Favor Celestial was established in 2015 in response to increasing pressures on Barrio Kroeger Lane and needs of its residents. The term "Favor Celestial" is a scion of "Favores Celestiales"-- Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino's historical memoir recounting his travels and vision for the region. Known as the father of the Pimeria Alta, Kino rode extensively up and down the length of the Santa Cruz River working with the many First Peoples of the region throughout the late seventeenth century. Remnants of the horses, livestock and plants that he introduced live on in what's left of the environment that Barrio Kroeger Lane sits on. Kino is remembered for his kindness and unerring defense of the dignity of the original inhabitants of this land, and in keeping with his legacy, Favor Celestial strives to do the same for the families of Barrio Kroeger Lane.
Favor Celestial's purposes are:
To create opportunities for entrepreneurs, implement programs and services that can transform the lives of Barrio Kroeger Lane adults and children of all socio-economic backgrounds;
Establish a multi-purpose facility for the programs and services and to support the sustainability of Favor Celestial;
Engage in beautification and improvement efforts to help make Barrio Kroeger Lane and the downtown City of Tucson area more attractive and inviting for Tucson residents and visitors.
Overall, Favor Celestial will engage in anything a non-profit can do to improve the quality of life for the Barrio Kroeger Lane residents and non-residents from other downtown neighborhoods who can benefit from the services and programs.
What drove our creation
The social and economic inequality distressing Barrio Kroeger Lane is evident by its visible condition and other indicators. It has been called Tucson’s “most threatened neighborhood” by the Rio Nuevo Downtown Redevelopment Project administrators. This neighborhood is isolated, neglected and threatened, because of its exclusion from the planning by the Downtown/Greater Infill Incentive District, the Westside Development Plans, Paseo de las Iglesias, and property tax increases. Gentrification has permeated the southern border of the neighborhood creating a real and imminent threat to the neighbors, and the neighborhood’s housing, social and cultural makeup.
Our Priority Focus Areas:
Social and economic inequalities that disenfranchise the neighbors in poverty.
Lack of a strategic course of action.
Insufficient continuity of effort for cultural and neighborhood preservation to prevent more gentrification in the neighborhood.
Obtaining funding from local, state and federal government agencies, non-government entities, non-profit organizations, and other potential sponsors
