Katie Hobbs Launches Program to House Homeless Veterans

Arizona flag

Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) announced this week that Arizona is taking significant steps to help veterans experiencing homelessness through a new grant program that will provide housing and support services across the state.

The Homes for Heroes grant program has awarded $750,000 to four organizations working to get veterans off the streets and into transitional housing. The grants are part of Governor Hobbs' $2 million initiative to end veteran homelessness in Arizona.

"By creating pathways to housing for our Veterans, we are helping them realize the opportunity, security, and freedom that underpin the Arizona Promise," said Governor Hobbs.

The four organizations receiving funding will create new housing options and provide immediate help to veterans in crisis.

Organizations Funding

Axiom Community of Recovery received $200,000 to create 30 new beds with same-day placement for veterans in need of emergency assistance. Scottsdale Recovery Center got $150,000 to serve 39 veterans and will even provide pet boarding, so veterans don't have to give up their animals to get help.

Additionally, U.S.VETS in Prescott received $200,000 to house 100 veterans at its new Fort Whipple campus, opening next year. In comparison, Esperanza en Escalante in Tucson also received $200,000 to serve 32 veterans with emergency housing and personalized care plans.

"The men and women who served our nation and defended our freedoms deserve to live their lives with dignity and have a place to call home," Hobbs stated. "Working hand in hand with community organizations, we are committed to realizing our goal of ending veteran homelessness in Arizona."

The remaining $1.25 million from the Homes for Heroes initiative will fund veterans' treatment courts and help coordinate statewide efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, highlighting the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services' commitment to supporting those who served in the military.

All programs emphasize same-day services designed to provide immediate assistance to veterans in crises without requiring them to wait for help.

Ericka Piñon

Ericka Pinon is a state and federal reporter for Cactus Politics. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is currently studying Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.