Federal Funding of $3 Million Awarded to Chandler for Affordable Housing Projects
Chandler, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, has taken a significant step toward addressing its affordable housing needs. The Chandler City Council recently gave its approval for an intergovernmental agreement between the city and Maricopa County, securing a substantial federal funding package of nearly $3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Chandler, as a member of the Maricopa HOME Consortium, is set to receive these allocated federal funds for two vital programs aimed at expanding affordable housing opportunities and providing support for those experiencing homelessness. The first program, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), focuses on preserving and increasing the availability of affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households. The second program, known as the HOME Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP), offers additional funding through the American Rescue Plan to address homelessness and provide supportive services.
The funding breakdown for the HOME program amounts to $1,273,594 and will be utilized to enhance various crucial services. The city’s Housing and Redevelopment Division is slated to receive $327,731 in HOME funds to sustain the operations of the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program. This program specifically aims to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Chandler by providing them with rental assistance.
Another recipient of HOME funds is the Newtown Community Development Corporation (Newtown CDC), which will receive $307,781. These funds will be used to create affordable homeownership opportunities for two first-time homebuyers in Chandler who fall within the low to moderate-income bracket and face challenges in the current housing market.
Additionally, the Affordable Rental Movement (A.R.M.) of Save the Family Foundation of Arizona has been allocated $558,482 in HOME funds. This funding will enable the organization to purchase, rehabilitate, and maintain two single-family units designated for eligible Chandler families in need of affordable rental housing. The city itself will receive $79,600 in HOME funds to administer and oversee the program.
In terms of the HOME-ARP program, an allocation of $1,717,654 has been designated, with a major portion, $1,578,385, directed towards the new construction of Chandler’s Villas on the McQueen development project. This initiative will result in the creation of six new units of affordable rental housing for qualifying households in the city. The remaining $139,269 in HOME-ARP funds will be used by the city to manage and facilitate the program effectively.
Residents interested in learning more about Chandler’s HOME Investment Partnership Program can visit the Chandler HOME Grants website or get in touch with Karin Bishop, the city’s Community Development Senior Program Manager, for further information and assistance. With these substantial federal funds and well-designed programs, Chandler is taking significant strides toward addressing its affordable housing challenges and ensuring that its residents have access to safe and affordable housing options.
