Innovative Development Project Pitch Competition Winner!

Catholic Community Services Wins Innovative Development Project Pitch Competition

Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona (CCS) was named the winner of the Innovative Development Project Pitch Competition for its ambitious plan to create a 100-unit micro-community in Sierra Vista.

Designed to address housing insecurity from multiple angles, the proposed community would include 20 transitional housing units for individuals exiting homelessness, 40 affordable homes for residents earning below 60% of area median income, and 40 workforce housing units for individuals and families earning between 60% and 80% of area median income.

But the CCS vision extends well beyond housing. A planned Community Resource Center would connect residents with childcare, telehealth services, financial education, food assistance, benefits enrollment, case management, and opportunities for education and workforce advancement. Energy-efficient design and innovative construction methods are also being explored to help keep the homes affordable over the long term.

The project is being developed through a collaborative process involving CCS, the City of Sierra Vista, the Sierra Vista Industrial Development Authority, Arizona State University’s Design School, and other public- and private-sector partners.

The pitch competition recognized CCS for presenting a bold, thoughtful, and achievable vision—one that pairs housing with the practical support people need to build greater stability and opportunity.

The competition prize was generously sponsored by LISC Arizona, Vantage West Credit Union, and Gorman & Company. Their support reflects a shared commitment to advancing creative development projects capable of delivering lasting impact throughout Southern Arizona.

Congratulations to Catholic Community Services and Executive Director of Housing Terrance Watkins on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing this promising vision take shape in Sierra Vista.