Variety of Arizona groups that combat homelessness get over $40M in funding

PHOENIX – Arizona officials announced last week how more than $40 million will be distributed to groups that work to combat homelessness in the state.

“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 in a press release Thursday.

The $40.7 million in funding comes out of Arizona’s portion of the American Rescue Plan’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

The state is sending $10 million to the Arizona Housing Coalition, which will determine how to allocate the money.

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is getting $7.5 million to distribute to groups providing safe housing for victims of domestic violence plus another $4 million for domestic violence providers that serve Native American tribes.

Native American Connections is receiving $7.2 million for a 58-bed West Valley facility for youths experiencing homelessness.

The rest of the allotment is going to a variety of groups in awards ranging from $50,000 to $5 million.

Expanding affordable housing is the best way to combat homelessness. ADOH is proud to fund these crucial projects from @SpeakUp4Homes @ACESDV @NAC_Phoenix @CPLCdotORG @homemattersaz and a dozen other committed housing advocates. It is all our mission to end homelessness in AZ! https://t.co/lWYgzgiVhu

— AZ Dept of Housing (@AZHousing) November 4, 2021

“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,” Gov. Doug Ducey said in the release.

Circle the City is getting $362,047 to create a mobile outreach team of mental health professionals.

“They will be going out with their vehicles into the community, meeting people where they are, and if they can’t come to use, we’ll be sure to come to them,” Circle the City CEO Kim Despres told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

On top of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund distribution, Arizona officials announced Friday that St. Joseph the Worker would receive about $1 million for its Workforce Village program from the Department of Housing’s Housing Trust Fund.

The program provides transitional housing and employment support to people experiencing homelessness.

“This funding will allow us to break the top two client-cited barriers to gaining and maintaining quality employment: a stable place to live and transportation,” Brent Downs, Executive Director at St. Joseph the Worker, said in a press release.

“Through the support of this program, we are allowing our clients to move into self-sufficiency and economic independence through employment.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Nailea Leon contributed to this report.

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