Peterson: Proven path to end homelessness in Maricopa County – Daily Independent

Brian Peterson

Photo courtesy of HOM, Inc.

By Brian Peterson | President and CEO, HOM, Inc.

Homelessness can feel overwhelming and too complicated to resolve. In Maricopa County, it’s a topic that affects almost every neighborhood. The conversation about homelessness — especially during an election year — is often polarized. Some say it’s inevitable, others see it as a personal choice, and some even see it as a necessary situation for some people.

But this November, during National Homelessness Awareness Month, it’s time to change that narrative. Homelessness is solvable. In fact, change is already happening in the Valley — proof that homelessness is not an insurmountable problem, but a challenge we have the power to overcome.

Federal funding during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated what those of us in the homeless services sector have always known: With the right strategies and sufficient funding, we can address the root causes of homelessness and create pathways to stable housing. The influx of resources allowed service providers to expand housing programs, offer rent relief and provide essential support services, proving that homelessness is not an intractable problem—it requires investment and coordinated efforts.

One major problem causing homelessness is the lack of affordable housing for low-income people. Building new affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult due to rising material costs, labor shortages and high interest rates. These factors make it difficult to create affordable housing without public assistance. Complicated zoning rules and community resistance also slow efforts to help people find homes.

Other causes of homelessness include lack of access to vital services such as health care and job support. Many people face job loss, medical bills and social isolation, making it even more difficult when times get tough.

Our current system to address homelessness includes coordinated outreach efforts, temporary shelters and rental assistance to get people off the street and back into homes. Although these services are critical, they still face challenges. One major problem is finding rental housing in a tight market. Even with rental assistance, many individuals and families search for housing for months without success.

2021 HOM, Inc. Survey. and UMOM New Day Centers found that many property owners in Maricopa County are hesitant to rent to people who have experienced homelessness. Of the 103 property owners surveyed, many felt they had not been engaged in finding solutions to homelessness. However, 79% said they would work with rental assistance programs if a risk reduction fund was available to cover damage, unpaid rent or lost income. Many also offered financial incentives to help overcome restrictions on rental assistance.

In 2022, HOM, Inc. launched Threshold with funding from the America’s Rescue Plan Act to fill this gap. Using the expertise of HOM, Inc. in housing and feedback from strategic partners like the Arizona Multihousing Association, Threshold was designed as Arizona’s first centralized program to connect people experiencing homelessness with property owners willing to host housing assistance programs. The program provides financial incentives, financial loss recovery, property management support and a single point of contact for any issues that arise.

Since its inception, Threshold has changed the way people in housing assistance programs find and secure housing in Maricopa County. It has grown from 92 units in five cities in 2021 to 1,648 units in 26 cities today. This expansion has opened up new housing options close to jobs, schools and health care, helping families and individuals rebuild their lives.

Threshold’s success isn’t just about numbers. Rental assistance programs now have a lease rate of 84.3%, a 30% improvement over previous efforts. It also takes 27 fewer days per program participant to find a home compared to 2021. That’s 27 fewer days families spend in shelters or living on the streets. More and more people are getting a chance for a new beginning.

Maricopa County has a clear answer to homelessness. The framework is already in place with strong partnerships and results to support it. Now is the time to focus on what works. But it’s not just about meeting immediate needs; it’s about building long-term solutions to make our community stronger. Every dollar spent on housing helps reduce the costs of emergency response, temporary shelters, health care and other essential services.

Along with adequate funding to prevent homelessness, we must invest in solutions to meet the growing need for help. The systems currently in place have prepared us to use funding more effectively and increase our impact. What seemed impossible two years ago is now achievable if we can secure the necessary resources.

Together, we can reduce homelessness one household at a time, but we need the collective will to do it. The question is not whether solutions exist; what matters is whether we support them. Let’s use this month to rally behind what works. The future of housing stability in Maricopa County depends on it.

Editor’s note: Brian Petersen is president and COO of HOM, Inc., a strategic voice in the homeless services industry nationwide and founder of Threshold, Arizona’s first centralized landlord liaison service. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcome [email protected].