Services for Low-Income Families Affordable Housing
Nationally conducted studies in 2009 reported a two-bedroom apartment's Fair Market Rent (FMR) in Arizona is $766, inhibiting households making under $30,659 annually. Many single-parent families are unable to afford rent without working two jobs; and due to rising costs of essentials, such as food and energy, paying rent becomes an important component to the family's overall health. Affordable housing gives people the safety net needed to remain stable and keeps them from having to live on the streets.
Lack of affordable housing has also been directly linked with homelessness, causing delays in community organizations' ability to transition households from emergency shelters or transitional programs. Currently owning and operating a variety of 41 units; including single-family homes, duplex and multi-unit complexes, LCSA is able to keep a majority of the units rent for less than $350 a month.
All of the affordable units are primarily given to very low-income residents (at or below 50% of the area's median income level). Focus is placed on three distinct groups; working families who have never been in a housing program, working families transition to affordable housing from the homeless program and single adults receiving disability or Social Security benefits.
If you are in need of our affordable housing program's services, please fax the complete application to LCSA. The application download can be found HERE. An informational flyer can be downloaded HERE.
LCSA Affordable Housing Unit
Neighbornood Revitalization Program
For the past 20 years, LCSA has provided owner-occupied home rehabilitation services for low-income Phoenix residents (living at or below 80% of the area's median income level). This program addresses external deficiencies and brings properties into compliance with city ordinances. Activities typically include but are not limited to: repair or replacement of roof, windows, exterior paint, electrical systems, and/or heating & cooling systems. These home improvements eliminate areas of blight, raise the level of community pride among neighborhood residents and prevent deterioration of older neighborhoods.
As in years past, LCSA integrates the employment and training program (YouthBuild) into the projects by teaching economically disadvantaged youth the skills and techniques used in the building trades. By utilizing City of Phoenix CDBG funds, LCSA Journeymen and YouthBuild participants were able to complete the work at no cost to the homeowner.
During FY 2008 - 2009, LCSA restored 29 houses in the area; work that homeowners couldn't afford or manage on their own.
Emergency Relief Program
The economic landscape of the Phoenix metropolitan area has dramatically shifted over the past year. Due to increased unemployment, many families are at risk of becoming homeless, unable to pay their bills. Low-income families facing a crisis such as an eviction notice or utility shut-off are left with limited options. LCSA's Emergency Relief Fund provides a safety net for these families, ensuring they are able to stabilize their situation and move forward from their crisis.
During the fiscal year 2008-2009, LCSA provided 198 families with over $50,000 and referred 915 families to other government, religious or non profit programs.
"To serve the general welfare of our community and to advocate for health and human services that meet the needs of all members of the community, especially the most vulnerable and dependent."
