Finally!
After many years of planning, grant writing, site selection, architectural design work, permitting, and land development, the Osceola Council on Aging will officially break ground on the Buen Vecino Senior Housing Complex, located in Buenaventura Lakes off Competition Drive. A ceremony will be held Friday, May 30 at 9 a.m.
The new residential development will be situated on seven acres and be built as a 60-unit rental complex. Amenities at Buen Vecino (“Good Neighbor”) will include a clubhouse for congregate dining, exercise facilities, computer lab, and even an onsite community service coordinator for social activities.
The “project-based rent assisted” development will allow tenants to pay rent based on individual income. The rent will be federally subsidized, with residents paying only 30 percent of their income for rental occupancy. To qualify, individuals must be at least 62 years of age and have an income at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). The 50% AMI for 2025 is $36,900 annually for one person and $38,600 for two people, though subject to change yearly based on the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income limits. Applicants will be selected on a lottery system, with no application fees. Though it is important to note, applications will not be available until the project’s completion which is scheduled for late 2026.
Each one-bedroom unit will have (on average) six hundred square feet, with an occupancy limit of two people. Leasing contracts will be for annual occupancy, and small pets under 20 pounds are welcome.
“The primary mission of the OCOA Housing Management Department is to advocate for, and provide affordable housing to, community residents. With ever-increasing inflation, rental units have become increasingly difficult to afford, and why we are so excited to be able to offer this affordable, senior rental option to the Osceola community,” said OCOA Senior Vice President of Housing, Angelica Rodriguez.
The OCOA will oversee and manage the development made available by a $5.69 million grant in capital funding from HUD, a $5.2 million investment from Osceola County, and a $500,000 investment from City of Kissimmee.
“The Osceola County Board o f County Commissioners was committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing for residents, including our seniors who struggle financially on a fixed income. We were thrilled to support this much needed project, and it could not be in a better location for residents,” said Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer.
The OCOA underwent an extremely competitive grant cycle to become the recipient of such an expansive economic investment. Only 32 awards were given across the country; as a result, the OCOA was the only organization in Florida to receive monies during that specific grant cycle.
For more information on this project, contact Angelica Rodriguez at rodrigua@osceolacoa.com or call 407-933-9555.
