Housing & Homelessness

Explore the 10 Areas of Focus within the The Be Connected Ecosystem of Support

Securing access to affordable, permanent housing to provide stability, security and promote ongoing health.

If someone is struggling with homelessness or shelter needs, they could seek assistance from social service agencies that offer a ‘needs assessment.’ A needs assessment is designed to determine which areas of a person’s life are impacted and what immediate resources are available. If someone is unsafe, please call 911 or the 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-800-799-7233 for further assessment and assistance. 

Call to Connect to Resources

Many state and federal programs offer subsidized housing, public housing, and housing choice vouchers for those seeking affordable rental housing.

HUD.gov has housing counselors who can help answer questions from loans, programs to the home buying process and real estate agents who can work with you on the next steps for those seeking affordable housing or first home buyers. 

Get the details on how they work, who is eligible, and how to apply by calling Be Connected at 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387). Our caring, skilled, and trained staff can perform a needs assessment and Connect Arizona service members, veterans and their families to information, support, and resources. 

Housing and Homelessness FAQs

Seeking help from trusted and vetted resources is the best option. Many governments, medical, nonprofit and community-based agencies are governed by county and state health departments who can confirm the services they provide. Local crisis lines and community Information and referral service lines can also provide referrals and offer information about the legitimacy of an organization. Be Connected uses a resource match tool to connect service members, veterans and family members to information and resources that best fit their situation. Please call 866-429-8387.
To avoid stereotyping or stigmatizing unhoused people, try to understand the reasons that led them to homelessness. Knowing an individual’s story and struggle is essential to serving them accurately and with compassion and dignity. A person’s path to homelessness is unique, but they often share similar experiences to others, such as:
  • Abuse or abandonment. Many people experiencing homelessness have suffered abuse or domestic violence that forced them to flee to the streets for safety or led to mental illness, trauma, and/or addiction.
  • Addiction and Mental Health. A life-long support system is necessary to overcome the obstacles of addiction or mental illness.
  • Cost of Housing. Affordable housing can be limited, especially in bigger cities. Someone on a waitlist may have to wait in a shelter situation or on the street.
  • Employment. A job can be difficult to find and keep if you have unaddressed mental or physical health issues, a criminal record, no driver’s license, and no address.
Struggling to cover basic needs like housing is challenging on all levels. It can cause many mental health problems, from feeling irritable, sad, or more anxious than usual, to more serious issues like depression, thoughts of suicide and addiction issues. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your mental health despite the ongoing uncertainty of the situation. Stay physically active, sleep, eat well, and drink plenty of water. Schedule time to worry instead of worrying all day, and find solace in connecting with your loved ones and friends. Keep the big picture in mind. Although things may feel really stressful right now, you are working on getting help and changing your circumstances. If you’re experiencing a decline in mental health that has you concerned, or your strategies aren’t working to improve your mood, then seek support. Some services can include supportive crisis counseling, education, and the development of coping skills.

Many resources in the state of Arizona offer help, including community, government and military benefits. However, these systems can be complex and overwhelming to work through, especially when seeking a resolution to an immediate need.  Be Connected uses a resource matching tool to help find the correct information and resources that best fit your situation. Please call 866-429-8387 for additional assistance.

The ten areas of focus include Basic Needs, Employment, Family & Social Supports, Finances & Benefits, Higher Education, Housing & Homelessness, Legal, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Physical Health and Spirituality.

Click here to view the other 10 Areas of Focus Be Connected can help with!

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Be Connected and ConnectVeterans.org are provided in partnership by:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Special thanks to the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family for their partnership and support.

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