PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona officials announced two initiatives this week aimed at helping residents manage rising utility bills.
The changes include an expanded state assistance program and a new senior housing complex with no utility fees.
Gov. Katie Hobbs launched a $15 million utility assistance program called Power AZ on Tuesday. The program expands the number of people eligible for assistance beyond traditional income limits.
On Wednesday, Phoenix city leaders held a grand opening for Senior Bridge, a transitional housing site for seniors located off 28th and Van Buren streets.
The apartment-style complex has 40 units built using storage crates, each with a bed, kitchen area and bathroom. On-site solar panels eliminate monthly utility costs.
Glenn Rains, 80, moved into the new complex after losing his home to foreclosure. The former real estate appraiser said he lived in his house for two years without electricity, water or gas before being forced onto the street.
A community outreach group working with the city of Phoenix connected him with the Senior Bridge housing site.
“I am so excited,” Rains said.
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Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington said eliminating utility costs helps address housing affordability.
“We know that housing affordability is one concern along with all of the things that come with it — utilities, especially in our hot Phoenix summers,” Hodge Washington said. “This can be a way to eliminate that type of cost while ensuring that our residents and occupants of these spaces are cool and enjoying life safely indoors.”
The Power AZ program expands eligibility for utility assistance to include families who previously made too much to qualify for traditional aid.
Carrie Aranda with the Tempe Community Action Agency said the additional funding will help families living on the edge financially.
“It’s going to catch those people who live kind of on that edge — they make too much to qualify for traditional assistance but this should help that family that’s just making a little more than that and is still struggling to put gas in car or food on the table,” Aranda said.
Families can apply for the utility assistance program through the state’s portal. More information on the Senior Bridge senior community can be found here.
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