Glendale leaders vote in favor of free housing for veterans

Glendale leaders aim to provide free veteran housing amid a new project inspired by a trip to Kansas City.

On May 23, the City Council voted in favor of rezoning an area close to 63rd and Grand avenues. A lot that was once remnant parcels from transportation projects is now set to become a neighborhood of veterans.

It is no secret that affordable housing is something that is few and far between within the lines of Maricopa County. Having the opportunity to find free housing is like finding water in a desert.

In addition to support from Mayor Jerry Weiers, the project is being made possible by the Veterans Community Project (VCP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving homeless veterans nationwide.

“We’ve been having really productive conversations, and we are looking forward to those continuing,” said Jason Kander, president of national expansion for VCP.

“While nothing is official at this point, we believe there is a lot of potential, and we are excited for this process to continue moving forward,” Kander added.

Glendale Director of Community Services Jean Moreno said the idea came about after a number of council members attended a National League of Cities Conference in Kansas City. Members took a tour of the VCP Kansas City operation while there.

“Upon his return, Mayor Weiers requested that staff conduct a feasibility assessment for Council’s consideration to pursue a VCP Glendale campus,” Moreno said. “Veteran homelessness is a crisis in this state and across our nation.”

“This veterans village project recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for veterans to change their lives for the better,” the mayor added.

The main goal of the housing project is to reduce veteran homelessness. However, it is intended to go far beyond providing a home.

In addition to free housing, the veteran community will also include services such as case management, which can help connect veterans to more appropriate resources.

This model is similar to the homeless master service agreement at the Norton and Ramsey Empowerment Center, which is operated by Central Arizona Shelter Services.

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“Typical services will include things like assistance with obtaining identification, enrolling in government programs, housing navigation, addiction counseling, suicide prevention, mental and behavioral health, medical/dental,” Moreno said.

“Access to veterans services without traditional qualifiers such as length of time in service or discharge status is critical to ensuring those that have taken the oath to defend the Constitution can access services they need to be successful,” she added.

The project is slated to include 50 family-friendly tiny homes where veterans can live for free. Without having to worry about paying rent or utilities, it is intended that veterans can experience safety, stability and privacy while working to address the underlying cause of their homelessness.

While there is no time limit on how long veterans can live in the area, the homes are being designed to provide transitional support rather than permanent residency. Though, for other VCP campuses, the average transition time to permanent housing is 499 days.

“Veterans are encouraged to succeed at their own pace and receive an individualized care program explicitly designed to meet their need(s),” Moreno said.

VCP is largely privately financed. Government funding is only accepted if it does not restrict VCP’s mission.

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Once the Glendale project officially gets underway, housing will be provided through an application process, which is set to be managed directly by VCP.

According to the VCP website, veterans are assessed and prioritized based on their vulnerability and need. Each applicant can expect to partake in a VCP interview, which will determine if joining the village is the best solution. Applicants will also undergo basic background checks during the application process.

“My goal is to help veterans get their life, their dignity, and their pride back giving them the opportunity to re-engage the community as regular productive citizens,” Weiers said. “This project will do just that.”

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Glendale leaders vote in favor of free housing for veterans