Contact:

Emily Couch

Marketing and Communications Manager

Central Arizona Shelter Services

Direct: (602) 256-6945 Ext. 3043

Fax: (602) 256-6401

ecouch@cass-az.org

www.cassaz.org

Arizona Housing, Inc. to Dedicate 72-Unit Affordable Supportive Housing Development for Phoenix Families

Phoenix, Arizona – May 4, 2012 – Arizona Housing, Inc. (AHI) is celebrating the Grand Opening of its third permanent affordable housing complex. Community leaders, greater Phoenix businesses and human service and housing providers will come together on May 16, 2012 for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of North 17 Apartments, located in Sunnyslope, Arizona. North 17 Apartments serve low-income and previously homeless individuals and families who are working to permanently end their personal struggles with homelessness.

AHI purchased North 17 Apartments in mid-2011. This property was in foreclosure and had been half vacant for several years. Now fully renovated, North 17 Apartments offers residents apartment amenities such as energy efficient windows, doors, appliances, air conditioning and heating, and low-flow faucets and toilets. On-site community amenities include laundry facilities, employment center, community kitchen, library with a computer lab, two large community rooms, playground, as well as a number of social activities, such as a resident council, block watch group and a weekday “farmers market” designed to help create a sense of community. Additionally, North 17 collaborates with Central Arizona Shelter Services’ Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter to provide an innovative After-School Program.

AHI acquired the property and partnered with Foundation for Senior Living to oversee the renovation. Dunlap & Magee, a local property management company, provides around the clock property management services. On-site staffs from Community Bridges and Resident Service Coordinators from AHI help residents access community resources and deliver supportive services such as employment services, life skills classes, behavioral health/addiction services, AA meetings and peer support.

“North 17 is a great example of what can be accomplished when the private and public sectors come together and work to create innovative approaches in developing affordable housing. Housing, combined with helping our most vulnerable residents develop a support network and community, is the solution to ending homelessness,” said Mark Holleran, CEO of Arizona Housing Inc.

North 17 Apartments total acquisition and renovation costs was $7,245,000 which included $6,345,000 from federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds through the Arizona Department of Housing and $900,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the North 17 Apartments is on May 16, 2012 from 8am – 9am. The apartments are located at 9601 N. 17th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.

Speakers include the following:

Councilman Bill Gates: City of Phoenix — District 3

Howard Epstein: Board Chair for Arizona Housing Inc. & Bank of America

Mark Holleran: CEO – Arizona Housing, Inc./Central Arizona Shelter Services

About AHI: Arizona Housing, Inc is a non-profit corporation that is the housing affiliate of Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). Since 1997, the mission of AHI has been to assist individuals and families to attain self-sufficiency through the provision of dignified housing and supportive services.

Purchase Tickets HERE! Promo Code: cass

WE hope to see you there! 

Contact:
Emily Couch
Marketing and Communications Manager
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Direct: (602) 256-6945 Ext. 3043
Fax: (602) 256-6401
ecouch@cass-az.org
www.cassaz.org

Arizona Housing, Inc. to Dedicate 80-Unit Affordable Supportive Housing Development in Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona – April 3, 2012 – Community leaders, Greater Phoenix businesses and human service and housing providers will come together on April 18, 2012 to celebrate Arizona Housing, Inc. (AHI) 80 newly-renovated apartment units dedicated to permanent affordable supportive housing in Phoenix, Arizona. Located by Metrocenter Mall and formerly known as Royal Suites, Collins Court Apartments serves low-income and previously homeless individuals who are working to permanently end their personal struggles with homelessness.

When AHI purchased Collins Court in late 2010, the property was in foreclosure and had been half vacant for nearly two years. Now fully renovated, the Collins Court Apartments offers residents apartment amenities such as a full kitchen with Energy Star appliances, air conditioning and heating, 24 hour front office staffing, on-site laundry services, nearby public transportation, community room, resident computer, shaded park area and charcoal grills, as well as a farmer’s market and social activities designed to help create a sense of community.

