HUD Announces 2019 Continuum of Care Grants (Tier 2) To Support Local Homeless Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on March 13, the 2019 Continuum of Care Grants (Tier 2) to support local homeless assistance programs across the country. The Arizona Balance of State, administered by the Arizona Department of Housing covering the 13 rural counties in the state, was awarded $1,683,237 million to renew existing programs and the addition of three new programs and one expansion program.

The new programs include two Rapid Rehousing Domestic Violence programs by the organizations Against Abuse in Pinal County and Kingman Aid to Abused People in Mohave County; and, two Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs, one in Gila County and a PSH expansion with Catholic Charities in northern Arizona. This is very good news for rural Arizona and the Department is pleased we are able to expand our coverage both geographically and programmatically moving into this funding year.

Point in Time Count 2020 - Arizona Balance of State Continuum of Care

The Arizona Department of Housing serves as the Lead Agency of the Arizona Balance of State Continuum of Care (AZBoSCoC) covering the state’s 13 rural counties. The Department is tasked each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with conducting a Point in Time (PIT) count of persons and families experiencing homelessness in each of the 13 rural counties. The information collected during the annual count helps estimate the numbers of homeless persons, identify their needs, and directly impacts local and federal efforts to secure funding, target existing resources and set community service priorities in ending homelessness. The most recent Point in Time Count for the Balance of State was conducted from January 21-27, 2020.

Each county designated a local lead person to oversee volunteer recruiting and training, the coordination of geographic coverage, and collection of survey results. Each of these counties uses various strategies and recruitment tools to solicit volunteer participation and raise awareness of the PIT count in their local communities.  

This year, many unique efforts were made by local leads to increase volunteer participation, including distribution of flyers and marketing materials; increased external communication efforts; and outreach to local organizations, such as restaurants, churches, and libraries. This year there were over 280 volunteers from partnering agencies, private businesses, and local community members who participated in the 2020 PIT count. As a result, each county was able to safely cover the entire geographic area of their communities. Results of the Arizona Balance of State Continuum of Care 2020 PIT count will be available later this year.

Housing Matters | Spring 2020