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 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is commemorating #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth with a new campaign to educate people about the housing discrimination people with mental health disabilities face and what they can do if they believe their housing rights have been violated.
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The Housing Market Study’s third and final phase, the gap analysis, is now available. This phase of the Housing Market Study focuses on understanding gaps in the housing market by looking at existing demographics, household income levels, development trends, emerging household preferences, and economic indicators to understand unmet housing needs.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordable housing as: “Housing in which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30% of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities.” The graphic below illustrates what affordable housing looks like for a few of the common occupations in the Tucson MSA, with varying family size.
The Housing Market Study can help inform the development of a comprehensive affordable housing strategy to help meet the current and future demand. The Housing Market Study is a partnership with the University of Arizona Eller College of Management’s Economic and Business Research Center and Pima County.
Neighborhood Vulnerability Index (Phase 1 of the Housing Market Study)
Identifies “vulnerable” or stressed neighborhoods that are within the Tucson/Pima County region along with an interactive map. Neighborhoods were assessed by calculating scores based on five factors that signal vulnerability in a community from the 2018 five year American Community Survey data, from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Housing Market Assessment (Phase 2 of the Housing Market Study)
Focuses on today’s housing market by analyzing current data for rental and owner-occupied housing. The analysis examines census tract and Zillow data and trends over time to better understand the current state of the housing market and shifts taking place. The site allows users to view owned home price trends, rental home price trends, housing cost burden for owners and renters, housing characteristics (age, type, and vacancy), new home construction trends, and affordable housing trends in the Tucson/Pima County region.
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The ConnectHomeTucson Convening was held on Thursday, March 25. Community leaders, private providers, and nonprofit stakeholders discussed advancing digital inclusion among Tucson’s HUD-assisted residents. The meeting materials, recordings, the ConnectHomeUSA Playbook, and a document of the summary and key takeaways are available on the ConnectHomeTucson website.
The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has partnered with the Arizona State University Office of Community Health, Engagement, and Resiliency (ASU OCHER) to conduct a survey of stakeholders. Responses will be used to gather feedback on the March 25, ConnectHomeTucson Convening and develop a better picture of Tucson's digital inclusion landscape. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.
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The April meeting for the Commission on Equitable Housing and Development (CEHD) included a presentation on Affordable Housing Finance 101 from Joan Service, the Executive Director of the Arizona Housing Coalition, the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance from Koren Manning, Planning Administrator with the City of Tucson’s Planning and Development Services Department and Sharayah Jimenez, owner/Architect of Cuadro Design, an overview of the commission’s goals and priorities, and updates from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Watch the April meeting recording.
To view past/upcoming meeting agendas and resources, watch past meeting recordings, and to join upcoming meetings visit the CEHD website below.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 | 4 – 6 p.m.
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Track the progress of the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance with the program dashboard.
As of Monday, May 3, 2021:
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8,083 of eviction prevention requests have been filed
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832 of applicants awaiting a tenant eligibility form
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3,129 of applications are eligible and awaiting a case worker
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887 of cases are currently in process
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567 of cases paid or submitted for payment
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$286,923 of utility payments committed
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$3,129,482 of rental assistance committed
If you are a tenant behind on rent because of COVID-19, apply for rental assistance and work with your landlord/property manager. Funding is available, but there currently is a waiting list.
For more resources, including the CDC form tenants must complete and submit to their landlord to be protected from eviction, go to www.pima.gov/renthelp.
For information, eligibility requirements, and to apply online, visit the website below. Those without internet access can call (831) 292-4308 to apply. Bilingual case managers are available.
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 Join a virtual public meeting to learn about a proposed code change to allow backyard casitas (also known as Accessory Dwelling Units or ADU's) in Tucson. Attend to hear how this housing option can provide affordable housing, help seniors age in place, and promote sustainable infill development. Staff from the City of Tucson's Planning and Development Services (PDSD) will present a draft proposal for new zoning regulations to permit this housing type. Share your feedback and hear from other community members.
Meetings will be held at the following times:
The Department of Housing and Community Development's (HCD) main office (310 N. Commerce Park Loop) is open for walk-in assistance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. - noon.
Paperwork and the blue drop-off bin outside the HCD main office is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Public housing amp offices are open for walk-in assistance on Tuesdays, from 8 a.m. to noon, and on Thursdays, from noon - 4 p.m. Meetings can also be scheduled by appointment.
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The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is working on revamping the experience on our website, and currently has a website feedback survey live. We would greatly appreciate your time in filling it out to give us your thoughts and suggestion on improving your experience on the site. It should only take one or two minutes.
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United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona VITA Tax Preparation
Tax Day has been extended until Monday, May 17. The United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona offers free tax assistance through their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. If you make $66k or less and live in Southern Arizona, take advantage of these free services.
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Trans and Gender Nonconforming Housing Focus Group
The Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness (TPCH) and the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA) are collaborating to improve housing services in Tucson for trans and gender nonconforming people and are seeking the expertise of those with lived experience who identify as trans and gender nonconforming and have or are experiencing homelessness. There will be a 90 minute focus groups with five participants and two moderators. Compensation will be given for your time and expertise.
If you are interested in participating, please contact: info@sagatucson.org, (520) 345-4128 or sign up below.
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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Through the City of Tucson’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program, residents can drop off their materials and they will be safely recycled, reused, or disposed of properly. Household hazardous waste will be collected on Saturday, May 8, from 8 a.m. - noon, at the Rodeo Grounds (4823 S 6th Avenue).
The household hazardous waste program is available to all residents.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program
The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting the Emergency Broadband Benefit website or by calling (833) 511-0311.
Other Helpful Resources:
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Can’t pay your rent? Hello Landlord will help you generate the paperwork you need to notify your landlord that you are struggling financially and that current laws may not allow them to evict you.
Grant Funding Available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD is making more than $20 million available to fair housing organizations to fight housing discrimination. The funds will support fair housing testing, education and outreach. Grants available are Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI), Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI), and Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI). Applications are due by Monday, June 14.
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance.
FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses, with up to $9,000 per funeral. To apply, call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line: (844) 684-6333 or click the button below.
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