AHI acquired the property and partnered with Foundation for Senior Living to oversee the rehabilitation and manage the property. AHI staffs the property with Resident Service Coordinators to help resident’s access community resources and partners with Community Bridges, Carl T. Hayden Medical Center (VA), HOM Inc., HUD Continuum of Care and other service providers to deliver on-site supportive services such as employment services, life skills classes, behavioral health/addiction services, AA meetings and peer support through the resident council.

“Permanent affordable supportive housing is a successful, cost-effective best practice that combines affordable housing with services that help people facing the challenge of homelessness to live more stable, productive lives. Collins Court is a great example of what can be accomplished when private and public entities work together in creative ways to build affordable housing. This is essential not only in empowering our most vulnerable residents to end their homelessness, but also vital as we work together to develop a thriving community.” said Mark Holleran, CEO of Arizona Housing Inc.

Collins Court Apartments total development budget was $5,279,000 which included $3,892,000 from federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds through the City of Phoenix Housing Department, $1,000,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program and $387,000 from a HUD Continuum of Care Supportive Housing Program grant.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Collins Court Apartments is on April 18, 2012 from 8am – 9am. The apartments are located at 10421 N. 33rd Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85051.

Speakers include the following:

Councilwoman Thelda Williams
City of Phoenix — District 1

Howard Epstein
Board Chair for Arizona Housing Inc.
Bank of America

Mark Holleran
CEO – Arizona Housing, Inc./Central Arizona Shelter Services

About AHI:
Arizona Housing, Inc is a non-profit corporation that is the housing affiliate of Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). Since 1997, the mission of AHI has been to assist individuals and families to attain self-sufficiency through the provision of dignified housing and supportive services.

When Sarah, Carlos and their children, ages two years and 10 months, were down to their last dime, they came to CASS’ Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter looking for help. Carlos was laid off from his job and Sarah was having a difficult time finding work. With no income, they lost their car, apartment and storage unit.

Upon arrival, their Case Manager could see that Sarah and Carlos were dedicated to bettering their lives for their children. Sarah worked with their Case Manager and got her G.E.D. Carlos was referred to a job training program and learned how to build solar panels.  While they worked on their goals, their children spent their days playing and learning with other children in our on-site Child Development Program. They were able to focus on bettering themselves and on building a future for their children.

Through the safe and nurturing environment of Vista Colina, Sarah, Carlos and their family achieved their goals. After just two months, Sarah and Carlos moved out of the shelter.  Carlos is working and Sarah is now in college studying Phlebotomy. She commented, “Having my G.E.D. gave me the confidence I needed to change my life. I’m proud of my accomplishments. I can do anything!”

Sarah and Carlos were able to move their lives forward through CASS’ help. CASS helped meet their basic needs so they did not have to worry about where they were going to get their next meal, diapers for the children or anxious about their safety when they were out looking for work.  Our services helped them to focus on building a future together as a family.

You can help more families in our community struggling with homelessness.  CASS goes through 20,500 diapers and 25,600 wipes every year. Donate diapers and/or wipes right from the comfort of your chair by visiting our online Wish List or you can call (602) 256-6945 ext. 3020 to find out how you can donate. 

Homeless Valley Veterans Receive a “Hand-Up” at 11^th Annual Arizona StandDown

3-Day Event at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Connecting At-Risk Veterans with Services

More than 1,100 homeless and at-risk military veterans are expected to receive temporary haven and assistance during the 2012 Arizona StandDown, a three-day event beginning Friday, February 3^rd through Sunday morning, February 5^th at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix.

