Arizona Department of Housing Announces 2023 Housing Hero Award Recipients at Arizona Housing Forum
TUCSON, AZ – The Arizona Department of Housing, in partnership with the Arizona Housing Coalition, concluded the 2023 Arizona Housing Forum today in Tucson. The Forum provides a platform for affordable housing professionals to learn, network, and connect in sharing ideas on how to solve our current housing shortage and create and improve housing development in Arizona.
On today’s final day of the annual Forum, the 2023 Housing Hero Awards, named in honor of the late Brian Mickelson, who was an original member of the Arizona Housing Finance Authority and the City Manager for the Town of Cottonwood, were presented to recognize outstanding achievements in the following six categories:
Arthur Crozier Partner in Housing: Mayor Becky Daggett
City of Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett is honored for being a tireless leader and advocate for the Flagstaff community over the past three decades and her dedication and commitment to finding more affordable housing solutions.
Exemplary Multi-Family Project: Solstice of Mesa
Solstice of Mesa is recognized for this 237-unit, affordable apartment home community in Mesa conceived, designed, and built exclusively for seniors. In addition to the below-market rents, seniors enjoy exceptional amenities including a 2-story community room, salon, and a fitness center overlooking the pool. There is also a library, business center and movie theater.
Innovative Supportive Housing Program: Bread and Roses
Bread and Roses is recognized for this youth crisis transitional housing facility in Tucson established to welcome, affirm, and promote acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. The facility offers mental health counseling, and addiction treatment and job placement services. Nearly half the youth who come through the center find permanent housing on their own.
Outstanding Affordable Housing Initiative: The CHUCK Center
The Connie Hillman Urban Construction Knowledge Center, or CHUCK, is recognized for this innovative homebuilding construction hub in Tucson where Habitat for Humanity makes pre-fabricated exterior wall panels. The innovation improves home build times and provides student volunteers hands-on learning to acquire skills they need for a career in construction.
Outstanding State CDBG Project: Kingman Veterans Transitional Housing
The Veterans Transitional Housing facility in Kingman is recognized for this conversion of a 22,000 square foot unused office building into 25-beds of transitional housing exclusively for Mohave County veterans. Substance abuse and mental health services are available to help veterans use the facility to get back on their feet and into their own permanent housing.
Tribal Initiatives: WMAHA #8 – Apache Pine
WMAHA Project #8, known as Apache Pine, is recognized for meeting tribal community needs for additional, high-quality affordable housing with these 28 single-family homes for rent in Hon-dah on the Fort Apache Reservation near Pinetop. Rent affordability, a unique ‘mountain cottage’ theme design, and great amenities are further enhanced with a rent-to-own option.
