By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
After years in the making, a new affordable housing development is opening its doors in Port Isabel, bringing relief to local families in search of stable, quality homes and honoring the legacy of a woman who dedicated her life to serving this community.
Judy’s Casitas, located at 110 Woody Lane, is now accepting applications, with a waiting list already open and move-ins underway.
The 23-unit complex, featuring one- and two-bedroom apartments with rents ranging from $761 to $1,120, is named after the late Judy Sanchez, a trailblazer who worked with the Port Isabel Housing Authority for 39 years, including 29 years as Executive Director.
“This project was first started by Judy back in 2020,” said Karena Bennett, the Housing Authority’s current Executive Director. “She laid the foundation, but with the challenges of COVID and her passing, it was paused. In 2023, our staff, board, and I committed to carrying her vision forward.”
Now completed, the complex not only fulfills a longstanding community need, it also stands as a tribute to Judy’s unwavering commitment to Port Isabel’s most vulnerable residents.
“Housing has long been an issue in our city,” Bennett said. “Many in our community work in fishing, tourism, and service industries — jobs that are essential to the local economy, but often don’t pay enough to cover rising housing costs. This development gives those individuals and families a real chance to live, work, and thrive in the city they call home.”
The $2.5 million project was funded by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) in Washington, D.C., with construction carried out by Alfredo Huerta of Harlingen CDC.
The new development reflects the Housing Authority’s mission to promote economic stability and community well-being by providing affordable, safe housing to seniors, families, and individuals on fixed incomes.
“We are incredibly proud to bring this project to life,” Bennett said. “And we’re grateful to our community for their continued support. Housing is the foundation of a strong community. By helping our residents live where they work, raise their families, and contribute to our local economy, we are building a brighter future for Port Isabel — together.”
For more information, contact the Housing Authority of the City of Port Isabel.
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