Turning Grant Funding into a Lifeline for Arizona Families and Pets
Welcome back! Yesterday, we shared one of the most significant challenges facing Arizona families – housing insecurity and housing loss. 70% of our clients say they fear they may not be able to pay rent over the next several months, and believe eviction is imminent. 100% of those same clients stated that, in a crisis, they would use their rent money to pay for pet-related expenses, like food and urgent veterinary care, leaving them even more vulnerable to eviction.
While we applaud this devotion to their beloved four-legged family members, The Arizona Pet Project is dedicated to ensuring fewer people are forced to make those devastating choices. Supporters like you help us achieve our goals. And last year, a major supporter joined our efforts – the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)!
When ADOH announced its new eviction prevention fund, which would be divided into grants for eight organizations, we were eager to apply for one of these grants, because of their alignment with the work we do.
Did you know that The Arizona Pet Project is one of a handful of nonprofits that serve families across the entire state? It’s true! And while most nonprofits that focus on a single population, like seniors, veterans, domestic violence survivors, or people experiencing homelessness, we serve them all. A whopping 77% of Arizona households share their home with pets, making it a significant common denominator that transcends typical client categorization.
These strengths positioned us well to deploy eviction prevention and rehoming funds across Arizona. ADOH agreed, awarding The Arizona Pet Project $330,000 in flexible funding for low-income families facing eviction or homelessness.
We anticipated the funds would allow us to help 300 families keep or regain safe, stable housing. But over the course of the year, 353 households received critical assistance with rent, utilities, transportation, and move-in costs, among other supportive services, including long-term housing planning from our social workers.
Melissa, her children, and their beloved dog, Lucy, who you may remember lost their home after a devastating car accident that left them traumatized, were one of the amazing families we were able to serve, thanks to ADOH and supporters like you.
Flexible funding allowed The Arizona Pet Project to help Melissa with first and last months’ rent, while she was able to contribute toward the security and pet deposits. Shortly after their application was approved, the family moved into their new home. Together.
The program was so successful, and our rock star team of social workers was so motivated to continue making this meaningful impact, that in July of 2025, the Arizona Department of Economic Security reached out with another round of funding. As of this morning, all funding from this unexpected second grant has been spent in support of Arizona families in need, and we look forward to sharing the results as soon as they are available.
Flexible funding is one of the most promising ways to prevent eviction and help people regain housing because it enables us to truly address the needs of each family and set of circumstances individually, keeping families together. There are several bills we are following at the State level, and multiple funds being proposed at the county and municipal levels. Keep an eye out for proposals in your community and lend your support. While the direct services The Arizona Pet Project provides are deeply meaningful to people and pets in crisis, a focus on advocacy can create long-lasting change across our community.
Thank you for helping us spread the word and make lasting change.
