More Catholic Charities Affordable Housing Coming to Melrose District

Article originally posted on on April 8, 2024

Much-needed affordable housing is going on up on Seventh Avenue, courtesy of Catholic Charities.

Why it matters: The Valley is suffering a shortage of about 270,000 housing units, according to a 2022 report by the Arizona Department of Housing.

The big picture: The building under construction is the second part of a three-phase Acacia Heights project, which will have 66 units, said Steve Capobres, executive director of Housing for Hope, a Catholic Charities affiliate.

• Capobres told Axios it’s expected to be finished in September.
• The first phase was 78 affordable senior housing units built by the Foundation for Senior Living, a sister agency to Catholic Charities.

Zoom in: Capobres said apartment rents will be based on what’s affordable for people who earn 40% to 60% of the area median income.

• Pre-leasing for phase two will likely begin over the summer through Housing for Hope’s website.
• The senior living building has a 140-person waiting list.

What’s next: The third phase will be a 68-unit building to replace the Catholic Charities office building on Seventh Avenue.

• Construction is expected to start in June and end in fall of 2025.

Between the lines: Capobres said the organization decided its office would be put to better use as affordable housing because it’s so close to the light rail line on Camelback.

• Catholic Charities closed its Refuge Café in 2022 to make way for the Acacia Heights affordable housing complex.
• All buildings will have similar looks and feels to create a “seamless project between the three.”