StandDown is a military term that refers to a brief period of time for a solider to leave an active combat area, to rest and regain strength before returning to battle.  The Arizona StandDown seeks to offer a hand up to former members of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Valley who now battle with homelessness and life on the streets.  The event’s goals are to increase the community’s awareness of the plight of the homeless American veteran. A variety of social service providers are brought together to advise and assist veterans on reintegrating back into our communities via housing and support services.  The event includes: a robust Municipal and Superior Court System, full service Motor Vehicle Division office on-site, Social Security Administration office, a myriad services housing programs, medical clinic, and other wellness services including acupuncture and massage.

The event will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, February 3rd, with a welcome from Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton (confirmed), AZ Department Directors Col. Strickland, Trailor and Carter, VA Health Care System Interim Director Robbins and other elected officials and guests (invited).

Who: As many as 1,100 homeless and at-risk military veterans are expected during the 3-day event.  Door opening welcome featuring Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and invited guests will occur at 7:45 a.m. on Friday morning.  Elected officials are invited to give back during mealtimes by serving StandDown participants at 12pm lunch and a 5pm dinner service later that day. Media is invited and there will be opportunities for interviews with homeless or at-risk veterans.

What: 2012 Arizona StandDown, a 3-day event benefitting homeless and at-risk military veterans.

Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum – 1826 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix– North Exhibit Hall.  Enter 17^th Ave offMcDowell Road, park north of the Coliseum and enter through the down staircase.  Please check in at volunteer registration table.

When: A brief 15-minute StandDown welcome will be held on Friday, February 3^rd at 7:45 am. Elected official and media opportunities to engage with StandDown participants will be during lunch at 12 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. on Friday

Why: To provide rest and recuperation for homeless veterans and connect them with housing and services to regain independence.

Happy Holidays!

“We are fortunate to be a recipient of this year’s drive.  There are over 8,000 homeless individuals in Maricopa County and many struggle with complex issues, such as mental illness and addiction, that prevent them from seeking shelter.  Our goal this winter is to help keep the homeless safe, warm and encourage them to engage our services so we may empower them to end their homelessness.  This drive will assist us significantly in achieving that goal,” said Brenda Cash, Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator at CASS.

There are currently two drop-off locations:

East Valley: Ayers Saint Gross Architects & Planners

60 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 701, Tempe, AZ 85251

Donations accepted through Friday, December 16th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. East Valley contact: Nakia Neves, 602.312.6601.

Central: Hair Pollution (Way Cool Hair) @ 1524 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ  85006 Donations accepted through Friday, December 16th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Special Donations will also be accepted during special Open House Hours on Saturday, December 17^th from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM and Sunday, December 18^th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Central/Main contact: Bill Holmes, 602.348.9149.

CASS also needs donations of: rolls of quarters, gift cards, toiletries, socks and any cash donations should be made out to CASS.  For more information on the charity visit www.cassaz.org.  If you would like to volunteer for the sleeping bag drive or would like to become a drop-off, please call, Bill Holmes, originator of the drive at (602) 348-9149.  If you need a pick-up for a big sleeping bag drop, Camelback Moving will volunteer for pick-ups, please call Bridget Argana @ 480-231-3582. All update information will be on Facebook under the 5th Annual Sleeping Bag & Backpack Drive.

Arizona Foundation for Women Donates $278,500 to 18 Valley Non-Profit Organizations

PHOENIX, AZ – Jodi Liggett, Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona Foundation for Women (AFW), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that invests in and promotes innovative solutions to fulfill the unmet needs of Arizona’s women and children, proudly announced today that 18 Valley organizations will receive $278,500 to carry out the mission of the organization. “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to contribute such a substantial amount in these difficult economic times to help these worthy organizations carry out their important work,” said Liggett.

There are a number of separate funds managed by the Arizona Foundation for Women that provided the grants this year. TheDeborah G. Carstens Grant Fund and the AFW General Grant Fund support organizations that motivate and empower women and girls to take responsibility for their economic lives by developing skills, building self-esteem and identifying challenges that impede their success. The following organizations were awarded grants:

2011 Deborah G. Carstens Grant Fund Recipients