PHOENIX — Over $40 million in federal funds will be used to support Arizona's homeless population while also helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable populations.
Governor Doug Ducey announced Tuesday that $40,256,793 will be used to support these groups currently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to make sure Arizonans have access to resources that will keep them safe and healthy, especially as we enter the new year,” said Governor Ducey. “These funds will provide critical services to struggling families, help prevent homelessness, and support emergency shelters. Thank you to the many organizations across the state that support Arizonans in need, and to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for providing additional funding opportunities to our state.”
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program and its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program will provide the funds in efforts to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 for those in need.
The state will be providing $16,373,488 in emergency solutions funding that helps provide homeless individuals and families with helpful programs and services.
“We are so grateful for the continued support for neighbors experiencing homeless in northern Arizona,” Flagstaff Shelter Services Executive Director Ross Altenbaugh. “These are the most vulnerable people in Arizona and this much-needed funding during the pandemic will literally save lives. We are all so thankful to Governor Ducey and to everyone across the state who help those in need.”
The first phase of funding will be used to provide emergency shelter, connect those dealing with homelessness with services they need, and offer more help.
The second phase will continue to provide funding for emergency shelter, directly help those experiencing homelessness find housing, support rapid rehousing, and more.
Emergency solutions grants were issued to Flagstaff Shelter Services and Maggie’s Place.
“Maggie’s Place is tremendously grateful for the financial support from the Governor's Office. Despite many challenges of 2020, Maggie’s Place has been able to remain open because of this funding,” said Maggie’s Place Chief Executive Officer Laura Magruder. ”Thanks to this generous support, we have continued to provide shelter and services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community — homeless, pregnant women, and their children.”
The state will also be distributing $23,883,305 in Community Development Block grants which are intended to help provide better housing and expand economic opportunities for those struggling with financial hardship.
This effort is helping economic recovery, stopping the spread of COVID-19, and expanding resources for the state's vulnerable communities.