If you’ve ever been near Tucson House, the public housing building just north of downtown, chances are you’ve seen him. Cracking jokes. Sharing neighborhood updates. Checking in on fellow residents.
Ryan–sharp-witted, full of energy, and cruising confidently around town on his electric scooter–has a personality that is almost as big as the 17-story building he lives in. He enters a room like a comedian on tour–a fully charged battery. But every performer needs a team to empower his success, and that’s what the Compass Affordable Housing Tenant Services Team is for Ryan.
Scam callers targeted him earlier this year, but they didn’t stand a chance. Ryan practically laughed them off. With help from Tenant Services, he then took swift action—clearing his phone storage and learning how to install spam blockers to guard his privacy.
With a strong support team behind him, and an engaged community of supporters like you behind us, not even government bureaucracy could match Ryan’s determination and unwavering sense of humor.
The roadblock created by the paperwork and deadlines of confusing benefit systems? Speed bumps for someone like Ryan! He reviewed letters and official documents with our team, got help rescheduling missed appointments, and made sure he had the documentation he needed to keep things going.
When Ryan missed a Nutrition Assistance renewal, Tenant Services helped him complete the application and interview process, and he was ultimately approved. When tech barriers made it hard to access his healthcare insurance portal, Ryan didn’t give up— he knew we were there to work with him to troubleshoot, download essential tools, and learn how to use them confidently.
And Ryan kept right on going. He advocated for ADA-accessible housing–reaching out to legal resources and taking steps toward safer, more suitable living arrangements.
Ryan was taking charge of his own life.
But then came his biggest challenge yet—something that could have turned anyone’s world upside down.
An unexpected, unauthorized switch in his health insurance plan threatened to knock Ryan off track. But no! He jumped into action–initiating re-enrollment and coordinating communication between his medical service providers. Because Ryan had the support he needed, he was able to restore his coverage the following month.
Ryan also took steps to build digital independence—verifying his identity online and gaining full online access to government services, reducing his reliance on mail and in-person visits.
And through it all, Ryan stayed healthy, mobile, and engaged—his sense of humor stronger than ever.
He might not be a pink bunny wearing sunglasses and flip-flops, beating a big bass drum, but Ryan keeps going…and going…and going!
• Advocates for timely medical supply deliveries
• Maintains his mobility equipment with regular follow-up support
• Manages his own health and logistics with determination
• Remains a vital force in the Tucson House community
• Looks out for neighbors and helps create a safer, connected environment for everyone
Ryan’s story is a reminder that anything is possible when an engaged and loving community works together. Ryan was able to take the lead every step of the way—and we are proud to be part of his continuing journey.
When you support Compass Affordable Housing, you empower someone’s journey to independent living. You help us make our entire community a better place. You help us be there–in person and on the spot—to ensure that when someone like Ryan is up against a confusing system, a sudden health disruption, or a housing crisis, they don’t face it alone. They’ll have someone there to help them stay steady, stay housed, and stay connected.
You are the battery in Ryan’s life. You are part of the reason he’s succeeding.
Thank you!
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