Democrats Deliver COVID-19 Relief for Arizonans
Rescue Plan Funds Will Address Homelessness, Domestic Violence and More
IMMEDIATE RELEASE| November 3rd, 2021
PHOENIX— In an effort to bring critical relief to thousands of Arizonans still struggling with the pandemic, the Senate Democratic Caucus has directed more than $32.8 million from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to non-profit organizations working to end homelessness and provide domestic violence services.
Governor Ducey announced the funding allocations as part of a larger package of federal housing relief in partnership with the Senate Democratic Caucus. Earlier this year, Governor Ducey agreed to work with legislative Democrats to direct $90 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to agencies or organizations selected and vetted by the caucuses, which the House and Senate split evenly. Today’s announcement was the first disbursement of those Democratic Caucus funding requests.
“Senate Democrats know that Arizonans are still hurting from the pandemic and need immediate relief with everything from housing support to domestic violence resources,” said Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Rios. “Our caucus worked tirelessly to identify and vet organizations across our state that are qualified and capable of bringing direct support to Arizona’s families, children and workers. We’re grateful to President Biden and Congressional Democrats for bringing these funds to Arizona and want to get them to where they belong, which is with the people of Arizona. We look forward to more announcements on how Democrats are bringing COVID relief to Arizona in the near future.”
The funded requests from the Senate Caucus include:
- $10 million to distribute to counties for general services to provide services and resources to those experiencing homelessness.
- $3.3 million to Native American Connections (NAC), which offers services related to behavioral health, affordable housing and community development. The funding supports the acquisition of a 58-bed transitional housing facility in the West Valley for those experiencing homelessness and low-income youth and seniors. While utilizing the transitional housing, the individuals gain the skills and time needed to locate and secure permanent housing. The Governor also added an additional $3.9 million in funds to Native American Connections.
- $7.5 million to distribute to counties for domestic violence provider services, providing safe housing options for survivors in need of support.
- $4 million to distribute to domestic violence providers specifically serving Native American Tribes.
- $5 million for Chicano Por La Causa to hire personnel who will assist with rental applications and housing relocation and provide referrals to other community resources.
- $2.5 million for Home Matters to Arizona to expand affordable housing options and to support providers that focus on transitional, homeless and domestic abuse shelters.
- $500,000 to provide safe and reliable housing to LGBTQ youth in need of shelter.
PRESS CONTACT
Josselyn Berry
602-376-5705
JBerry@AZLeg.gov