Homelessness in Phoenix, Arizona, has become a serious problem in recent years. Thousands of people and families do not have a safe place to live. The extreme summer heat in Maricopa County makes things even worse, and many people die each year because of heat-related illnesses. Because of this, motel voucher programs are very important. During emergencies, they give people a temporary place to stay and help keep them safe.
Places That May Help With Motel Vouchers in Phoenix
These are real organizations that work with homeless people in Phoenix and can provide motel or hotel stays in emergency situations.
1. Phoenix Rescue Mission
Phoenix Rescue Mission (PRM) generally does not offer walk-in emergency motel vouchers. Instead, its voucher program is part of a long-term Housing Assistance Program designed to help people obtain permanent housing. PRM vouchers are typically state or federally funded and are issued after a thorough intake process:
- Outreach Interview: The process begins with a screening interview conducted by a PRM Hope Counselor or Community Outreach Case Manager.
- Case Management: If approved, case managers help you obtain the necessary documents (ID, Social Security card, etc.) and guide you through the housing application process.
- Voucher Issuance: Once the paperwork is complete, a voucher can be issued to help you find permanent housing, typically an apartment, rather than a temporary motel.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis and often depends on the current availability of state or federal funding. PRM focuses primarily on long-term transformation, including substance abuse recovery and career development, rather than simply providing short-term emergency housing.
2. Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) does not issue motel vouchers directly at its local offices. Instead, it funds the Short-Term Crisis Services (STCS) program, which provides emergency housing assistance through a network of local partners.
To receive DES-funded emergency housing or motel assistance, you must apply through your local Community Action Agency (CAA) or a specialized service provider.
- Maricopa County/Phoenix Area: Contact the Maricopa County Department of Human Services or your local Community Action Program (CAP) office to inquire about STCS availability.
- Family Housing Center: Families with children in Phoenix should call 2-1-1 to contact the Family Housing Center, which manages emergency placements for families.
- Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): If you are a DDD member, housing vouchers are coordinated through your Support Coordinator.
3. Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) primarily provides beds in physical shelters rather than motel vouchers. They operate Arizona’s largest emergency shelter system, offering specialized facilities for single adults, families, and seniors. Instead of vouchers, CASS offers immediate accommodations at the following high-capacity facilities:
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS): Located at 230 S. 12th Ave, Phoenix. This easily accessible, 24/7 facility offers over 600 beds, meals, and case management.
CASS Family Shelter (Vista Colina): Located at 1050 W. Mountain View Rd, Phoenix. This center offers private rooms and comprehensive services for families with children.
The Haven: A specialized emergency shelter for adults 55 and older, designed with age-appropriate accessibility.
While CASS focuses on providing long-term housing, it occasionally collaborates with the City of Phoenix on temporary housing programs (such as Project Haven) during extreme crises or for high-risk individuals.
4. Community Bridges Inc.
Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) does not offer walk-in motel vouchers to the general public. Instead, it provides emergency “bridge housing” through partnerships with select hotels and specialized outreach programs for individuals with behavioral health or substance use disorders. To receive housing support from CBI, you must generally be enrolled in one of its clinical or outreach programs.
- Street Assistance (PATH Program): CBI operates the Project for Homelessness Transition Assistance (PATH), which provides assistance to individuals with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness. You can contact the 24-hour PATH hotline at 844-691-5948.
- Bridge Housing (Hotel-to-Housing): CBI partners with Maricopa County to operate select leased hotels as “bridge housing” for individuals transitioning to permanent housing. This option is accessed through a referral from a CBI case manager.
- Healing Centers: CBI operates emergency shelters and Healing Centers on closed campuses, such as the Saguaro Shelter at 8101 N. Black Canyon Hwy, which offers safe indoor beds and medical services.
5. Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of Phoenix primarily provides emergency housing through its own shelters and transitional housing facilities, rather than motel vouchers. However, it also offers support for emergency and transitional housing, which may include motel assistance in specific crisis situations, through its Social Work Services and local neighborhood conferences.
SVdP operates through more than 80 local Catholic churches in Arizona. Each conference is volunteer-led and can provide limited, one-off emergency assistance (which may occasionally include motel stays) based on its specific budget and neighborhood boundaries.
Find your local conference using the SVdP Conference Map or call the HOPE line at 602-266-4673.
6. Catholic Charities Community Services
Catholic Charities Community Services in Phoenix offers motel vouchers, primarily through its outreach teams, as a temporary solution for homeless individuals who cannot or do not wish to enter a traditional shelter. These vouchers are generally reserved for emergency situations and are subject to the availability of funds.
To inquire about voucher availability or other housing services, contact their main office in Phoenix or their specialized programs: 5151 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015 602-285-1999 or 1-855-316-2229 (toll-free)
7. Office of Homeless Solutions
The City of Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) does not typically provide motel vouchers directly to walk-in individuals. Instead, OHS focuses on expanding city-run emergency shelters and “bridge housing” models, such as leasing entire hotels to serve as temporary housing for people transitioning to permanent homes.
Who Can Qualify?
You may qualify if you are:
- Homeless
- Facing eviction
- Parent with children
- Senior citizen
- Disabled
- Victim of domestic violence
- Recently lost your job
You may need:
- Identification
- Proof of homelessness
- Eviction notice (if available)
- Referral from a shelter or social worker
Limitations to know before applying
- Availability of funds: Vouchers are strictly limited by current funding and are typically reserved for extreme weather or life-threatening situations.
- Documentation: You may be required to have an initial interview and provide identification.
- Pet policy: Finding pet-friendly motel vouchers is much more difficult; mention this immediately when calling 211.
Final thoughts
Motel vouchers in Phoenix are not a solution to homelessness, but they are a vital, life-saving emergency measure. By combining nonprofit initiatives, government funding, and community support, these programs offer hope and immediate relief to those most at risk.
