A Nonprofit Development in Arizona Offers a Model for Affordable Home Ownership

Danielle Ippolito and Daniel Velez had never imagined they’d become homeowners when they visited a new development down the street from their apartment in Tempe, Arizona, just east of Phoenix. They’d been searching for a new place, says Danielle, "but we couldn’t find anything within our budget. And we didn’t think we’d be able to buy anytime soon."

Their interest was piqued when they heard about Tempe Micro Estates, a housing project targeted at low- and moderate-income buyers. Arranged around a central courtyard, the development’s 13 single-family homes, including one accessible unit, and a 900-square-foot community center were still under construction, but the couple saw the possibilities. "It made it more enticing that we already lived in the area and liked it," says Daniel.