Funding Adds 144 Housing Units for Seniors Exiting Homelessness
- The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved $10.7 million in funding for two affordable housing projects
- The funding adds 148 affordable housing units to the County for qualified low-income individuals and families
- A new construction project in Glendale will add 144 units targeted to people aged 55 and over who are exiting homelessness, with a preference for Veterans
- Four housing units (yet to be identified) will be acquired and rehabilitated to serve low-income families in Mesa
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved $10.7 million in funding that will add 148 units to the affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families in the region. The funding comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that County leadership has committed to distributing equitably across the community, with a focus on areas disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
“Maricopa County has historically been an affordable place to live, but across-the-board inflation and skyrocketing housing and rental prices are impacting our region, too. While there’s no overnight fix to our affordable housing shortage, this Board has shown a continued commitment to being part of the solution,” said Chairman Bill Gates, District 3.
The funding will bring affordable housing options to both the east and west Valley through partnerships with organizations that focus on adding affordable housing to communities. In the east valley, Maricopa County will work with the Affordable Rental Movement of Save the Family to acquire and rehabilitate four yet to be identified rental properties in zip codes 85201, 85210, 85202, 85203, and 85204.
In the West Valley, Maricopa County will partner with Mercy Housing to construct a new 144-unit affordable housing development that will serve the specialized needs of people over the age of 55 who are exiting homelessness. With a very limited supply of rental properties available, Maricopa County, through these projects and projects previously approved by the Board of Supervisors, provides a full range of housing solutions across a wide spectrum of options to meet the needs of individuals and families from a hotel conversion to homeownership to individual rental units in the community and large multi-family complexes.
Affordable Rental Movement (ARM) of Save the Family: $1,229,600
Maricopa County will fund the acquisition and rehabilitation of four rental units with a primary focus within the 85201, 85210, 85202, 85203, and 85204 zip codes. The targeted housing units will feature two or three bedrooms, 800 to 1,200 square feet of living space, and be within the City of Mesa. The targeted cost of each housing unit including an estimated $15,000 in rehabilitation costs is in the range of approximately $275,000.
The housing units will serve very low-income individuals at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (“AMI”) as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“Low-income persons, whether they are just starting out in a profession or raising a family, or both, should be able to live in a quality home in a safe neighborhood,” said Supervisor Tom Galvin, District 2. “I am confident this partnership will serve as a model for how we can transform current inventory and make it both livable and affordable for residents who find themselves priced out of the existing housing market.”
Rehabilitation of the property may include interior paint and drywall repair; removal and installation of flooring; removal and installation of new energy-efficient appliances; plumbing repairs; and bringing electrical systems up to code.
Mercy Housing Mountain Plains: $9,500,000
Maricopa County recognizes that seniors are facing unprecedented challenges in the region with rapidly rising housing costs forcing some to experience homelessness. To address the specialized needs of people aged 55 and over who are experiencing homelessness, Maricopa County has partnered with Mercy Housing Mountain Plains to develop a 144-unit housing complex that offers housing as well as wraparound services to support them as they exit homelessness.
The housing project will develop 144 affordable housing units for seniors on 4.4 acres on three adjacent vacant parcels of land at the northwest corner of 49th Avenue and W. Glenn Drive (approximately 4902 W. Glenn Drive) in the city of Glendale. The housing mix includes 115 one-bedroom units and twenty-nine two-bedroom units.
“The growth in the West Valley over the past five years has been simply incredible, and while I’m certainly pro-growth and pro-development, we also need to look after our long-time residents, to make sure they’re provided for,” said Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4. ”I appreciate that this particular project focuses on providing new, affordable options for the growing number of seniors at risk of homelessness.”
The housing units will be reserved for low-income seniors in the community as follows:
- Thirty units will be reserved for seniors (individuals 55 years of age or older) exiting homelessness whose households are earning at or below 30% of the AMI, with a preference for Veterans.
- Fifteen units will serve senior households earning at or below 50% AMI.
- One hundred units will be targeted to serve senior households earning at or below 60% AMI.
About the Development
The development will include a newly-constructed four-story u-shaped building with approximately 115 off‐street parking spaces. A large open and secure ground floor courtyard will feature a plaza with sitting areas that include trees, gardening, and sunshades. Residents will have access to meeting rooms, a community room, a reading library, a fitness room, open spaces, and on-site laundry rooms with washers and dryers.
All residential units will include a full kitchen, bathroom, central air, and private balconies. One‐bedroom units will be approximately 650 square feet and two‐bedroom units will be approximately 875 square feet. Residents can also be connected to Human Services programs and services to support their needs for employment and successful self‐sufficiency to ensure formerly homeless households remain stably housed.
For more information on the assistance that is available and making a positive impact for people in Maricopa County, visit Maricopa.gov/Rescue.
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About Maricopa County Human Services
As the fourth largest county in the nation home to some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Maricopa County’s population is large, growing, and more diverse than ever. Maricopa County’s Human Services Department has five divisions that provide services and programs to people of all ages and abilities to promote their well-being. From offering early education to career training and employment services to case management for aging and adults with disabilities– the Human Services Department serves as a leader in the region to support strong families, neighborhoods, and community relationships. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to eligible Maricopa County residents at HSD.maricopa.gov.