The Arizona Department of Housing has awarded more than $2 million to a six-party collaboration working to help people escape homelessness.
The one-year grant comes from the State Housing Trust Fund.
Pima County’s Sullivan Jackson Employment Center, Old Pueblo Community Services, Compass Affordable Housing, Primavera, Our Family Services and Community Bridges, Inc. take part in the program, which focuses on getting the homeless off the streets before helping them solve other problems they may have.
“It is believed that people can better solve their problems once they’re back in their own housing and can move forward," said Steven Nelson, who oversees the program for Pima County. "A lot of the stress in their life is relieved once you and your family get back into housing.”
The goal of the program is to get people who ask for help into a home, and then offer assistance with unemployment, lack of education, substance abuse and other issues that can cause homelessness.
The grant money will allow the organizations to cover expenses such as rent and utilities for three to six months while a participant gets back on their feet.
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.