The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Monday that for the first time, it’s making $175 million available for building, buying and rehabbing properties to become permanent supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness.
“What helps Arizona is that we will definitely be highlighting a partnership with AHCCCS, our state’s Medicaid agency,” said Joan Serviss, CEO of Arizona’s housing department. “And we’d also be highlighting the leverage we have with state funds dedicated to this issue, as well as any local funds.”
But Serviss said no matter where the money goes, providing wrap-around services and housing is a more cost-effective strategy, especially with increased interest in moving semiconductor production in-state.
“We need to make sure there’s housing available, for not only the individuals, the employees that are coming with these businesses, but those individuals serving the employees,” said Serviss. “That includes teachers, first responders, baristas, the hospitality industry – we need to make sure that those individuals aren’t priced out of housing.”
While Maricopa and Pima Counties will likely apply separately from the 13 counties her office represents, Serviss said the state as a whole will benefit from receiving any amount.
