$65 Million Will Add More Affordable Housing; $25 Million Will Fund More Shelter Beds
Facing a confluence of economic challenges and a rapidly expanding population, Maricopa County is stepping up efforts to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing and homelessness. The county’s latest initiative involves a substantial investment of $90 million aimed at increasing housing options and shelter capacity.
“There is no bigger issue in Maricopa County right now than meeting this basic need for housing,” emphasized Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. He added, “Maricopa County can’t solve this problem alone, but we can provide funding to make sure good ideas that could improve lives don’t just end up on a crumpled piece of paper somewhere. I’m looking forward to a lot of ground-breakings and grand openings in the months ahead.”
With these new allocations, Maricopa County’s total commitment to regional shelter beds has increased to $46 million, while more than $130 million has been dedicated to affordable housing projects. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address a range of housing needs, from urgent short-term shelter to initiatives that prevent eviction and promote homeownership, particularly for low-income families.
From Numbers to Lumber
Since November 2021, Maricopa County has been actively channeling funds into community projects to expedite housing solutions. Over the past ten months, the Maricopa County Human Services Department has executed 207 contracts and agreements, turning budget allocations into tangible housing developments where residents can find safety, health, and prosperity.
Key highlights of Maricopa County’s recent endeavors in affordable housing include:
- Jul. 2022: $3.1 Million Invested to Build 74 Townhomes and 161 Rental Units
- Jul. 2022: $23 Million to Operate 250 Bridge Housing Units at 4 Hotel Sites
- May 2022: $5 Million to Secure More Rental Options for People Exiting Homelessness
- May 2022: $35 Million to Build 120 Homes, Provide Downpayment Assistance to 128 Low-Income Home Buyers, and Construct 66 Rental Units
- May 2022: Maricopa County Partners with City of Phoenix Partner to Offer Heat Relief to People Experiencing Homelessness
- Apr. 2022: $10.7 Million to Add 144 Housing Units for Seniors Exiting Homelessness
- Apr. 2022: $17 Million to Add 610 Affordable Rental Housing Units
- Dec. 2021: $28 Million to Add 352 New Shelter Beds and Rapid Rehousing Options
- Nov. 2021: Groundbreaking for Affordable Housing for Low-Income Buyers
Preventing Eviction
In efforts to maintain housing stability, Maricopa County has disbursed over $79.6 million in rent payments for 9,677 households since March 2021 through the Emergency Rental Assistance program. Additionally, a $2.6 million legal fund has been established to provide renters facing eviction with no-cost legal counsel during court proceedings.
These initiatives, along with increased housing and shelter capacity, are part of a comprehensive approach funded by $200 million in investments to aid residents’ recovery from the pandemic’s impact. For further information on relief spending, visit Maricopa.gov/RescueFunds. Residents seeking assistance can access resources and apply at Maricopa.gov/Rescue.
Read More Here
