Glendale is trying to combat veteran homelessness with a small housing community

GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — While homelessness among military veterans is at record lows nationwide, it is still a problem in many areas, including Arizona.

The most recent tally in Maricopa County shows that about five percent of the Valley’s homeless population are veterans. To help, the city of Glendale is partnering with a nonprofit to build tiny homes and move them off the streets.

“We’ve seen an aging veteran population recently,” said Richard Southee, who works with veterans at Central Arizona Shelter Services. “Having to figure everything out on your own, especially when you’ve been at it for a long time, is daunting and scary.”

Of the more than 9,400 homeless people in Maricopa County, 440 said they were veterans. When looking for ways to address the problem, Glendale city leaders turned to the Veteran’s Community Project (VCP).

“Everyone who has ever taken the oath to serve our country is qualified for all of our programs and services,” said the organization’s CEO Bryan Meyer.

The plan calls for building a transitional housing development near 63rd Avenue and Grand Avenue.

“The community here will have 50 units. Forty of them will be single units, eight will be family units and two will be ADA accessible,” Meyer explained, saying the land will provide more than just a place to live.

“We have one case manager on site for every 8-10 residents. This allows the case manager to really understand these individuals and work with them on a deeper level,” he said. “Because it is an individualized unit, pets are also allowed, which is a big gap.”

The project is estimated to cost about $14 million, and Glendale is making the land available for just $10, despite its $4 million value. Meyer said VCP will now work to raise the rest of the money through private donations.

“Right now we’re seeing the majority of people coming through the program fall in the 14 to 16 month range,” he said.

Meyer says if someone is struggling with extreme substance abuse or mental health issues, the organization will work to help them find resources before entering the program.

Although construction is expected to begin in the summer, the plan is to fill the units gradually. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2027.

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