Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) has announced a $16 million investment to fight homelessness in Arizona.
What the Funds Will Do
The money, drawn from the State Housing Trust Fund, will go to various civic organizations and charities that shelter and help the homeless find permanent housing, including city shelter services in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff.
Charities include Catholic Charities Community Services, Cornerstone Mission Project, Gila Valley Samaritan Home, Sister José Women's Center, UMOM New Day Centers, and others.
What Hobbs and Recipients are Saying
"Access to safe shelter is critical for the security and wellbeing of Arizonans," Gov. Hobbs said in a press release, adding, "With this funding, we will ensure more Arizona families have a roof over their heads and the services they need to get back on their feet."
UMOM CEO Monique Lopez commented, "This investment will help UMOM provide safe shelter, stability, and a pathway forward for hundreds of women experiencing homelessness each year. We are grateful to the Arizona Department of Housing and Governor Hobbs for supporting critical shelter resources that strengthen our community and help women move toward housing and long-term self-sufficiency."
Similarly, Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona's Executive Director of Housing Terrance Watkins stated, "Since 2003, the Good Neighbor Alliance Shelter in Sierra Vista has been dedicated to ensuring the most vulnerable individuals in Cochise County have a place to lay their head at night and have access to resources and referrals to help them end their homelessness."
"This funding will ensure that the shelter will continue to operate and that Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona can continue to fulfill its mission of helping individuals and families find safety and security and get connected to resources to improve their overall wellness and stability," Watkins added.
Finally, Executive Director of Cornerstone Mission Project Melanie Windecker said, "This investment from the Arizona Department of Housing allows Cornerstone Mission to reach individuals who have too often fallen through the cracks, providing not just shelter, but the intensive support and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives."
"Through our A.N.C.O.R. Program, we will create pathways to stability for those facing the greatest barriers to housing while helping vulnerable families remain together during times of crisis," Windecker continued. "We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to bring lasting hope and meaningful change to rural Mohave County."
