Emergency Shelter Supplies

Using Crisis Contingency Safety Net Funds allocated to the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) by Governor Ducey to provide direct relief to communities most impacted by COVID-19, the Department’s Special Needs Division and the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) partnered once again to coordinate a second round of supply deliveries to 90 shelters covering 13 counties across the state. Over 50 unique commodities were purchased including much needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, and other essential items delivered to the shelters by our valued partner Perimeter Global Logistics (PGL). Communications with each of the shelters has been a collaborative effort and included an initial second round electronic survey of supply needs, notifications from PGL on delivery status, and updates to delivery locations and points of contact.

Each of the shelters have expressed a deep appreciation for the response that they have received from the State on this project. Many of them have been unable to obtain these much needed supplies due to shortages in retail inventory and many of the supplies needed have been very difficult for shelters to get in the quantities that were necessary to serve their clients and protect their staff. We would like to thank all of the Arizona homeless service providers who have participated in the second round of supply deliveries for their cooperation and commitment to their communities and to those they serve.

Rental Assistance

In addition to shelter needs rising, with the pandemic, our community has also experienced a rise in the need for rental assistance due to COVID-19.  The Arizona Department of Housing’s Special Needs Division issued 11 contracts to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) around the state. A total of $5 million has been set aside for rental assistance and nearly 3,700 households who applied through the State’s program have been assisted as of mid-October. The Special Needs Team is working with each Community Action Agency to support their efforts to quickly review and process applications. It is anticipated that the program will provide over 5,000 months of rental assistance.

Additionally, using Crisis Contingency Safety Net Funds, the Department has provided $250,000 each to Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) and St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to provide rental assistance to those households affected by COVID-19 and unable to pay their rent or mortgage.

Housing Matters | Fall 2020