Housing Services Offered by NAC
Housing Services for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Shelter Services for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Affordable Housing for Low-Income Individuals and Families Youth Housing Services for Individuals 18 - 26 Experiencing Homelessness
Find application criteria, housing resources, waitlist information, and tips for applying to NAC Housing Services.
Housing Services for Those Experiencing Homelessness
What is Permanent Supportive Housing?
Permanent Supportive Housing is a combination of housing assistance and services designed for individuals experiencing homelessness and individuals with serious mental illnesses or other disabilities who need support to live stably in their communities. Individuals in NAC's Permanent Supportive Housing Program access cost effective and compassionate on-site supportive services to assist through relapse, loss of income, serious physical health, general mental health issues, and daily living skills.
How can I obtain housing through NAC's permanent supportive housing program?
Native American Connections is part of the Single Adult Coordinated Entry System in Maricopa County and a referral from the Human Services Campus (HSC) is required for placement at a permanent supportive housing site for all individuals seeking services.
Who is eligible to receive permanent supportive housing services?
Single adult individuals over the age of 18 living in Maricopa County and experiencing homelessness are eligible to receive a housing assessment through a Coordinated Entry Access Point.
Non-Native Individuals
Non-Native individuals experiencing homelessness must complete a housing assessment and be referred by Maricopa County's Coordinated Entry System through the Human Services Campus in order to join the permanent supportive housing program.
Call 602-229-5155 or visit the Welcome Center at 204 S. 12th Ave, Phoenix 85007 to connect with services and start the housing assessment process.
Native Individuals
Native individuals experiencing homelessness can reach out directly to NAC to start the housing assessment process. Our housing specialist will help schedule and coordinate your assessment at a time and place comfortable for you.
To request a housing assessment with NAC, click the link below to email our housing specialist. Please leave your first and last name, phone number or best method of contact, and a time/location that works best to meet.
Native American Connections is a partner of the Human Services Campus collaborative and does not manage housing assessment submissions, referrals, or waitlist for permanent supportive housing programs, including those operated by Native American Connections. Please contact CASS directly at 602-229-5155 concerning assessments, referrals, or placement into a supportive housing program. Thank you.
Shelter Services for Those Experiencing Homelessness
What is The Lodge?
The Lodge is a 38 bed shelter operated by Native American Connections. NAC operates this shelter and provides case management services at The Lodge in partnership with Maricopa County's Coordinated Entry System. Due to limited capacity and community need, The Lodge currently has a waitlist.
Who is eligible for The Lodge services?
Single elderly and adult individuals over the age of 18 experiencing homelessness and living in Maricopa County are eligible to receive services at The Lodge.
How can I stay at The Lodge?
A referral from our community partners is required for application and placement on the waiting list at The Lodge for all individuals seeking services.
Youth Shelter & Transitional Housing for Individuals 18 -26
What is HomeBase Youth Services?
HomeBase Youth Services provide dormitory-style shelter housing with wraparound care at two locations (HomeBase Central and HomeBase Surprise) in Maricopa County. Residents receive daily meals and nutrition services, access to behavioral and physical health services, case management support, employment & education assistance, and additional services. Each resident is encouraged to build and maintain a positive, stable housing plan with continued support into permanent housing.
What is the HomeBase Drop-In Center?
Monday - Friday from 7am - 4pm, HomeBase Drop-In Centers are available to youth (ages 18 - 26) experiencing homelessness at each HomeBase location. Individuals have access to the HomeBase community areas and have the opportunity to catch up on sleep and shower in private spaces, do laundry, eat nourishing food, and receive case management services. Alongside these free services and amenities, individuals receive information about HomeBase services and can determine if an assessment for the program is right for them. Our residents and clients tell us, "Homebase is different." Each month, HomeBase Drop-In Centers hold events for youth outreach; drop by or call today to learn about our next event and see if HomeBase is right for you. For HomeBase Central Drop-In Center, call 602-263-7773 or visit 931 E. Devonshire Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85014 during drop-in hours. For HomeBase Surprise Drop-In Center, call 602-513-2603 or visit 12215 W Bell Rd. Surprise, AZ 85378 during drop-in hours.
How can I start my assessment for HomeBase Youth Services?
HomeBase Youth Services are available at two locations, HomeBase Central (Phoenix) and HomeBase Surprise. Individuals ages 18-26 can request a housing assessment at HomeBase Central by calling 602-263-5531 and HomeBase Surprise by calling 602-648-9737. Our youth program coordinator will help you determine your eligibility for the program, schedule your assessment, and support you during the program's application process. Please note, HomeBase Youth Services are operated on a first come, first serve basis. Native American Connections manages a waitlist for each location.
HomeBase Youth Services Assessment Process
- Call to schedule your assessment.
- Complete your assessment with a HomeBase intake specialist. Assessments are typically held over the phone or in-person at each HomeBase location.
- A HomeBase intake specialist will be in contact with you to provide further information on placement into the program or onto our waitlist.
- Once you've been accepted into the HomeBase program, a HomeBase case manager will reach out to schedule your move-in and orientation date.
Call to Schedule Your Assessment
HomeBase Central - Phoenix, Arizona
602-263-5531
HomeBase Surprise- Surprise, Arizona
602-648-9737
Affordable Housing for Low-Income Families & Individuals
Do I qualify for NAC's affordable housing program?
