Osceola Council on Aging’s senior housing complex in Buenaventura Lakes reaches ribbon cutting
After a three-year process, the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) is thrilled to announce we are opening the doors to Buen Vecino, our newest development, and affordable senior housing complex in Osceola County.
To introduce residents, community leaders, and business partners to Buen Vecino, the OCOA will host a ribbon cutting and Open House on Friday, July 24, at 9:30 a.m. at 250 Buen Vecino Drive (off Competition Drive in Buenaventura Lakes).
Developed on seven acres of prime BVL real estate, the new residential community hosts a 60-unit rental complex complete with a clubhouse for congregate dining, an onsite community service coordinator for navigating social needs, a computer lab, library, and exercise facility.
Each one-bedroom unit hosts an average of 600 square feet, with an occupancy limit for two people. Leasing contracts will be for annual occupancy, and pets under 20 pounds are welcome (limit two pets per household).
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 30 percent of their income for rental occupancy.
To qualify, applicants must be 62 years of age or older and have an income at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). For 2026, the 50-percent AMI is $40,250 annually for one person and $46,000 for a twoperson household.
“The overwhelming response to Buen Vecino clearly demonstrates the tremendous need for affordable senior housing in our community,” said Osceola Council on Aging Senior Vice President of Housing Angelica Rodriguez.
Nearly 600 pre-applications have been received with more than 1,700 people visiting the online portal within the first five minutes.
“We have enough preapplications to fill all 60 available apartments already,” added Rodriguez.
A special thank you goes to the Osceola County Section 8 Office for their tremendous support throughout the preapplication process. The team made their staff available at both their offices and several Osceola County libraries to assist those who needed help accessing and navigating the online portal. This support helped ensure the process was accessible to community members who may not have had access to technology or needed extra assistance.
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, a $500,000 investment from City of Kissimmee, $1.25 million from Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and 4% Bonds.
“The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners was committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing for residents,” said Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer. “We were thrilled to support this much needed project, and it could not be in a better location for residents.”
”This special event marks an important milestone as we celebrate 60 new apartments which will provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming homes for older adults within the Osceola County community,” said Rodriguez.
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, with the OCOA being the only organization in Florida to receive monies during this specific grant cycle.
For more information on the project, contact buenvecino@osceola-coa.com.
Parking for the event will be limited and reserved for guests acquiring ADA accommodation and other mobility assistance. We encourage everyone to utilize the complimentary park and ride service hosted by the OCOA, and available at Iglesia Cristiana Reneuvo, on the corner of Competition Drive and Beunaventrua Boulevard. Shuttle service will transport guests directly to and from the event site.
For nearly 20 years, the Osceola Council on Aging has held onto this land with the hope that one day it could be developed in a way that would truly benefit our community. Seeing Buen Vecino finally become a reality is incredibly rewarding. We are proud of the partnerships who have helped bring this longawaited development to life and even more proud of the lasting impact it will have for seniors in Osceola County. Buen Vecino is more than a new housing development; it is a long-term investment in affordable housing, independence, and the future of our aging community.
