The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved $7.5 million to the City of Phoenix Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) to provide emergency shelter, temporary transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Senior Bridge received $6 million to support seniors ages 55 or older who make zero to 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), for the development and operation of temporary transitional housing and permanent supportive housing. The site will include 40 non-congregate shelter/transitional housing units with bathrooms, as well as 65 affordable apartments with bathrooms and kitchenettes. The funding ensures that the shelter units are ADA accessible.
The remaining $1.5 million will support Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) to provide 24/7 emergency shelter and essential services 365 days a year, including holidays, for individuals experiencing homelessness. The funding ensures that clients who stayed in the emergency shelter or had a designated bed the night before will have access to the facility the following day.
“Investing in housing and shelter for those experiencing homelessness, especially our seniors, is a compassionate investment in the stability and quality of life of our community members,” Supervisor Steve Gallardo said. “Everyone deserves the security and dignity of a safe and affordable place to live in Maricopa County.”
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City officials said that they will need to make up $22 million after the American Rescue Plan funds for homeless services expire. Since they are temporary, the city needs to replace the gap to maintain current service levels. -
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Tucson announced it was partnering with local nonprofits in August to launch STAR Village — a one-year pilot program to provide a safe outdoor space for women and nonbinary people. -
Earlier this year, the Haven, one of the only temporary shelters for unhoused senior citizens in the country, finally opened its doors after years of delays. This was the Haven’s first official summer.
