 Milagro on Oracle mural by Jessica Gonzales
Council Member Dahl and Ward 3 staff joined the celebration of the opening of Milagro on Oracle located at 2445 N. Oracle Rd., the former No-Tel Motel property. This highly anticipated milestone for the community is the City’s first Low Income Housing Tax Credit project in 10 years – and the very first project developed under the El Pueblo Housing Development, the nonprofit affordable housing development arm of the City.
 From left to right: Bob Powers, Managing Director of JPMorgan Chase Community Development Banking; Vice Mayor Santa Cruz; Mayor Romero; Council Member Dahl; Director of AZ Department of Housing Joan Serviss; Housing and Community Development Director Ann Chanecka; and Assistant City Manager Liz Morales.
We toured the space, led by Housing and Community Development Director Ann Chanecka. Ann showed us around the thoughtfully designed apartments, as well as the fitness center, community rooms, picnic area, and the offices for property management and the full-time case manager– all of which combined will create a great supportive place to live. I spoke with two soon-to-be residents, Shelly and John. John, who has called Tucson House home for the past 10 years, has been an active volunteer with the library and the Resident Council. He’s looking forward to continuing his volunteer work at Milagro on Oracle. Shelly, who lived at Amazon and is currently residing at the Wildcat Inn, two of the City’s transitional housing facilities, shared that moving into her new apartment is "truly going to be my miracle."
 Future Milagro on Oracle resident, John Gehlert, and Council Member Dahl waiting to begin the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Milagro on Oracle offers 63 affordable housing units for adults 55 and older, and approximately 25 people who were previously unsheltered will call this place home. It’s an exciting step forward in making our city more inclusive and supportive for all residents.
 Living room and kitchen of a two-bedroom apartment.
If you're interested in applying for one of these units or want more details about eligibility and the application process, be sure to check out the link below.
https://tinyurl.com/4fh7tp5r
Here’s to a great start to the year and more exciting projects ahead!
Last month our office helped host the Second Annual Wildcat Holiday Party at the City’s largest transitional housing, the Wildcat Inn. Santa Claus arrived on a big, red fire truck to hand out over 50 stockings to the children that were residents during the holiday season. We had a poinsettia for every family to take home and a hot chocolate station!
 Santa coming in hot!
Allison Chappell is the Director of the Wildcat Inn and shared, “The annual holiday party is a heartwarming reminder of the importance of community. The support we receive from the surrounding community to bless the wonderful folks in our shelter is just amazing. It is a wonderful way to bring everyone together.”
 Marcelina Rojas - HEART Team Navigator, Ilya Lieberman - Housing Services Agent, Dakota Palmer - HEART Team Navigator, Bhavna “Bona” Patel - Housing Services Agent, Melissa Carrillo - HEART Team Navigator, Laurie Distel - Management Assistant, Allison Chappell - Community Services Manager, Fernando Ortiz “Santa” - Community Services Project Supervisor, Ashely Deal - Housing Services Agent, Kelly Ross, Sonya Palmer - HEART Team Navigator, Erica Dallo - Housing Services Agent, Brandi Champion - Housing First Director, Jeanette Garment - Housing Services Agent.
The party started with hot dogs, hamburgers, and even an elote station with several fixings to choose from. Housing First staff worked hard to create a magical, festive space where everyone could forget the hardship and enjoy some ease, care, and merriment.
 Zion Alderette went through the Wildcat Inn program himself and is now a part of the Housing First team. Here he is at the elote fixings station.
With several staff members having experienced temporary displacement in their youth and unstable housing, we understand the fear that Santa might not be able to find you. With that in mind, one of our official duties is providing Santa the appropriate updates to ensure the kids at the Wildcat Inn are on his list and will not be skipped.
 Former Vice Mayor Dahl, Santa Clause, and Council Aides Naomi Lee and Marlene Avelino.
We received many donations from individuals and small groups and are so grateful for the joint effort. A special thank you to Heroes and Villains and Fantasy Comics for all the support. A big thank you to Friends of Ward 3, Santa’s Workshop, and the Tucson Airport Fire Department for helping ensure every family had gifts to unwrap on their own holiday as well!
Study Session included an annual update on the Housing and Affordability Strategy for Tucson (HAST).
Regular Agenda included a discussion approving a two system Conservation Implementation Agreements with the US Bureau of Reclamation to Conserve Colorado River Water in exchange for Compensation. Also discussed and agreed upon the selection of a new Vice Mayor of Tucson.
For the complete Study Session and Regular Agenda please click on the buttons below.
For the full coverage of the Mayor and Council meeting on January 7, 2025, please click on the button below
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