Title
Request Retroactive Authorization to Apply for, Accept and Enter into an Agreement for Fiscal Year 2027 State Housing Trust Fund Housing Solutions Grant Funds (Ordinance S-53246) - Citywide
Description
Request retroactive authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for, and if awarded, accept State Housing Trust Fund (SHTF) Housing Solutions grant funds in an amount up to $500,000, and enter into an agreement with the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH). Funds will be utilized to support and expand workforce readiness and navigation services at the Phoenix Navigation Center. Further request an exception of the indemnity, limitation of legal redress and assumption of liability provisions of Phoenix City Code section 42-18. Further request authorization to take all other action necessary or appropriate to carry out the grant terms, and authorization for the City Treasurer to accept and City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item for the life of the grant.
Report
Summary
On August 7, 2026, ADOH announced the availability of Fiscal Year 2027 State Housing Trust Fund (SHTF) Housing Solutions grant funds under a competitive Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) with an application due date of September 18, 2026.
If awarded, the requested $500,000 will directly support and scale active workforce readiness and navigation programs at the Phoenix Navigation Center (PNC). The project will fund two key components for individuals experiencing homelessness:
- Neighborhood Brigade Workforce Readiness Program: Provides daily employment opportunities, job training and direct participant stipends/wages in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, targeting enrollment of 60 unique shelter residents over the grant term.
- On-Site Case Management and Navigation Services: Provides dedicated case managers to deliver individualized housing placement assistance, document recovery, and referrals to medical and behavioral health services, targeting a 55 percent positive housing exit rate.
All participants served under this program are experiencing homelessness, fall below 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI), and meet ADOH SHTF income eligibility requirements (80 percent AMI threshold).
ADOH requires grantees to agree to indemnification, assumption of liability, and arbitration language which conflicts with Phoenix City Code 42-18, prompting the request for a waiver of these provisions.
Contract Term
The grant period shall commence upon award execution and remain in effect for a 12-month grant term, expiring on or before December 31, 2027.
Financial Impact
There is no negative impact to the General Fund. The total project budget is $5,925,000, with $500,000 requested from ADOH SHTF grant funds and $5,425,000 in leveraged non-state match provided through existing City General Funds.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.