Arizona Housing Fund Awards $500K to Nonprofit Housing Projects

The Arizona Housing Fund (AZHF) is marking its seventh anniversary with $500,000 in grants to three nonprofit housing projects serving Arizonans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes.

The grants will provide $250,000 to Veterans Community Project for VCP Village in Glendale, $150,000 to Old Pueblo Community Services for Water Street Apartments in Tucson, and $100,000 to La Mesa Ministries for Eden Village of Arizona in Mesa.

“Each of these grant recipients has a proven track record of serving Arizona’s most vulnerable residents,” Founder Howard Epstein said. “Thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors, this latest round of grants will help hundreds of Arizonans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness find a safe place to call home.”

In Glendale, Veterans Community Project will use its $250,000 grant toward a village of 50 fully furnished tiny homes providing transitional housing for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Each resident will work one-on-one with a dedicated case manager to access services addressing health and wellness, education and training, money management, employment and support networks.

The City of Glendale donated the land for the project, which has also received support from Maricopa County, the State of Arizona, the Arizona Department of Housing, LISC, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sanderson Ford and several other organizations. The first five homes are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, with the first five Veterans expected to move in during the second quarter.

“The Arizona Housing Fund grant moves us measurably closer to opening our Veterans Community”, said Rebecca Tallman, USAF, Ret., VCP of Glendale Interim Executive Director. “Once our homes are open, Veterans who have been sleeping in cars, shelters or on the streets will have a safe, private place of their own, along with case management services to help them overcome the barriers that led to homelessness and transition to permanent housing. For many, it will be the first time in a long time that they have a key in their pocket, a door that locks, and a community of fellow Veterans who truly understand them.”

In Tucson, Old Pueblo Community Services received $150,000 to help complete renovations at Water Street Apartments, a permanent supportive housing project for individuals with a serious mental illness determination who are enrolled in AHCCCS. The property will feature 11 shared two-bedroom units serving up to 22 residents, along with case management, behavioral health treatment and substance use disorder services.

AHCCCS contributed $1.3 million toward the property’s acquisition, fully covering the purchase price, while the Arizona Housing Fund grant will help bring the renovations across the finish line. Residents are scheduled to move in December 2026. Old Pueblo Community Services has served Tucson and Pima County for more than 30 years.

“This project represents much more than a housing development; it is a long-term investment in people and in our community,” said Tom Litwicki, Chief Executive Officer of Old Pueblo Community Services. “By creating permanent supportive housing for individuals living with serious mental illness and experiencing homelessness, we are providing the stability and services people need to recover, thrive, and remain housed. We are grateful to the Arizona Housing Fund for helping us transform this property into a safe and supportive place to call home.”

In Mesa, La Mesa Ministries will receive $100,000 toward Eden Village of Arizona, a community planned to include 21 fully furnished, 476-square-foot permanent supportive tiny homes for individuals with disabilities experiencing chronic homelessness. Residents will pay $400 per month, including utilities.

The development will also feature a 3,693-square-foot community center with gathering spaces, educational classes, case management and other supportive services. Through a partnership with Circle the City, residents will have access to on-site physical and mental health care. La Mesa Ministries has served this population for more than 12 years, and Eden Village is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027. Other project funders include The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, LISC, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Neely Foundation and the Dobson Foundation.

“From my 50 years in the home building industry, I’ve learned the hardest part to complete in any project is the last 10%. The Arizona Housing Fund has just made it a little easier,” said Rick McClellan, Executive Director of Eden Village of Arizona. “Yes, we are building some beautiful homes, but much more than that, we are building a community. Housing will not solve homelessness, but community will. Our residents will be blessed with a new place to call home, but more than that, they will begin to have purpose and meaning in belonging in a community that cares.”

Founded as a sustainable funding source for nonprofit housing initiatives, the Arizona Housing Fund provides grants to help organizations build permanent and supportive housing for vulnerable residents throughout the state. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit arizonahousingfund.org.