Coconino News

During the January 23, 2024, meeting of the Glendale City Council, one of the projects Mayor Jerry Weiers has spearheaded on behalf of homeless veterans achieved a new milestone when the City Council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Maricopa County Human Services Department (MCHSD) for the development of transitional housing for homeless or at-risk veterans in partnership with the Veterans Community Project (VCP).

“I am grateful that my fellow councilmembers recognize the severe needs of our veterans. This project is just one of many that the city is working on to improve the lives of the people we serve daily,” stated Mayor Weiers.

Since before taking elected office, Mayor Weiers has made the welfare of U.S. military members and veterans one of his top priorities. Mayor Weiers has dedicated endless hours to providing resources and support for those who serve and have served. As part of his pledge to them, he founded the Mayor’s Military Mission, or what is commonly referred to as “The Triple M.”

Mayor Weiers’ vision is for the West Valley to become synonymous with veteran advocacy and support.

BACKGROUND:

In September 2023, the city of Glendale entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with VCP for the development of 50 units of transitional housing for homeless veterans on city-owned property located at approximately 6324 NW Grand Avenue.

The village will include on-site supportive services and administrative offices for VCP operations.  The state of Arizona appropriated $3,214,500 in state general funds for this project and the city has invested $3,844,763 in general fund resources towards the land cost.

MCHSD previously presented an opportunity to work with the city to increase the number of shelter beds in Glendale through the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and Council provided direction to pursue the opportunity at a workshop.  This IGA secures the investment of $3,000,000 towards the total capital cost for the project, which is expected to be approximately $14.2 million.

The site of the proposed project is located near the Sandy Coor VFW Post. The motto of the Sandy Coor VFW Post 1433 is “We honor the dead by helping the living.” The group is committed to helping their fellow veterans and its members have serve the Glendale community with empathy and distinction.

Original source can be found here.