At Threshold, our mission is to transform the landscape of homelessness by expanding access to safe and stable housing. As we release our 2024 Annual Impact Report, we are excited to share the remarkable progress and achievements of the past year. Since our official launch in June 2022, we have been dedicated to addressing the complex challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.
This year’s report showcases how our efforts have significantly improved housing outcomes. By reflecting on these successes, we highlight our work’s positive impact on individuals, families, and the broader community. Let’s explore how Threshold creates a more inclusive and resilient housing system, ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to find a place to call home.
Key Statistics
Our 2024 Impact Report highlights our achievements over the past year.
The 2024 Annual Impact Report provides a clear snapshot of Threshold’s achievements over the past year. It reflects our commitment to enhancing housing stability and addressing homelessness in Arizona. Here are some of the key statistics that highlight the significant strides we’ve made:
New Properties: Threshold has successfully engaged 611 new property owners in the past year. The expansion has increased the availability of rental properties for our housing assistance programs. This allows us to offer more options to individuals and families in need.
More Permanent Housing: Our efforts have directly contributed to moving 3,313 households from homelessness into stable housing across Maricopa County. This significant achievement underscores our dedication to providing permanent housing solutions and improving the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Expansion Across Arizona: Threshold’s outreach and engagement have resulted in 1,648 rental units available across 117 ZIP codes in 26 cities. This extensive coverage helps ensure that individuals and families can access housing options in diverse neighborhoods, promoting greater choice and stability.
Higher Leasing Rate: In 2023, 84.3% of issued housing vouchers were successfully leased, a testament to the effectiveness of our voucher utilization strategies. This high success rate reflects our ability to connect individuals and families with appropriate housing and support services.
More Efficient: Our improved processes and increased efficiency have resulted in a notable decrease in the time it takes for unhoused Arizonans to move into their new homes. On average, individuals are now moving into stable housing 27 days faster than they did in 2021, demonstrating the impact of our efforts to expedite the move-in process.
These statistics not only highlight our progress but also reflect the collective efforts of our partners, property owners, and stakeholders.
Diversifying ZIP Codes
Recent studies have highlighted startling disparities in life expectancy across different ZIP codes in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with some areas experiencing a difference of up to 14 years despite being just a short drive apart. These disparities are driven by what public health experts call “social determinants of health.” Factors such as access to healthy food, quality education, affordable housing, and employment opportunities can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another, impacting overall well-being.
In response to these challenges, Threshold has prioritized expanding the geographical reach of properties available for rental assistance. In 2021, the program had access to properties in 73 ZIP codes across four cities in Maricopa County. Recognizing the need for broader access, Threshold has worked diligently to engage a wider range of property owners and operators across Arizona.
The expansion offers many benefits to program participants and the community. More available properties in different neighborhoods give people more options. They can live closer to work and social support networks. This choice helps build stability and a sense of community, which is key to long-term housing success. Property owners can better use their assets, and service providers have more flexibility to meet program goals.
More opportunity: Families and individuals moving off the streets into permanent housing in Maricopa County are finding homes in neighborhoods with access to more gainful employment, better healthcare, and higher performing schools.
Faster Move-Ins
One of the most pressing challenges in addressing homelessness is the need for immediate and stable shelter. Faster move-in times play a crucial role in alleviating the homelessness crisis by quickly transitioning individuals from temporary shelters or living on the streets into permanent housing. By accelerating the move-in process, we open up valuable shelter resources for the next household in need. This helps more people find safe and stable accommodations without delay.
Stable housing creates a foundation upon which individuals can access necessary services such as healthcare, job training, and educational opportunities. This ultimately contributes to improved overall outcomes.
Accelerating move-in times not only helps individuals regain a sense of normalcy but also enhances the effectiveness of vouchers. Stable housing makes tenants more likely to maintain their homes and successfully integrate into their communities. For property owners and operators, quicker move-ins mean reduced vacancy periods and a more predictable revenue stream.
With more property owners and operators partnering to end homelessness, unhoused Arizonans are moving into homes 63 days faster than in 2021.
Voucher Utilization
Housing vouchers are a powerful tool in combating homelessness. They provide financial assistance for rent, enabling low-income individuals and families to afford housing in the private market, which is essential for preventing homelessness.
A key benefit of housing vouchers is that they reduce the financial burden of rent. Vouchers usually cover a large portion of the rent, so recipients only spend about 30% of their income on housing. This helps prevent evictions and promotes long-term housing stability. By lowering housing costs, vouchers improve overall well-being and help households manage other expenses.
As more people utilize housing vouchers to secure their own homes, the demand for temporary shelters decreases. This reduction in shelter usage frees up valuable resources that can be redirected toward other homelessness prevention services. By effectively utilizing available vouchers, we can reduce the strain on emergency shelters and enhance the overall efficiency of the homeless services system.
With access to more housing in more locations, voucher holders are much more likely to be successful in finding a home.
Looking Forward
As we continue to build on these achievements, we remain committed to empowering those we serve and fostering an environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are not just addressing homelessness but actively working to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to our mission. With your ongoing support, we look forward to achieving even greater milestones in the coming year.
