Housing for Hope, an affiliate of Catholic Charities Community Services, in partnership with Trinity Housing Development, announced the grand opening of the second phase of Acacia Heights Apartments, an affordable housing complex near 7th Avenue and Camelback in Central Phoenix. A multi-year, three-phase development project, the most current stage of construction broke ground in the spring of 2023 and was completed at the end of 2024. Acacia Heights II features 66 units, of varying sizes, that are now available for lease.
The approximately $26 million funding for Acacia Heights phase two is from a variety of sources, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Arizona Department of Housing, ARPA funds from Maricopa County, City of Phoenix HOME funds, as well a permanent loan and deferred developer fees.
“Acacia Heights has required great community support and a dedicated team of partners to see it through to completion. Catholic Charities’ Housing for Hope is happy to see this critical community resource continue to grow, and we’re so delighted to open the doors to the second phase of housing,” said Catholic Charities Vice President of Business Development/Housing for Hope Executive Director, Steve Capobres.
An epidemic of homelessness is afflicting the nation, with a lack of accessible housing identified as a major cause. According to the latest Point in Time count, homelessness in Arizona increased by more than five percent in 2023, ranking Arizona in the top 10 U.S. states for the highest rate of unhoused individuals. Acacia Heights provides a critical resource for families and individuals in need.
Out of the total number of units, 57 are designated for households between 40% to 60% of the median income (AMI), and nine units are set aside for workforce housing, making 80% of the median income limit.
Acacia Heights II features 21 one-bedroom units, 21 two-bedroom units, 21 three-bedroom units, and 3 four-bedroom units, ranging in size from 583 to 1,375 square feet. The modern-design apartments feature separate living and bedroom areas, plenty of storage, and spacious, well-equipped kitchens. Assisting with lower monthly expenses, the units are energy efficient, LEED certified.
Designed to not only be a safe, comfortable home, the entire development was built with community and support in mind. Amenities include covered onsite parking, an all-purpose room for social gatherings, a teen room, centralized laundry, a fitness room, secure bicycle storage, and an outdoor courtyard with a children’s play area, sport court and community garden. For easy access to transportation, Acacia Heights is steps from a Valley Metro Rail stop, as well as Valley Metro bus routes.
The entire Acacia Heights property sits on a 2.5-acre site and upon total completion of all three phases, it will be comprised of 212 units. Phase one was completed in 2021, in partnership with FSL (Foundation for Senior Living) and provides 78 apartments to seniors over age 62. In partnership with Trinity Housing Development, phase three recently broke ground and will be completed in the spring of 2026. This final phase will consist of 68 units, ranging from one to three bedrooms.
For low-income families and individuals, finding affordable housing is only half the battle. Staying housed and maintaining a stable income are also challenges. Catholic Charities provides resident services specialists in its Phoenix-area communities, which offer resources and referrals so that residents remain housed despite common challenges, such as loss of employment, medical or mental health issues, loss of family or support systems, and the impact of inflation.
Compassionate team members create a welcoming, community-centered environment by bringing residents together for social gatherings, mobile food pantries, afterschool activities for children, and more. They also help with connecting to critical resources in the community, such as low-cost medical and dental services, medical loan equipment, donated household necessities, among others, so they can enjoy a healthy, happy, and stable life in their homes.
