PHOENIX – We are seeing an increase in people who do not have a home. A key factor behind this: rising apartment and rental prices.
In order to meet the demand, the old Phoenix Inn will soon be converted into a new retirement home.
Sheryl Sanders, 56, says she has been homeless for years and has never looked for shelter due to various concerns including her age and health.
“I’m on the side because I can’t cope with the shelter,” says Sheryl Sanders, who is homeless.
Now a new home is coming to Central Phoenix especially for seniors. The Arizona Department of Housing will fund the purchase of the old Phoenix Inn located near I-17 and Northern Avenue. The city of Phoenix will pay for the renovation work. Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) will house those 55 and more on the 130 unit lot. They say that more and more people are in need and for many it is the first time ever.
“Some of these we think are evictions and COVID-related matters. Perhaps more importantly, though, are the economy and general property prices,” said Craig Tribken, director of business development at CASS.
CASS says those 55 and older make up a third of those they currently look after at the downtown animal shelter. They believe that putting them among their peers will help as different age groups face different problems.
“You have social security, you have health problems. Also … where do you go to the doctor? Where do you go to a clinic? Even simple questions like these are not easy,” says Tribken.
CASS actually tried this concept earlier this year and called it Project Haven. It turned out to be successful.
“We believe that smaller facilities for specialized populations are the future of our work,” says Tribken.
CASS says the community around the shelter is of great support in this effort.
Those aged 55 and over who are interested in the new shelter will have to go through a screening process. It should be opened next summer.
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