Avondale, Surprise to Receive $4.2 Million to Aid People Experiencing Homelessness
April 2023
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved more than $4.2 million in funding for the cities of Avondale and Surprise to construct shelter to aid people experiencing homelessness. The projects are funded by Maricopa County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.
“Members of the Board recognize homelessness is a regional issue and it is important to our constituents that we are part of the solution,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “This funding will turn into physical buildings that will help hundreds of people each year. We know many of our neighbors are struggling with the cost of living, which is why we have committed more than half a billion in solutions to address affordable housing and homelessness in Maricopa County.”
City of Avondale, $1.7 Million: Six new housing units will be constructed just north of MC 85 at Dysart Road that will serve as bridge housing for families experiencing homelessness in the West Valley. Each unit will be able to shelter households of up to six people to aid in their transition out of homelessness.
City of Surprise, $2.58 Million: The funding will be used toward the construction of two projects. Seven units of short-term non-congregate shelter will be added to the West Valley Housing Assistance Center to serve individuals and families. This additional housing will allow the campus to serve up to 150 people each year. The second project will be the addition of 8 bridge housing units that will serve 48 people annually. Both projects support families as they transition from homelessness into housing.
These partnerships are one of many ways that Maricopa County is working to develop comprehensive services to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness across the county. Additional efforts include:
- $400,000 to launch Maricopa County’s Hand in Hand street outreach program for people experiencing homelessness. Video >>> Meet two women who utilized this program to exit homelessness
- $5 Million to provide a pathway to exit homeless through partnerships with property owners: Video >>> Hear from the leaders of this program
- $6.7 Million to operate a day and night heat relief station to serve up to 200 people at 28th and Washington Streets: Video >>> See inside the facility
- $23 Million to operate four converted hotels with a total of 250 units that can accommodate couples and families as bridge housing to help people exit homelessness.
- $28 Million to construct 352 new shelter beds for seniors, large families, and individuals experiencing homelessness: Video >>> Meet a family of 8 living at UMOM
For more information on the support programs available, visit Maricopa.gov/HS.
About Maricopa County Human Services
The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, and homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers with barriers to employment, crisis rental and utility assistance, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative, equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to Maricopa County residents at Maricopa.gov/HSD.
