Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Earlier this month, the Foundation for Senior Living hosted a roundtable discussion in Flagstaff, bringing together key government offices and community organizations, including Gov. Katie Hobbs.
The discussion looked at housing insecurity related challenges, how local organizations are rising to meet those challenges, and addressed how state investments have made a difference, according to a press release.
“We are thankful for this opportunity to meet with Gov. Hobbs to demonstrate the important work being done by FSL and other community organizations, and for the opportunity to explain how providing support for Flagstaff’s underserved residents can elevate the entire community,” said Tami Bohannon, president and CEO of FSL.
“At FSL, we have set a goal to provide safe, affordable and energy-efficient housing to families and adults of all ages. We provide homes for 1,100 Arizonans in single-family, senior, and multi-family housing across the state.”
The hour-long meeting took place at the Flagstaff Senior Meadows community and included members of Arizona’s Department of Economic Security and Department of Housing, and representatives from FSL, the city of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Catholic Charities Community Services, Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona, and Flagstaff Shelter Services.
Participants discussed the proposed costs and benefit of eviction prevention programs and improved access to community resources, among others.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet with organizations in Flagstaff to discuss the challenges they’re facing when it comes to combating housing insecurity,” Gov. Hobbs said. “I’m inspired by their collaborative, passionate work to provide safe and affordable housing to communities, and committed to continue working hard to make life better for all Arizonans.”
The 2023 Homelessness in Arizona Annual Report estimated that 20 percent of Arizona’s renters are extremely low income, making $26,500 or less per year. This is less than half of the estimated annual income needed to afford a two-bedroom rental home at HUD’s Fair Market Rent of $62,252 annually, creating a shortage of available rentals to Arizona’s lowest-income residents.
