AZ distributes almost $41M for housing, homeless aid

Arizona is distributing $40.7 million of its federal stimulus funds to affordable housing and homeless-aid groups to combat the state’s growing housing crisis.

Rising rents and home prices coupled with Arizona’s housing shortage has made affording a place to live tougher than ever in the state.

The money is coming from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund that’s capitalized by $4.2 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“These funds will help families and individuals who are struggling access transitional housing options and equip them with the skills and support needed to secure permanent, reliable housing,” Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement.

About $10 million, the biggest grant, will go to the Arizona Housing Coalition. It will allocate the money to homelessaid groups across the state.

How the rest of the money is divvied up:

$7.5 million will go to domestic violence service providers for housing and will be distributed through the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

$7.2 million to Native American Connections to help with the purchase of a 58-bed transitional housing facility for young people in the West Valley.

$5 million for Chicanos Por La Causa

to hire personnel to help people with rental applications and housing relocations.

$4 million for domestic violence groups that serve Native American tribes.

$2.5 million for Home Matters to Arizona to build more affordable housing and help homeless shelters.

$1,854,893 for Habitat for Humanity Tucson to create a job-training program and build more affordable housing.

$500,000 to one-n-ten to provide safe housing to LGBTQ+ youth needing shelter.

$434,276 for Tanner Community

Development Corp. to provide more housing for veterans experiencing homelessness.

$362,047 for Circle the City to increase mental health services through a street outreach team.

$300,000 for Native Americans for Community Action to expand services to help people facing homelessness.

$250,000 for Primavera Foundation to use to renovate and expand affordable housing.

$250,000 to First Place Arizona to offer health and community engagement services for neurodiverse Arizonans.

$250,000 to Southern Arizona Aids Foundation for counseling and housing programs.

$250,000 for Tohdenasshai Committee Against Family Abuse to help with child care at a shelter on the Navajo Nation.

$55,000 for Free Arts to provide children in shelters with art supplies.

$50,000 for Streets of Joy to provide shelter and counseling to people with mental illnesses and inmates reentering society.

“Helping those who are experiencing homelessness and preventing it from happening to those who are struggling is a top priority for us,” Arizona Department of Housing Director Tom Simplot said.

Earlier this week, the Housing Department launched a $197 million mortgage-aid program to help homeowners hurt by the pandemic.

The state agency also announced it will spend $15 million of federal funds to support new homeless shelters in Phoenix, Kingman and Flagstaff.