Housing for Grandparenting
Housing for Grandparenting Housing
This pioneering kinship-care housing project began in 2012 when the Tucson-based met with a group of grandparents raising their grandchildren through foster care or adoption. The caregivers shared their vision for a safe place where they could collectively provide childcare and assist one another. In later meetings, the group detailed specific requests, including homes with an open kitchen and dining area, some private, enclosed outdoor space, a large community room and a “hang out” space for older kids. Having a strong resident council and programming for all ages were also deemed critical to the plan. , the architecture firm responsible for the design of Las Abuelitas (a Spanish endearment meaning “grandmothers”), delivered on those requests and created a model of sustainable design and efficiency. Several of the units qualify as “net zero,” meaning they produce as much energy through renewable resources as they consume. of Plan courtesy Poster Frost Mirto Las Abuelitas is bound by a secure perimeter, a community building serves the wider neighborhood as well as Abuelitas residents. A computer lab, library, kitchen and multipurpose room host after-school activities for kids and civic, financial and other workshops for the grandparents. of Photo courtesy Poster Frost Mirto Metal shades help diffuse the sunlight and provide a bit of shade over the private patios and shared walkways. A rooftop rainwater collection system and solar panels help maintain the landscaping and keep energy costs down. Such LEED Platinum sustainable features give Las Abuelitas an advantage over most low-income housing developments. of Photo courtesy Poster Frost Mirto Opened in September 2013, Las Abuelitas’ 12 housing units — eight two-bedrooms and four three-bedrooms — are designed to accommodate mobility differences. (Of the estimated 60,000 grandparents in Arizona who are raising their grandchildren, 1 out of 5 have a disability.) Residents must be at or below 80 percent of the average median income for their family size. This article is adapted from , a publication by AARP and the National Building Museum. Download or order your free copy. (Read more about communities.) Page published April 2019
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Housing for Grandparenting
Championed and designed by grandparents Las Abuelitas Family Housing is a small affordable " kinship care" community that addresses the multigenerational needs of its residents
Photo courtesy Poster Frost Mirto Intergenerational activities and a safe place to play were among the top requests from Las Abuelitas’ founding grandparents. The outdoor community spaces include a playground, basketball court and common greenspace. Each household also has its own plot in the community garden. Championed and designed by grandparents, is a small, ADA-accessible and affordable housing community that addresses the multigenerational needs of its residents.Family Matters
Kinship care is the full-time care and nurturing of a child by a nonparent relative or someone who has a significant emotional relationship with the child.This pioneering kinship-care housing project began in 2012 when the Tucson-based met with a group of grandparents raising their grandchildren through foster care or adoption. The caregivers shared their vision for a safe place where they could collectively provide childcare and assist one another. In later meetings, the group detailed specific requests, including homes with an open kitchen and dining area, some private, enclosed outdoor space, a large community room and a “hang out” space for older kids. Having a strong resident council and programming for all ages were also deemed critical to the plan. , the architecture firm responsible for the design of Las Abuelitas (a Spanish endearment meaning “grandmothers”), delivered on those requests and created a model of sustainable design and efficiency. Several of the units qualify as “net zero,” meaning they produce as much energy through renewable resources as they consume. of Plan courtesy Poster Frost Mirto Las Abuelitas is bound by a secure perimeter, a community building serves the wider neighborhood as well as Abuelitas residents. A computer lab, library, kitchen and multipurpose room host after-school activities for kids and civic, financial and other workshops for the grandparents. of Photo courtesy Poster Frost Mirto Metal shades help diffuse the sunlight and provide a bit of shade over the private patios and shared walkways. A rooftop rainwater collection system and solar panels help maintain the landscaping and keep energy costs down. Such LEED Platinum sustainable features give Las Abuelitas an advantage over most low-income housing developments. of Photo courtesy Poster Frost Mirto Opened in September 2013, Las Abuelitas’ 12 housing units — eight two-bedrooms and four three-bedrooms — are designed to accommodate mobility differences. (Of the estimated 60,000 grandparents in Arizona who are raising their grandchildren, 1 out of 5 have a disability.) Residents must be at or below 80 percent of the average median income for their family size. This article is adapted from , a publication by AARP and the National Building Museum. Download or order your free copy. (Read more about communities.) Page published April 2019
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AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures