Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation is supporting Central Arizona Shelter Services with two New Markets Tax Credit allocations totaling $31 million, strengthening CASS’ ability to expand shelter capacity and deliver critical services to some of Phoenix’s most vulnerable residents.
The NMTC support includes a $12.5 million allocation for CASS – The Haven, a permanent emergency shelter dedicated to seniors experiencing homelessness, as well as an additional $18.5 million NMTC allocation supporting CASS’ broader mission to prevent and end homelessness by positioning the organization for long-term success and sustainability.
Located at 8152 N. Black Canyon Highway in Phoenix, The Haven is a renovated facility housed in a formerly rundown hotel within a severely distressed census tract. The project provides up to 170 beds for seniors ages 55 and older, serving more than 500 individuals annually, and delivers intensive, on-site case management and wrap-around services tailored to seniors and medically vulnerable populations. The shelter is designed with private rooms and low case-manager-to-resident ratios, creating a safe and dignified environment that supports stability and pathways to permanent housing. The NMTC allocation also helps support 31 jobs, including staff to support shelter operations, case management and on-site services at The Haven.
“The Haven is about more than shelter — it’s about dignity, health and stability for seniors who are too often overlooked,” said Nathan Smith, CEO of Central Arizona Shelter Services. “This New Markets Tax Credit investment makes it possible for CASS to deliver comprehensive, senior-focused care under one roof and expand solutions that help people move out of homelessness and into safe housing.”
The Haven will offer services including case management, rapid re-housing assistance, eviction prevention, behavioral health support, access to healthcare partners, and a memory clinic for clients experiencing cognitive decline. In 2025 alone, CASS served more than 1,146 seniors who account for 31% of sheltered clients, many of whom were living with chronic health conditions, disabilities or long-term homelessness.
“New Markets Tax Credits are a powerful tool for closing financing gaps and ensuring essential community projects can move forward,” said Juan Salgado, CEO of PCDIC. “Through these two allocations, PCDIC is proud to support CASS’ work to expand access to shelter and supportive services, particularly for seniors and individuals facing the greatest barriers to housing stability.”
NMTC financing is a critical component of the capital stack for projects like The Haven, helping reduce financial burden and allowing nonprofit providers like CASS to direct more resources toward services and long-term impact. At full capacity, the facility will require significant annual operating support, making flexible financing essential to sustainability.
Dudley Ventures and Valley Bank also participated in the NMTC transaction.
