**Existing Buildings will be Transformed into Hundreds of New Homes**

PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) today announced $40 million to provide up to 500 transitional homes for Arizonans in rural communities who are experiencing homelessness.

“Today’s targeted, one-time investment will help Arizonans who’ve fallen on hard times get back on their feet,” said Governor Ducey. “Additional transitional housing in rural communities will help struggling families and individuals get access to safe housing in their own community as they transition to a permanent, reliable home. My thanks go to the team at the Department of Housing and Director Tom Simplot for their work to support fellow Arizonans and ensure they have access to resources that put them on the path to success.”

The funding will go toward converting and repurposing existing buildings into bridge housing to prevent homelessness. ADOH Director Tom Simplot said transforming existing buildings to transitional housing is not only a quicker process but can provide other tangible benefits in stabilizing those in need.

“Conversion projects tend to be smaller and smaller campuses have shown to be more successful in reducing the numbers of unsheltered homeless and placing them in permanent housing than large congregate shelters,” said Director Simplot. “Having bridge housing in rural communities also allows those experiencing homelessness to stay in their communities instead of traveling sometimes far distances to receive needed services. This also helps with increasing exit rates to permanent housing.”

With today’s announcement, ADOH plans to fund the acquisition of several buildings in rural communities that are intended to provide up to 500 new homes for homeless persons. ADOH is currently providing technical assistance and reviewing funding options in Flagstaff, Cottonwood, and Page and is looking for other rural opportunities. The plan has the support of a number of Arizona Legislators including Senator T.J. Shope of Legislative District 8.

“There is a desperate need for transitional housing to support the homeless in rural communities like those I represent. Having the state assist in the acquisition and conversion of existing buildings is the quickest way to provide that assistance and help those in need move permanent housing,” said Shope.

 Media Contact: Dave Cherry February 14, 2022

Public Information Officer

dave.cherry@azhousing.gov • 602-771-1008

About the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)

Established in 2002, we administer programs to create, preserve, and invest in affordable housing statewide. ADOH does not own or build housing; we manage programs that convey funding to private and government entities that apply and meet criteria developed by state/federal law. ADOH receives no state General Fund appropriation and most programs are federally-funded.