HUD awards Maricopa County $28M to curb homelessness
Feb 10, 2019, 4:15 AM | Updated: 3:45 pm
(Screenshot/Maricopa County Valley View)
(Screenshot/Maricopa County Valley View)
PHOENIX — A recently announced $28 million grant will help provide temporary rental assistance for homeless families in Maricopa County.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Wednesday the grant will support local programs with the hopes of curbing homelessness across the county.
The grant, awarded to the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care, also includes over $1 million in new funding to provide permanent housing for homeless families in Maricopa County.
“For some people, it’s just short term until they can get on their feet and get a job,” Maricopa Association of Government Human Services Planner Anne Scott told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday. “For some folks that have long life disabilities that inhibit their ability to find outside employment, it could be for rest of their lives.
“This is the pot of money that goes towards finding long-term permanent solutions to homelessness.”
Scott said 35 local programs — including UMOM New Day Centers — will benefit from the funding.
Two of the programs will have an emphasis on serving families fleeing domestic violence.
Most of the rental assistance will be scattered site housing, which gives people the ability to live wherever they choose, according to Scott.
“We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of unsheltered homeless people in the region,” Maricopa Association of Governments Chair and Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney said in a press release. “We are grateful to have the federal government partner with local communities in our efforts to end homelessness.
“Funding for these programs will provide much-needed help to get people back on their feet and into permanent housing.”
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Madison Spence contributed to this report
