By Jessica Boehm | Axios
A coalition of Valley religious organizations has united to combat opposition to new affordable housing and shelters.
Why it matters: Neighborhood groups across metro Phoenix have killed or greatly reduced housing projects across the Valley because they believe they’re too tall, too dense or may attract lower-income people to the area.
- Meanwhile, the Valley is short around 120,000 housing units, and that has driven up home prices and rent to unattainable rates for many families. And homelessness has increased by almost 30% in Arizona since 2020.
What’s happening: The Valley Interfaith Project (VIP), a nonpartisan coalition of congregations and nonprofits, is stepping into the housing fight to push for affordable options and shelter space in the community.
