FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2024
Cesar Fierros | cesarf@luchaaz.org | 520-982-1146
PHOENIX - Months after the passage of $150 million dollars for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Living United for Change in Arizona and Arizona Center for Empowerment have continued their advocacy to ensure a significant portion of the $150 million was prioritized for direct assistance to Arizona's families. Today's testimony by the Department of Housing reflects a historic commitment to addressing the diverse needs of Arizonans and the first big step in addressing the Housing Crisis in Arizona.
Over several years of painstaking work, LUCHA & ACE have dedicated efforts to making a tangible impact on the affordable housing crisis front. With both organizations' intense advocacy and policy work, today's 75 million-dollar announcement has become a reality.
Behind the scenes, LUCHA and ACE, alongside community members, established themselves as critical stakeholders—meeting with decision-makers and elected officials and sharing countless stories about the housing crisis. Story-sharing was pivotal in influencing priorities and ensuring that the needs of Arizona families in crisis were heard. The collective effort and support have been instrumental in achieving this historic victory.
The unprecedented funding of 75 million dollars will bring direct relief to thousands of families statewide, providing direct vital support and beginning the journey toward creating permanent solutions and resolving the affordable housing crisis in Arizona.
Lena Avalos, Senior Policy Advisor for the Arizona Center for Empowerment provided key testimony at today's hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Budgetary Funding Formulas: “... With the implementation of these historic investments in our Housing Trust Fund, countless Arizonans will no longer face eviction, will have more housing options that are affordable, and will have the opportunity to build generational wealth through homeownership…” [READ FULL REMARKS]
This historic funding implementation will be awarded for:
Cash assistance for those facing eviction
Housing counseling and legal services
Tribal assistance
Homebuying assistance
And more
While this victory is a significant step forward, the work is far from over. Affordable housing remains out of reach for thousands of Arizona residents, and we can't afford to let our foot off the gas. LUCHA & ACE will continue to push our legislature and the governor to maintain their commitment and do everything in their power to address soaring rental prices and alleviate the burdens faced by Arizona's families.