Olympic Medalist turned Affordable Housing Champion, Henry Cejudo and His Brother Take On Pressing Community Challenge
Henry Cejudo, a former Olympic wrestling gold medalist and UFC champion, has recently turned his focus from the ring to the community by investing in affordable housing projects in Phoenix.
Recently, Henry teamed up with his older brother, Alonzo Cruz Cejudo, a licensed general contractor in Arizona, to obtain construction financing from First Fidelity Bank for two new-construction affordable housing properties in Phoenix that will eventually house four families eligible for section 8 rental assistance. The Phoenix IDA provided participation loans in support of the new construction projects.
“In collaboration with community banks, the Phoenix IDA participates in joint lending opportunities with for-profit and nonprofit borrowers for projects that create a positive community or social impact and improve lives in or near low-to-moderate income census tracts in Phoenix,” explains Frank Enriquez, Administrator/Commercial Lender at the Phoenix IDA. “The Cejudo brothers’ projects are a prime example of how the Phoenix IDA can use its resources to support growing the number of affordable homes in Phoenix.”
The brothers previously completed a similar project in south central Phoenix that was self-funded, and they are now looking to scale their efforts. The two new projects – one in west Phoenix and the other in central Phoenix – are currently under construction and expected to be completed in late summer 2025.
A Champion Emerges
Raised in Phoenix,the Cejudo brothers understand firsthand the challenges faced by many residents. Growing up in the Maryvale neighborhood of Phoenix, their single mother, who was a Mexican immigrant, experienced the struggles of finding stable and affordable housing despite working multiple jobs.
Henry’s talent for wrestling began to shine during his time at Maryvale High School where he discovered his true passion and embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead him to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He captured the gold medal, making history as the youngest American to win an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling. It was also the first time an American had won gold in that weight class in over 100 years.
Henry’s early life experiences profoundly shaped his perspective and motivated his current efforts, which are driven by a genuine desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who are in a situation similar to what he faced in his youth.
“We got involved in section 8 housing because we want to break the generational curse of poverty,” Cejudo says. “We are giving families a house – not just any house, but a brand-new house. We are developing these projects to give the kids that grow up in these homes an opportunity to be the first people who live there and experience the pride that comes with that.”
Tackling Affordable Housing
Phoenix, like many rapidly growing cities, faces a significant affordable housing shortage. The demand for housing has skyrocketed due, in part, to population growth, driving prices beyond the reach of many working-class families. This has led to a shortage of affordable housing and has made homeownership an increasingly unattainable dream for a large segment of the population. The Cejudo brothers’ investment aims to address this disparity by increasing the availability of affordable housing options.
The Cejudo brothers also place a strong emphasis on sustainability and quality. They advocate for the use of environmentally friendly building materials and energy-efficient designs, which not only reduce the carbon footprint but also lower utility costs for residents. This approach ensures that the housing provided is not just affordable in terms of rent but also in terms of long-term living expenses.
The Cejudo brothers’ investment in affordable housing in Phoenix is a testament to their dedication to the community they love. Through their efforts, they hope to provide more than just roofs over heads; they aim to build strong, vibrant communities where everyone in Phoenix has the opportunity to thrive.
The Phoenix IDA Board of Directors is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 18th, 2024.
