Two projects to build subsidized apartments for homeless veterans in Tucson are in the works.
Two nonprofit organizations, La Frontera Partners and Esperanza En Escalante, are developing the specialized housing projects.
“There’s a large demand for it,” said Phyllis Russell, EEE executive director.
“Many of our veterans are disabled, and their disability income is not a large amount per month, so they need subsidized housing,” she said.
Both projects would use the Housing First model, which means veterans get quick access to housing first and then help with other problems, such as mental-health issues or substance-abuse problems.
Both apartment complexes also would have on-site social workers.
The Public Housing Authority board, which is made up of the mayor and City Council, approved contracts with the two groups on Tuesday.
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“It’s important that we help those who served our country,” said Mayor Jonathan Rothschild.
The city is closing in on 1,000 housing units toward its goal of finding homes for 1,600 homeless veterans by the end of the year, he said.
Rally Point Apartments, 101 S. Stone Ave.:
- 30 studio apartments, a cafeteria, workout room and a convenience store.
- Historic 1908 Old Pueblo Club Building in downtown Tucson, near a streetcar stop.
- Construction to be complete in November.
- Developed by La Frontera Partners.
Esperanza En Escalante, 3700 S. Calle Polar:
- 44 one-bedroom apartments and a community center.
- 16-acre site near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base has potential for more phases in the future.
- Construction to begin in February, pending approval for Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
- Utilities, roads and sidewalks previously installed using $1.2 million in Pima County Community Development and Neighborhood Conservation bond funds.
- Veterans using EEE’s transitional housing program could move into these units for permanent housing.
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