Commission Evaluates $80,000 Request for Emergency Shelter and Eviction Prevention
The City of Apache Junction’s Health and Human Services Commission met on February 24 to review funding applications for the upcoming fiscal year, including a substantial request from local nonprofit Begin Again Homes. The organization has requested $80,000 to provide temporary emergency shelter and eviction prevention services for vulnerable residents.
About Begin Again Homes
Begin Again Homes, Inc. (BAH) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Apache Junction that aims to provide stable, safe housing for community members experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Founded by a group of concerned local business owners, the organization bridges the gap for individuals, seniors, veterans, and families by offering temporary shelter, housing aid, and case management services.
According to their application, BAH operated emergency shelter services from June through December 2024, during which they resourced 124 people, provided five emergency shelter stays, and helped those five individuals obtain permanent housing.
The organization’s mission statement emphasizes providing “a safe and nurturing environment for individuals experiencing homelessness” with a belief that “everyone deserves a second chance and a place to call home.”
BAH is listed as one of the community partners that works with the Apache Junction Homeless Coalition, whose mission is to create a collaborative network of quality resources and services to assist homeless and at-risk residents of Apache Junction. The coalition is the driving force behind the Strategic Plan on Homelessness and the Apache Junction Community Resource Center.
Available Funding and Purpose
The Health and Human Services Commission accepts applications for financial assistance during January each year. The funding program operates under city code Article § 2-14, with the intent to “provide monies for human services agencies to provide a valued service to the community.”
Per city ordinance, services should be “new or innovative programs and services which extend the scope of existing services.” The code specifically notes that funding “is not intended to provide annual funding to any agency for an indefinite period of time.”
Eligible activities include programs providing health and human services care, especially to underprivileged individuals. Priority populations include the elderly, handicapped, developmentally disabled, and other special populations.
Concerns Raised During Discussion
Several concerns were raised by commissioners during the discussion of BAH’s funding request:
Geographic Focus and Target Population
Commissioners expressed significant concern about ensuring funds would be used exclusively for Apache Junction residents. Commissioner Mykland stated, “I would like services to exclusively be Apache Junction… especially seniors and Veterans,” noting that the organization is involved with a larger coalition that includes organizations from Tempe and Mesa.
Mykland further emphasized a preference for focusing on “the senior services people who would need the extra money because they’re going to be evicted or things of that nature again and not necessarily a homeless coalition.”
The commission emphasized that city funds should prioritize Apache Junction residents rather than individuals referred from other areas. Commissioner Brennan noted that homelessness in Apache Junction had increased over the past year.
Financial Clarity and Allocation
Multiple commissioners questioned the budget breakdown and how funds would be allocated. Commissioner Voisine noted that while BAH reported providing emergency shelter for five individuals in the past, they were requesting $35,000 for hotel stays in the coming year.
“I don’t know where they’re anticipating to get that increase in volume because that’s such a big jump,” Voisine said, adding concerns about how eviction prevention funds would be allocated. “How do you qualify for that? Is there a cap for that so that you’re not spending all of your money in one place?”
Administrative Costs and Limited Financial History
Commissioners expressed concerns about funding administrative expenses rather than direct services. The commission emphasized the need to prioritize resources for direct assistance rather than operational costs like utilities and salaries that are expected to be self-sufficient parts of an organization.
“I think our purpose here with such limited resources, we need to put the money where the biggest bang is going to be,” noted Commissioner Danford.
As a relatively new organization with limited financial history, BAH’s application raised questions about sustainability. The application indicated they received $3,375 in city funding for 2024-2025, with fundraising efforts totaling approximately $5,658 through various events. Commissioners expressed uncertainty about whether BAH had other funding sources beyond these amounts, with Commissioner Voisine asking, “Where does the rest of their funding come from? Are they really truly just counting on us?” BAH did not outline specific external funding sources in their application, leading to further questions about their overall financial capacity.
Program Definition and Long-Term Planning
Commissioners sought clarity on program definitions and outcomes. “I need to understand what they mean by temporary emergency shelter. What does that mean? How long does that last?” asked Commissioner Brennan, specifically questioning the duration of motel stays and their effectiveness: “Is that an exercise of futility? Do they house somebody in Motel 6 for 5 days and then all of a sudden they’re around the streets?”
Commissioner Voisine emphasized the need for stabilization: “It’s a stabilization piece that I want to understand. I don’t mind supporting people in crisis but there has to be a plan… it can’t be indefinite.”
Looking Ahead
The Health and Human Services Commission’s review process is just the first step in determining funding allocations for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025. According to the application timeline, the commission will continue reviewing applications through February, potentially interview applicants in March, and make initial funding recommendations in April.
These recommendations will be presented to the City Council in May, with final approval and execution of agreements expected in June.
As the commission continues its deliberations, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and clear outcomes for any allocated funds, particularly in addressing the needs of Apache Junction’s most vulnerable residents.
