Weekly e-Newsletter | January 11th, 2023

HSC Receives $10M in American Rescue Plan Funding to Address Unsheltered Homelessness Off Campus

Funds will cover new solutions, not current operations

Through the American Rescue Plan Act, $10 million is being allocated to the Phoenix-based Human Services Campus to invest in new solutions addressing unsheltered homelessness across Maricopa County. 


The allocation from ARPA funds distributed to the state of Arizona was based on a nine-point strategy submitted to the state for unsheltered homelessness developed by HSC, Inc. calling for “a coordinated response that is flexible to the unique needs of the various regions of Arizona. The circumstances and demographics of the unsheltered population are varied and require multiple interventions.”  


Funds will not be used for day-to-day operations on the Human Services Campus at 12th Avenue and Madison, “but as the launching point to add capacity for the growing number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness,” said Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender. “On behalf of the people who will benefit from this incredibly generous funding, we are deeply grateful.”


An implementation plan will be developed to “invest the funding effectively, efficiently and quickly,” citing three primary focuses for the first phase. Those strategies are:


  • Sprung Structures, similar to the Respiro Sprung Structure on the Human Services Campus, for easy access, temporary shelter for between 100 and 200 individuals per structure. Sprung Structures can be built in less than 90 days.


  • Bridge housing utilizing motel and hotel rooms for individuals who are employed or ready for employment; waiting for benefits determinations; or otherwise who have a short-term plan for income to afford permanent housing, and


  • Multidisciplinary street outreach teams that work in specific geographic areas with representatives or organizations that specialize in mental health, physical health, veterans, youth and others. Teams would be coordinated to work through specific by-name lists that can guide individuals to appropriate shelter and housing.


Other potential ideas in the HSC, Inc. strategy include safe outdoor spaces; a transition facility in Maricopa County for Department of Corrections discharges; medical respite facilities for individuals being discharged from hospitals, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities.


Amy added, “The key to these changes is collaboration. Our goal is to identify and work with partners representing the diverse organizations and the resources they provide to individuals experiencing homelessness across the broader community. As we report out to the community on our progress, we will also be seeking financial support for sustainability of these new solutions.”

Volunteers Needed for Project Connect on February 16

Take a Tour of the Human Services Campus

We have tours of the 13-acre Campus on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00 am.  The next one is February 1st.


To sign up for a tour please contact us at admin@hsc-az.org or call (602) 282-0853. We look forward to seeing you!


Get Caught Up on

The McQuaid Mission

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SOCIAL TELEVISION NETWORK

Season 2, Episode 4 of "It Happens at STN"

The December episode includes an update from Valley of the Sun United Way on their Mighty Change agenda as part of the Community Collaborative. In the Room discusses when and how to access professional help for teens, Project Greenprint talks about leaving places better than you found them, and McQuaid Mission examines the reality of affordable housing…. It’s all here in “It Happens at STN.” [Watch it Here...]


The next episode will be filmed on February 2nd!


Click Here to View All Episodes.

Mission:  Using the power of collaboration to create solutions to end homelessness
Human Services Campus | 204 S. 12th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85007 | 602.282.0853 | www.hsc-az.org
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