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Phoenix, Ariz. (May 15, 2023) – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved an agreement that will provide $7.3 million to the City of Tempe to expand shelter options for people experiencing homelessness.
The County will provide Tempe with $7.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to acquire and rehabilitate a motel in Tempe. Tempe will provide an additional $3 million, bringing the total value of the project to more than $10 million. The building will provide as many as 60 units of shelter to the region’s bridge housing stock to help people exit homelessness. Approximately 120 people experiencing homelessness will reside at this property at any given time.
“This collaborative project with the City of Tempe is another important step towards addressing homelessness in our community,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “With the purchase of this motel, we can provide shelter and support to those in need, and help them find a sustainable plan to end their homelessness.”
This new form of shelter is designed to accommodate all populations, including singles, couples, seniors, families with children, and individuals with disabilities. The property will also allow pets to be present.
“Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a coordinated effort to address. By pooling our resources and working together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1. “I am grateful for this collaboration with the City of Tempe and Mayor Woods to expand the region’s shelter capacity and support services for people experiencing homelessness.”
In addition to providing a safe, indoor place to sleep, people staying at the housing complex will receive case management services. The City of Tempe’s Community Health and Human Services will provide connections to city and community resources such as employment through the city’s Tempe Works jobs program and longer-term shelter and housing to improve housing stability.
“We are grateful to Maricopa County for their leadership and partnership and this new opportunity to expand our comprehensive response to homelessness,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “Through new investments, strategies and partnerships, we are making progress in elevating the continued health, safety and quality of life of our entire community.”
Tempe will operate the facility as a homeless shelter for the next 10 years, after which it will have the option to convert to an alternative use, such as developing affordable housing.
This investment is one of several announced in recent weeks by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to collaborate with the cities of Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Surprise as well as the Human Services Campus, and St. Vincent de Paul to contribute more than $30 million in solutions to the regional issue of homelessness.
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Media Contacts:
Maricopa County: Amy Bolton, Communications Manager, 602-679-4792, amy.bolton@maricopa.gov
City of Tempe: Susie Steckner, Public Information Officer, 480-734-5186, susie_steckner@tempe.gov
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