The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors this week voted to direct $10 millionin pandemic relief funds toward two new affordable housing projects in Phoenix.
$5 million will pay to convert a north Phoenix hotel into affordable rental housing for adults over 55 who are exiting homelessness. The other $5 million will help construct new apartments near downtown for low-income families.
Maricopa County Human Services Department Director Jacqueline Edwards said those two demographics are especially vulnerable to housing instability.
“For people who are either retired or are just beginning in their careers, like many young families are, to be able to pay $2,000 a month for rent is just not possible," Edwards said.
The Maricopa Association of Governments reports rents in metro Phoenix have risen nearly 40% just since 2019. The region's homeless population has grown by about 45% in the same timeframe.
The converted hotel for older adults near Interstate 17 and Northern Avenue will have 125 studio units, including accessible or adaptable units for individuals with disabilities.
The new 109-unit complex for families will be located near 20th and Roosevelt streets. Residents will have access to support services including GED and ESL classes, job fairs, Head Start, after-school programming for children, and referrals to homeownership and health programs.
Since 2020, the county has invested half a billion dollars in county and federal funds in housing and homelessness solutions.
