A unique affordable housing project will help single parents in Central Phoenix attain higher education
Updated: 2 days ago
By Mira Preston
Save the Family Foundation of Arizona’s (Save the Family) new central Phoenix-based affordable housing project will help struggling single parents attain higher education. An innovative initiative that’s the first of its kind in Arizona, the Phoenix Scholar House (PSH) will provide 56 affordable housing units, 20 of which will be designated “to empower families to achieve economic independence” by supporting them through a degree program, apprenticeship, or trade school.
PSH, an affiliate of the original Family Scholar House in Louisville, Kentucky, will provide not just affordable housing but also a wide array of on-site wraparound services with the help of case managers who support each resident. Phoenix Scholar House opened its doors in April of this year, and each of its units is currently leased. The Family Scholar House model is almost 30 years old, and has 10 affiliate programs across the country.
Only 18% of single parents working toward a post-secondary degree or credential graduate, according to Allisia Fiorini, Chief Housing Development Officer for ARM of Save the Family. The Scholar House model has seen enormous success in this area, with graduation rates increasing to 89% for parents who have enrolled in the program.
“We have a group of scholars who are motivated and really want to pursue that post-secondary,” said Fiorini. “Whether it’s a certification, associate’s degree, or a Bachelor's degree.”
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, single mothers in Arizona who graduate with a Bachelor’s degree are 63% less likely to live in poverty than those who have a high school education.
“The goal is to create something that helps you overcome that barrier,” said Fiorini. “We're here for you. We're here for your children. And then we're going to a help you pave that pathway to the journey to your graduation with the end goal of you breaking that cycle of multigenerational poverty.”
“It benefits the community as a whole in the long term,” said Yesenia Gonzalez, Grants Manager for Save the Family. “Because parents now have that education, their children can see what's possible and understand the steps needed to break the cycle. In the long run, that helps build a stronger, more resilient community.”
Save the Family has spent over 35 years in the East Valley connecting underserved and impoverished families with housing and services such as budgeting and parenting classes, career services, and access to in-house mental health support. Currently, Save the Family helps more than 880 homeless and low-income families and children each year.
Located in central Phoenix, PSH’s location was carefully selected to reflect the needs of its community. The apartment complex is near Phoenix Children’s Hospital and is within a few miles of several higher education institutions, including ASU, Phoenix College, and GateWay Community College. It also has quick access to public transportation, including several
nearby bus stops and a Valley Metro Light Rail station.
With 20 units specifically set aside for parents who are pursuing education, PSH aims to help families break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient and successful. Wraparound services include academic guidance, support with financial skills such as budgeting, trauma counseling, and connection with resources like transportation support and childcare.
To date, over 900 degrees have been awarded to individuals who are part of other Scholar Houses across the country, according to data from the Family Scholar House.
Arianna DeSantiago was once helped by Save the Family after fleeing domestic violence. She's now a case manager with PSH, helping other families get back on their feet with a wide range of services and support at the apartment complex.
“It was a turning point in my life,” DeSantiago said of her time in Save the Family's transitional housing program.
She entered the program at age 24, along with her three young children, while she was working and attending Mesa Community College. During the program, she said, her case manager helped her by encouraging her to be independent and move forward from her situation. Now she gets to do the same for clients at the Phoenix Scholar House, offering support for up to 20 families by helping them with accessing the on-site food pantry, searching for resources such as scholarships, and offering them emotional support.
“It's a full circle moment for me,” DeSantiago said. “I see myself in the clients that I'm serving.”
The apartment complex comes with amenities intended to provide a comfortable and convenient living space for tenants. A room lined with colorful chairs can be used for studying, reading or lively tabletop games; a computer room will provide computers and access to the Internet; a bike room allows for safe storage of tenants’ bicycles; and a gym is lined with brand-new fitness equipment. As part of Save the Family's supplemental services, a small pantry on the first floor is full of donated food, cleaning products, and diapers.
The building is designed to be comfortable and attractive, with colorful, custom-painted murals by local artist Laura Thurbon adorning the exterior and interior.
“Oftentimes, people think poorly of affordable housing,” said Mesha Davis, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Save the Family. “We’re really proud that the partners and the architects who put this building together designed it in a way that is warm and welcoming.”
To learn more about Phoenix Scholar House, visit SaveTheFamily.org/Phoenix-Scholar-House
Images courtesy of Save the Family and Mira Preston.
