Helping families experiencing housing insecurity in Arizona

In recent years, the state of Arizona has seen an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness. Driven by factors that include unemployment, behavioral health challenges, a lack of affordable housing, and more, an estimated 14,000 residents are facing housing insecurity — an increase of 20% since 2020.¹

Launched in 2021, Pathway of Hope, an initiative from the Salvation Army’s Southwest Division, provides services to families facing crisis situations, including unstable housing. Through this program, Arizona residents are able to receive rental and transitional housing assistance, daycare and utility support.  

The UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona donated $500,000 to help fund their efforts.

"Maintaining stable housing and preventing homelessness are essential to keeping people healthy, helping individuals stay employed and ensuring kids remain in school. This collaboration with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona is truly a win-win," said Laura Skotnicki, southwest divisional social services director for The Salvation Army. "We are incredibly grateful to be working together to assist families participating in this initiative."

The investment in the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope will provide critical needs assistance to 100 households that includes:

• Family services
• Homelessness prevention services
• Youth services
• Health services

The funding will also go toward emergency motel stays for families waiting for stable housing, eviction prevention and utility expenses. Families will also be eligible for emergency daycare assistance that can be used during their job search or as they manage financial challenges.

People who experience homelessness are more likely to face risks to their health, including anxiety, depression, mental illness, respiratory infections and more.² This makes the mission of Pathway of Hope even more critical, as having secure housing – a critical social driver of health – can help contribute to improved health outcomes.³

“Our collaboration with The Salvation Army is part of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona’s mission to address whole-person health by expanding services that go beyond the doctor’s office,” said Jean Kalbacher, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona. “We are proud to support this initiative as it aims to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”