AMA’s Charitable Arm Gives Over $230,000 to Help with Housing Crisis
Five nonprofits that serve Arizona residents and families struggling with housing shared more than $230,000 in donations this year from the Arizona Multihousing Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of the Arizona Multifamily Association. In the Valley, the grants benefit UMOM New Day Centers, the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and the Resident Relief Foundation. In Tucson, they support the Center Of Opportunity and Interfaith Community Services.
Since 2005, AMA members have distributed more than $1.3 million in grants statewide. The grants are made possible by the AMCF Big Hearts fundraising committee through annual events like the Bowl-A-Thon, Car Raffle, Silent Auction, Dollar-A-Door campaign, Gaslight Theatre, El Tour de Tucson and the Annual Fun Run.
All of these nonprofits work to ease the housing crisis by providing shelter and rent assistance as well as building communities, particularly for those at risk such as seniors and people with disabilities.
“As we work to solve the Arizona housing supply crisis by building more homes more quickly, we know we can’t stop there,” said Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus, president and CEO of the AMA. “We’re proud to support organizations who make it their mission to help Arizonans and families in need. There’s more than one way to build safe and secure communities, and this kind of giving helps to do exactly that.”
Here is the breakdown of the specific amounts and each organization’s mission:
– UMOM New Day Centers received a grant of $31,904 this year. The organization provides shelter, housing and services each night for nearly 700 at-risk women and children experiencing homelessness. UMOM also offers over 550 units of affordable housing across the Valley.
– The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) also received a $31,904 grant. SARRC conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, disseminates effective training and builds inclusive communities for individuals with autism and their families.
– The Resident Relief Foundation received a grant of $31,904 as well. The organization helps prevent evictions by serving as a temporary bridge to help residents stay in their apartments during an unexpected financial emergency that is outside of their control.
– The Center Of Opportunity received a $97,474 grant. The organization offers a holistic one-stop center that provides most services a homeless person needs to be restored and thrive in a compassionate environment. The center includes 150 emergency shelter beds, classroom space, workforce development and medical and dental clinics.
– Interfaith Community Services (ICS) received a $26,649 grant. Since 1985, ICS has often been the place to go in Pima County for those who have nowhere else to turn. Its programs enable seniors and people with disabilities to stay safe and independent in their homes. ICS also assists individuals and families facing food hardship, job loss and financial crisis regain stability and gather the resources to move forward to self-sufficiency.
The AMCF also donated $10,500 to the Julie Hurst and Steve Peters Education Fund. The fund provides post-secondary educational scholarships to employees of companies that are members in good standing of the AMA or to their immediate family members.
The Arizona Multihousing Association represents, advocates and educates Arizona’s rental housing community.
