Mercy Housing Southwest

Overview

Mercy Housing Southwest is a regional division of Mercy Housing, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing in the United States. Its focus is on creating stable and vibrant communities for low-income populations, especially seniors and individuals with special needs, across Arizona.

History and Vision

Mercy Housing was founded in 1981 by Sister Timothy Marie O'Roark, a Sister of Mercy of Omaha, in response to the growing need for affordable housing. The organization's vision is to build a more humane world where communities are healthy and all people can develop their full potential. Mercy Housing Southwest began its operations as part of this national effort, with a mission to develop, finance, and operate affordable housing.

Operations and Services

Mercy Housing Southwest serves low-income seniors and people with special needs by providing safe, affordable housing in 13 communities across Arizona. Four of these communities in the Phoenix area focus on supporting people with disabilities, those living with HIV/AIDS, and those with severe mental illness, while the remaining nine properties are dedicated to senior housing. The organization offers resident services at no additional cost to its residents, which include support in areas such as health and wellness, transportation, and community involvement. These services aim to help residents maintain healthy lifestyles despite challenges such as limited transportation, chronic diseases, and fixed incomes.

Impact

The residents of Mercy Housing Southwest often face significant economic challenges, with a median household income of $10,970. Despite these challenges, the organization's efforts have helped many residents maintain independence and stability. Testimonials from residents highlight the importance of Mercy Housing Southwest's services in providing a sense of safety, security, and community.

Affiliations

Mercy Housing Southwest is part of the broader Mercy Housing network, which operates across 20 states in the United States. The national organization has helped provide affordable housing for more than 250,000 people and owns over 100,000 affordable homes.

Values

The core values guiding Mercy Housing Southwest include Respect, Justice, Mercy, which align with the broader mission of creating inclusive and supportive communities. The organization works closely with socially responsible partners to achieve these goals.

Community Engagement

Mercy Housing Southwest supports community development through its involvement in local partnerships and initiatives. By fostering collaborative relationships with other organizations, it seeks to address broader housing and social needs in the region.

Economic and Social Challenges

Residents of Mercy Housing Southwest face numerous economic and social challenges. The organization plays a critical role in mitigating these challenges by providing permanent housing solutions and supportive services, contributing to the stability and wellness of the communities it serves.