Work is expected to begin later this summer on construction of a new transitional homeless shelter that will go up near downtown Phoenix.
The project belongs to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, with the shelter specially hoping to help individuals with disabilities, seniors, and veterans.
As planned, the new facility, officially called Ozanam Manor II, will house up to 100 beds. The Ozanam Manor I was earlier completed by the organization and includes some 60 beds.
A unique feature of the new project will see the creation of a veterinary clinic for individuals who arrive at the shelter with animals.
Ozanam Manor II is expected to cost around $20 million to build, with funding coming from the City of Arizona, Maricopa County, and the State of Arizona.
Phoenix has been experiencing a homeless crisis with at least 9,000 people on the streets, according to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report.
At the same time, the City is currently in the process of dismantling a downtown site known as The Zone, which is home to around 900 people living in a makeshift camp. In its stead, Phoenix has launched a program of converting vacant buildings into shelters and leasing motel and hotel rooms for those who are homeless.
In announcing construction of the Ozanam Manor II, Shannon Clancy, chief executive officer with the St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix, remarked: “This is our moment to do our part to help some of our most vulnerable neighbors during a critical time by expanding on a model of transitional housing with proven success.”
By Garry Boulard
