Contributed Article
Phoenix – Crisis Response Network’s 2-1-1 program has partnered with the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) to provide a new Housing Crisis Hotline for four rural counties in Southern Arizona: Gila, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties. The service began on Oct. 1.
These four counties represent approximately 12 percent of the physical geography of Arizona, but there is a substantial lack of homeless resources in these areas to serve persons experiencing homelessness. Also, due to the lack of resource providers, it is unknown how many people are experiencing homelessness in these areas at any given time. The Housing Crisis Hotline will provide access to housing referrals for which people experiencing homelessness may be eligible through federal and state programs.
The Housing Crisis Hotline can be reached by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts to indicate that you are seeking shelter in Gila, Graham, Greenlee or Santa Cruz counties. The Hotline is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Housing Crisis Hotline can provide the following services:
- Live screening and triage for eligible resources
- Diversion from the homeless system
- Resource referral
- Housing needs assessment and referral
- Regular follow-up while the person is still, literally, homeless
“We are proud to partner with the Arizona Department of Housing on the Housing Crisis Hotline to provide information and referral services to people experiencing homelessness in Gila, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties. We know that with access to information and resources, more individuals and families experiencing homelessness can receive shelter and other much-needed services for which they may be eligible,” said Justin Chase, President and CEO of Crisis Response Network.
