A two-year pilot program was created to conduct research and gather data on the impact of a publicly funded supportive housing stipend. Through this program, qualified adults with autism and/or I/DD who are not current First Place–Phoenix residents receive funding for the cost of supportive amenities. Under the stipend, the residents also participate in research to identify improved quality of life and the benefits of supports.
The Arizona Independence Initiative, a two-year pilot program is designed to demonstrate the impact of a publicly funded supportive housing stipend. Adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are not currently residents of First Place–Phoenix and come from families who fall within the American Rescue Plan category of households that have experienced “negative economic harm” due to COVID-19 are eligible. This unique program is the first opportunity to demonstrate the life-improving benefits of supportive amenities provided by First Place–Phoenix for adults who come from lower-income families.
To be eligible, you must have an interest in living at First Place–Phoenix, both prospective resident & parent(s)/caregiver(s) be willing to participate in research, not be a current First Place–Phoenix resident and come from a family who falls within the American Rescue Plan category of households that have experienced “negative economic harm” because of COVID-19. Criteria include meeting 300% of the federal poverty guidelines annual income of less than $40,770 for a household of one) and/ or households that participate in Medicaid.
Parents or guarantors of a neurodiverse adult may have a higher income and may be assisting with some expenses. Preference will be given to households with incomes below the Area Median Income for a household of four in Maricopa County ($88,800 for 2022-23).
You must meet the current First Place–Phoenix qualifying criteria and complete a survey form. Prospective applicants will be assigned points based on their responses in the survey form and ranked based on point totals. If you qualify to move on to the next phase, you will participate in an on-site tour of First Place–Phoenix and complete online applications.
The survey form includes demographic and other questions to ensure access to this opportunity by a diverse population.
The stipend covers the cost of supportive amenities, a value of $2,800 per month, for up to 10 new residents for a period not to exceed two years.
The stipend does not cover the cost of rent, food, transportation, or other services.
Stipend recipients will be responsible for the rental portion of their lease. Monthly rental costs are $1,600 for a maximum period of two years.
The rent includes appliances, all utilities paid, landline phone, basic cable, and internet.
Stipend recipients will be required to participate in skill development activities by attending employment/vocational events, community life events, and all weekly support checks scheduled with their support specialist, and research activities as part of this pilot to demonstrate the impact of living within a supportive housing community.
At least one family member is required to commit to a schedule of meetings with the First Place–Phoenix support team and participate in skill development and research activities as part of this pilot to demonstrate the impact of living within a supportive housing community.
First Place–Phoenix maintains a list of individuals who have expressed an interest in the Apartments and Transition Academy. We reached out to Arizona residents on that list and requested outreach support from community-based organizations and state and city agencies that serve this population, encouraging them to share the information. We also emailed respondents to the Greater Phoenix Housing Market Analysis survey.
Previous First Place—Phoenix residents are welcome to apply, if they meet eligibility requirements for returning. Applicants are assigned points based on their responses in the application and ranked on total points. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously resided at First Place—Phoenix.
This grant-funded opportunity is only available to individuals who are not currently residents of First Place—Phoenix.
The income requirement is 28,800 annually or 2,400 monthly for the prospective resident and/or the guarantor. The formula in determining the financial qualifications is 1.5 x the monthly rent under the supportive amenities stipend ($1,600 pre-tax).
While having assets greater than $86,700 is not necessarily a disqualifying item, please answer this question honestly.
