The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has announced a $3 million grant to UMOM New Day Centers in support of an affordable housing project for at-risk families in Phoenix.

The grant is in addition to $9.4 million awarded by the Arizona Department of Housing. The funds will enable UMOM to demolish the aging North Mountain Lodge Motel and replace it with forty-eight affordable housing apartments adjacent to one of the organization's Next Step Housing properties. At least thirty-four units will be set aside for chronically homeless individuals and families, with preference given to veterans. In addition, the funds will support construction of a 5,500-square-foot community center that provides services such as job search assistance, GED tutoring, and wellness programs for residents at both properties.

According to the foundation, between fifty and seventy-five families are on UMOM's waiting list on any given day. "The idea of standing idle while a wait list for affordable housing grows is simply not an option," said Parsons Foundation co-founder Bob Parsons. "There are families in this community who need a leg-up and a second chance at becoming first-class citizens. Renee and I have every intention to help make a long-term difference in the fight to end homelessness in the greater Phoenix area, and we believe that UMOM's new housing community is a great next step."