HAUS Initiative Aims to Transform Tucson’s Shelter Residents into Leaseholders

Tucson City Councilmember Paul Cunningham has introduced a new initiative aimed at aiding individuals residing in shelters who struggle to secure traditional leases due to prior evictions or poor credit histories. The proposed program would provide up to $2,500 to eligible tenants to cover move-in costs, such as security deposits and first and last month’s rent. Additionally, landlords could receive a matching amount if a tenant fails to fulfill lease obligations or damages property.

Cunningham shared insights from his experiences with the city’s homeless outreach teams, emphasizing the plight of individuals who have made strides toward employment and sobriety but still face barriers to stable housing. “If you’re working for 15 bucks an hour, 30 hours a week, living in a shelter ain’t easy,” he remarked during the City Council meeting on Tuesday. “But you’re trying, and no one’s saying to you, ‘Oh, we got your back.’”

The Council voted unanimously to explore the feasibility of the initiative dubbed the Housing Alternative for Urban Strength (HAUS), with plans to revisit the concept in 90 days. Under HAUS, tenants would be expected to pay rent for an affordable unit, with rates influenced by city guidelines. The city aims to negotiate affordable utility services for residents, who would also be required to complete a class covering tenant responsibilities and financial literacy.

Cunningham proposed a pilot program to assist 40 tenants, estimating a total cost of approximately $100,000. Mayor Regina Romero expressed openness to the idea but stressed the need for further research on funding sources and legal implications.

Councilmember Karin Uhlich voiced support for the program, highlighting its focus on utilizing existing housing stock rather than building new units, which may face resistance during economic downturns. “We shouldn’t have a vacancy rate, given the housing crisis that we have,” Uhlich stated.

Similar initiatives, like Maricopa County’s Threshold Program, already provide support to individuals transitioning out of homelessness while offering incentives to landlords. Cunningham encapsulated the program’s essence by urging, “Sometimes all we’re asking is, ‘Hey, take a chance on people.’”