Arizona to provide $15 million to support those experiencing homelessness

PHOENIX — Arizona announced Tuesday that it will distribute $15 million in federal funding for three projects aimed at supporting those experiencing homelessness.

The money, which is from the Arizona Department of Housing’s Community Development Block Grant, will provide shelter and services in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Kingman.

Project Haven, Central Arizona Shelter Services’ housing venture that will be located near Interstate 17 and Northern Avenue, will get $7.5 million.

Construction on the 130-room shelter for seniors, which used to be a motel, is expected to begin in early 2022 and be completed by the end of the year.

“This is big news,” ADOH Director Tom Simplot told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “It’s a very critical need in Phoenix and especially in the senior population.”

In Flagstaff, the Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona will receive $5.85 million for Jojo’s Place, which provides transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness.

The organization will use the funds to buy and remodel a 44-unit motel.

The motel rooms will be converted to studio apartments.

Ground was broken on the facility in October.

“What we’re finding is that older motels and facilities can be an effective as transitional and bridge housing for those experiencing homelessness,” Simplot said.

The city of Kingman and the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council will use $2 million in funding to operate the Kingman Veterans Shelter.

The emergency center will be converted into a 25-bed shelter for transitional housing for former military personnel in need.

The facility is expected to open in fall 2023.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Luke Forstner contributed to this report.

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