ON THE VERGE: The Flagstaff Housing Crisis

Affordable housing is a serious crisis in Flagstaff, whether it’s rental or home ownership. Flagstaff has had a chronic housing shortage for many years and with the recent escalation in rents and housing prices, more and more of the people coming to Flagstaff, can no longer afford to live in the community.  In the past two years, COVID-19 has exponentially amplified these housing problems. Second homes further impact the availability of homes for year-round residents, as does the growth of online platforms, such as AirBnB and VRBO.

Although, there are multiple ways to approach affordable housing in Flagstaff, this exhibit focuses on homeless housing, transitional housing, permanent affordable home ownership and the future of Flagstaff housing.

BY THE NUMBERS

1.  The median home cost: 2010 $195,000*

2022 $710,000

  • Increase in last 12 months=32.2%* 

2.  Median age of Flagstaff real estate is 29 years old

3.  Rental Market:

  • Renters make up 43.3% of the Flagstaff population

  • average rent is $1996 (includes houses, studios and apartments)

  • average Studio-$1585, 1 BR apartment-$1715

  • 4.7% of houses and apartments in Flagstaff, are available to rent

4.  Second Homes: a study to determine the number of second homes sold ranked Flagstaff eight in the nation for second home sales or about 25 % of sales in 2021.

5.  Homeless in Coconino County-450-500 (avg), with 118 outside

6.  Reported Domestic Violence cases/year in Flagstaff  1800 (average

In 2017, the Coconino County Local Coalition to End Homelessness implemented the first coordinated entry system to the homeless service system. Flagstaff Shelter Services partnered with Catholic Charities to operate Front Door, a program to divert or prevent homelessness and to place individuals and families with the most appropriate agency for their housing needs.

 

Flagstaff Shelter Services provides life-saving, life-changing services to 2,000 unduplicated individuals each year. 40% are women, most of whom have escaped domestic or sexual violence; 20% are veterans, 21% are over 55.  Every one of them has value.  86% of the people Flagstaff Shelter Services houses do not return to homelessness.

 

Sunshine Rescue Mission is a local non-profit with four facilities, all serving our neighbors and friends experiencing homelessness or coming out of desperate circumstances.  The Rescue Mission, Hope Cottage, Sanctuary House and a supporting thrift store provide over 40,000 safe shelter bed nights/yr and 65,000 free meals annually. 

 

CC has been a service provider in Flagstaff since 1971 and delivers services in foster care, adoption and pregnancy counseling and continues to serve youth and families through early education and youth leadership programs. CC have grown to serve veterans and their families, sex-trafficked survivors, victims of domestic abuse, refugees and those experiencing homelessness through Housing for Hope.

 

Northland Crisis Nursery and the Women’s Resource Center are the roots of Northland Family Help Center.  NFHC has a 24 hour crisis line, a 40 bed Domestic Violence and Youth Shelter, Counseling and Legal Advocacy for victims of crime, Community Education for sexual violence prevention, and is home to the “Flagstaff Initiative Against Trafficking.” NFHC celebrated 40 years of service in 2018.

 

HSNA was founded through the grassroots efforts of local citizens concerned about the lack of affordable housing in the Flagstaff community. HSNA’s  programs include Sharon Manor (transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence), Sharon’s Attic, foreclosure prevention, credit counseling, affordable rentals and AHC residential and commercial construction.

To date, HSNAZ houses 29 families at Sharon Manor, 27 families in transitional rental apartments and assists hundreds of families each year with counseling and guidance toward owning a home.

 

ANEW Living is a transitional housing program that provides safe, clean, affordable housing alternatives for two parent families, same sex couples, single dads, or mothers with teenage sons. ANEW Living also offers on-site life skill classes and meetings designed to enhance basic life and coping skills.  Located at the 66 Motel, 2100 E Rte 66.

 

TCLT preserves Flagstaff’s unique history by restoring, rehabilitating, and making historic homes energy efficient.  TCLT then sells the house to Flagstaff residents who are eligible and earn up to 125% of the Flagstaff area median income. TCLT has so far restored and sold five (5) homes west of downtown Flagstaff that range from 650 to 900 sq. ft.   Resale prices are set by the Ground Lease signed at purchase. Additional information at www.townsiteclt.org



HFHNA has been building affordable homes in Flagstaff for 27 years. In response to the City of Flagstaff’s declared Housing Emergency, HFHNA has developed the Starter Home Program. Designed and engineered in Flagstaff, Starter Homes are simple, efficient, stand-alone homes that will be available for low-income families to purchase with 0% interest loans, a down payment of $1,000 and monthly payments near $1,000. Starter Home families save $10,000 in equity each year and can use their equity savings as a down payment for a conventional home when they are ready to move. HFHNA will buy back the homes, refurbish, and resell them to new, qualifying families. 

The City of Flagstaff 10-Year Housing Plan is a result of the Housing Emergency declared by City Council on December 1, 2020, to prioritize affordable housing within City operations to create safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities for all community members.

The Plan outlines an overarching goal to reduce the current affordable housing need in our community by half over the next ten years, by outlining a framework for action including 13 robust policy initiatives and 58 comprehensive strategies. It’s a living document that will evolve with market conditions, community housing needs, and budgetary status.