The Special Needs division was developed to enable the agency to address the housing needs of populations that require a more comprehensive approach to housing stability beyond basic, affordable housing opportunities. These populations have been identified as those living with HIV/AIDS, serious mental illness, chronic substance abuse, persons and families who are homeless, and victims of domestic violence. 

Balance of State Continuum of Care

The Arizona Department of Housing serves as the Collaborative Applicant and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) lead agency for the Continuum of Care for the 13 non-metro counties in the state. A Continuum of Care is a community planning process to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people experiencing homelessness as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency. The Continuum of Care process was established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enable localities to apply to the federal government for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act competitive grant programs. This process brings together local governments, community businesses, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and current and/or formerly homeless persons to develop local solutions to end homelessness. On an annual basis, the agency applies for competitive funding to HUD for projects and programs that are identified as priority needs through the Continuum process. ADOH then acts as the administering agency for the grants that are passed through to the participating sub-recipients. Over the years, ADOH has secured millions of dollars in funding for transitional and permanent housing programs. 

Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA)

The State currently receives a small yearly grant of Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) funding to provide housing assistance programs for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Funding is passed through to local governments or nonprofit organizations to provide direct assistance to eligible beneficiaries.