious safety concerns that made them eager for a change.
"I've had people try to like break in through my window. I've had [someone try to open] my front door, I've had my car broken into, I had things stolen out of my truck," Jose shared. "So yeah, it's a rough spot here, so I really don't like it as a place for a family."
Jose first learned about the Homeownership Program from a former coworker who had successfully gone through the process. The idea of an affordable, low-interest mortgage and a safe community was immediately appealing. “We were kind of interested in that when we heard that,” he said. “We need room and we said let’s go for it, let’s check it out, let’s see what happens.”
As a concrete worker himself, Jose brings some construction experience to his sweat equity hours. Despite his demanding work schedule, he has already begun contributing at the HabiStore, helping with donations and loading items for customers. He has found the team there to be “pretty cool” and “awesome.”
When looking forward to life in his new home, Jose’s focus is squarely on security and a better quality of life for his children.
“Raising my kids in not a rough spot,” is what he is most looking forward to, he said. “What I’ve heard so far in that area has good schools and everything and it’s going to be worth it.”
The financial stability of a Habitat mortgage is also a life-changing factor. “The payments are going to be way better, so it’s going to save me money,” Jose explained. This newfound financial breathing room will allow him to build a stronger future for his daughters.
With the foundation of a secure and stable home, Jose’s family is poised to truly flourish. No longer worried about safety or constant rent increases, they can focus on what matters most: growing together in a community where their children can flourish. For his family, this new chapter is not just about having a roof overhead—it’s about providing the security and opportunity for every member of the family to thrive for generations to come.
Like Jose, your family can benefit from the Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program. Learn more about how it works here.