Jose Carrasco Rojas, a devoted single dad to four children aged five and under, works as a security guard, keeping his customers safe during the day. After work, he remains committed to creating a nurturing environment for his kids to thrive.
Recently divorced, Jose cherishes outdoor adventures with his children, often expressing how they have ignited his passion for life, saying, “They drive me to be better.”
"It’s life-changing," Jose shares. "You cannot lose; having your own space means everything."
He describes his family as “united” and is grateful to be a future Habitat homeowner, as he is currently living with his sister’s family and another household in her mobile home. Sharing a room with his children, he humorously notes that his oldest son is eager for his own space, playfully remarking that his son is tired of hearing him snore.
Originally born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Jose moved to Tucson as a child. Despite facing a language barrier initially, he has grown to love living in Tucson, appreciating its proximity to Mexico, its rich cultural atmosphere, and the strong family ties he maintains with his siblings in the area. He travels annually to Mexico to visit his father and extended family, emphasizing the importance of these visits, especially now that his father is 80 years old. Recognizing the value of family connections during these visits, Jose was inspired to seek new opportunities that would secure a stable future for his children.
During a conversation with a neighbor, he mentioned to Jose he was in the process of purchasing a home. Jose was genuinely happy for him, but the neighbor quickly added that the situation was even better than it sounded. He explained to Jose that he had enrolled in a program designed to support first-time homebuyers. This program provided comprehensive guidance, equipping participants with essential knowledge and offering extensive counseling and advice throughout the purchasing process. Hearing his enthusiasm for the resources available through this program ultimately inspired Jose’s own interest in pursuing homeownership.
Now that Jose was accepted into the program, he takes financial classes to ensure that he will be successful beyond the construction of his new house. For him, these classes have been revolutionary, stating, “It changed my life, because I thought I knew everything. When I got there, I realized I didn’t know anything; I was far from what I thought.”
He said most people buy a house and live in it, but in his case, Jose is getting to actually build it from the ground up and take classes that help him prioritize his finances for himself and his family. He has come to understand the importance of budgeting, reflecting, “I want to give my kids everything, but now I ask myself what really matters.”
While he acknowledges that his children would appreciate toys, he recognizes that savings allow him to provide long-term necessities, which is far more valuable than short-term spending. “Budgeting is life changing,” he asserts. “It’s like having a plan in life, helping you decide what truly matters before you start spending.”
Jose has also learned that “teamwork is the key to everything.” He emphasizes the invaluable lessons learned through the program, including how to use power tools to build a home, save money, and collaborate effectively. He appreciates that the program is designed to prepare participants for the realities of homeownership.
Jose’s favorite part of this program is the hope it instills in aspiring homeowners, particularly in a challenging market where he once felt stuck. “It’s life-changing,” he shares. “You cannot lose; having your own space means everything.”