Maricopa County commits US$5 million to expand affordable housing rental options

MARICOPA, AZ – As part of a suite of investments to address affordable housing needs, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved a $5 million program funded by the federal American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) that expands rental options for people transitioning out of homelessness.

Known as “Threshold,” the program features a centralized network of landlords and managers who are committed to providing safe and affordable rental options to help people move from homelessness to housing.

“Reducing homelessness requires an all-inclusive approach, from emergency shelter services in times of crisis to permanent housing and resources that lead to self-sufficiency,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3.

The initiative is the result of a public-private partnership between the Maricopa County Department of Human Services and HOM, Inc, an Arizona-based organization dedicated to providing housing opportunities for people facing homelessness and housing instability.

Through the Threshold program, participating landlords and managers will receive technical support, financial incentives, rents and other guarantees that eliminate risk by renting to individuals and families who are re-establishing their income sources and history.

Housing available through the program is offered through referrals from licensed service providers to homeless individuals who are enrolled in the regional coordinated entry system.

The program is one of many approaches Maricopa County is pursuing as part of its $77 million investment to address homelessness and its $65 million investment to address the need for more affordable housing.

Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff