Osceola Council on Aging to begin construction on Buen Vecino Senior Housing Complex in Buenaventura Lakes

“Affordable housing complex to be developed by the Osceola Council on Aging.”

Osceola County, FL (May 25, 2025) The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA), is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Buen Vecino Senior Housing development in Buenaventura Lakes. The OCOA will host a press conference on Friday, May 30, from 9-10 am, where Buen Vecino will be developed, across from 253 Competition Drive, Kissimmee.

Buen Vecino, to be developed on seven acres of land off Competition Drive, is being designed as a 60-unit rental complex, complete with a clubhouse for congregate dining, an onsite community service coordinator for social activities, a computer lab, and exercise facility.

Each one-bedroom unit will attain an average of six hundred square feet, with an occupancy limit of two people. Leasing contracts will be for annual occupancy, and pets under 20 lbs. 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 only 30 percent of their income for rental occupancy. To qualify, individuals must be 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. Applications will not be available until project completion and no application fees. Applications will be selected on a lottery system.

“The primary mission of the OCOA Housing Management Department is to advocate for and provide affordable housing to community residents. With ever-increasing costs, rental units have become increasingly difficult to afford, and why we are so excited to eventually offer this affordable rental development to the Osceola community,” said Osceola Council on Aging, 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 of 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 Commissioner Viviana Janer, Osceola County Board of Commissioners.

The OCOA underwent an extremely competitive grant cycle to become the recipient of such an expansive economic investment. Only thirty-two 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 the project and the May 30, press conference, contact Angelica Rodriguz at rodrigua@osceola-coa.com, or 407.933.9555.