There are moments in your career that remind you exactly why you chose a certain line of work. For me, that moment came as I stood at the ribbon cutting for Buen Vecino.
As I looked across the crowd, I could not help but think back nearly twenty years ago to when the Osceola Council on Aging was entrusted with the seven acres of prime real estate, in which Buen Vecino now stands. At the time, it was simply a vision. We believed one day it could become something that would truly serve our community, even though none of us knew just how long that journey would take.
Over the past two decades, there were countless meetings, funding applications, design changes, delays, and moments when the finish line seemed further away than close. For anyone who has developed affordable housing complexes, know these projects are not for the faint of heart. They require patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep believing, even when the answer is “not yet.”
There were certainly many days, and even weeks when I wondered if we would ever be able to stand where we did on July 24, cutting that ribbon, on that sweltering morning.
But then it happened. As the ribbon was cut, I looked at a building that had lived in our hearts long before it ever rose from the ground. I watched community leaders, elected officials, partners, staff, and friends celebrate something we had all worked toward for many years. One comment I heard that morning has stayed with me ever since: “It took a village to create this village.” I do not think anyone could have said it better.
Buen Vecino is much more than a beautiful new apartment community. It represents hope. It represents stability. It represents the belief that our seniors deserve the opportunity to age with dignity in a safe, affordable home surrounded by neighbors who will become friends.
In the weeks leading up to opening our application portal, we knew there we would have interest. What we did not expect was just how overwhelming that need would be. Nearly 600 seniors completed preapplications, and more than 1,700 people visited the online portal within the first few minutes after it opened. Those numbers tell a story that extends far beyond one development. They remind us that affordable senior housing is one of the greatest challenges facing our community today.
While I am incredibly proud that Buen Vecino will provide 60 affordable homes, I also recognize that our work is far from finished. There are still far too many seniors searching for safe, affordable housing, and as an organization, we remain committed to finding new opportunities to meet that growing need.
Projects like Buen Vecino are never accomplished by one person or one organization. They are built through partnerships. I am deeply grateful to Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, Spectrum, our incredible project team, our Board of Directors, and the many community partners who believed in this vision and never stopped supporting it.
Most importantly, I want to thank our staff.
For years they carried this dream alongside me. They celebrated every victory, worked through every setback, and never lost sight of why we were doing this. Their dedication made this day possible.
As residents begin moving into their new homes, I know the real story of Buen Vecino is only beginning. One of my favorite features of the community is the Beverly Hougland Friendship Center, named in honor of my mentor and the former Council on Aging CEO. It is only fitting that this space will host our daily congregate lunch program where neighbors can become friends, friendships can flourish, and a true sense of community can grow. I cannot think of a more meaningful way to honor Beverly’s legacy, because bringing people together was always at the heart of everything, she did.
After 20 years, this is what makes every obstacle, every delay, and every challenge worthwhile.
The ribbon has been cut, but the real celebration is just beginning. It will happen every time a senior unlocks the door to a home they can afford, shares a meal with a new friend, or simply finds peace knowing they have a safe place to call home.
Some dreams are worth waiting for. This was one of them.