NAC offers affordable housing to low-income individuals and families, following AZ Fair Housing Guidelines. We cannot review applications from individuals that do not meet the rental criteria set by AZ Fair Housing and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. Please review all details of the Rental Criteria listed below to confirm that you meet these requirements BEFORE filling out an application to an NAC affordable housing community.
What is NAC's Affordable Housing Waitlist Policy?
In accordance with AZ Fair Housing Guidelines, NAC operates a waitlist for all affordable housing properties. After your application is accepted, your spot on our waitlist is secured and our housing specialist will be in touch. Applications are prioritized based on AZ Fair Housing Guidelines and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program criteria.
Rental Criteria
Before you complete a Rental Application, please review the following requirements to determine if you are eligible for NAC's affordable housing program. All sections apply to applicant(s) responsible for paying the rent under the Apartment Rental Agreement. Each applicant over 18 years old must complete and sign the rental application.
Questions? Check out our application FAQ, listed at the end of the rental criteria.
Prioritization of Occupancy
NAC prioritizes households for occupancy based on:
a. Households that are currently homeless and have adequate income
b. Households that are currently in an over occupancy situation
c. Households that are in non-subsidized housing whose rent is greater than 30% of their annual income
d. Households who are not currently living in a home or apartment under a lease in their name
Income
Applicant must have a sustainable income at the time of the application. The household’s average monthly income must be at least 2.5 times the average monthly rent in order to qualify.
NAC properties participate in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, which contains restrictions as to the allowable household income. Maximum annual income must not exceed the published income guidelines based on household size and desired unit size. Our leasing advocate can further explain the income guidelines that are currently in place. Subject to change without notice based on funding agency publishing of income guidelines.
Credit History
Credit reports will be obtained and reviewed to evaluate the applicant’s ability to pay rent. Judgements by other housing communities must have a payment plan in place at least 90 days prior to a rental application at NAC. Past non-payment history to landlords may disqualify or require a higher security deposit - not to exceed 1.5 times the monthly rent.
Past Landlord Reference
Applicant will be denied if an eviction has occurred in the past 3 years; if a past landlord is owed – a preexisting payment plan must have been in place at least 90 days prior to a rental application.
Occupancy Guidelines
All residents and all occupants must be listed on the Rental Agreement. No more than two (2) occupants in a studio, three (3) occupants in a one bedroom, five (5) occupants in a two bedroom, and seven (7) occupants in a three bedroom apartment home. Unborn children and children who are in the process of being adopted (who do not live in the apartment) are considered household members for purposes of determining unit size and income limits. No one over 18 years of age may be added to this household during the first 12 months of occupancy. As a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit property - NAC utilizes a maximum utilization ratio for occupancy.
Fair Housing Policy
The Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
Criminal History
All occupants over the age of 18 will be subject to a criminal background check. The history must reflect no felony convictions for crimes against persons in the past 5 years. No misdemeanor conviction for a crime against a person in the past 3 years. No felony or misdemeanor drug sales, drug manufacturing, or trafficking convictions in the past 3 years and no conviction for a sex offense ever. No deferred adjudication for a felony against a person, sex offense, or a misdemeanor for a crime against a person for the same periods. Any outstanding warrants will disqualify applicant for occupancy.
This property participates in the City of Phoenix Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.
Pets
Up to one (1) dog or two (2) cats are permitted – cats must have been spayed or neutered and have all shots, dogs must have all shots. Documents providing proof of each are required at time of application. An additional security deposit of $300 is required and must be paid prior to move in. No exotic animals are permitted.
Animals that are assistive service animals are note considered pets under this policy – documentation for the need of a service animal is required and a Service Animal agreement is required. Advise the leasing advocate if you have a need for a Service Animal and they will provide you with the proper legal documents, that will be required. Advise the leasing advocate if you or any household member has an Emotional Support Animal so they may provide you with the documentation that is required.
No Smoking Policy
NAC’s buildings are smoke free. No cigarette, cigar, vaping or pipe smoking is permitted on the property, including inside the apartments. Some properties have a dedicated smoking area.
Application Fee
An application fee of $40 per applicant 18 and older is required at the time of the full application and is nonrefundable. A minimum of a $250 holding fee is required at the time of the full application. The holding fee is refundable only if the apartment type requested is not available, applicant withdraws application within 72 hours (3 calendar days) of approval, or the application is denied. If applicant withdraws application after 48 hours of approval or fails to move into the unit, the holding fee will become forfeit, nonrefundable nor transferable. At move in, holding fee will be credited to the applicant’s ledger to offset move in costs.
False Information
Any falsification or omission of information on the application, or any supporting forms/documents will automatically disqualify the applicant. All deposits and application monies will be forfeited.
Please note that these are our current rental criteria and nothing in these requirements shall constitute a guarantee or representation by our community that all residents and occupants currently residing in our community have met these requirements. There may be residents and occupants that have resided here prior to these requirements going into effect; therefore, our ability to verify whether these requirements are met is limited to the information we receive from various resident reporting services.
Rev 01/01/2023
Affordable Housing Application Guide
- Do I qualify?
- Our affordable housing program follows AZ Fair Housing Guidelines that outline who is eligible for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program at NAC. Please review the Rental Application Criteria in full before filling out your application to confirm you qualify to apply for affordable housing at NAC.
- Which communities are right for me and my family?
- After confirming your eligibility for NAC affordable housing, review each of our 9 properties to get an idea of which might be right for you. You’ll apply to each of the housing properties individually if you find more than one that fits your needs.
- Where can I download and send my application?
- Applications can be downloaded here and via each affordable housing page by scrolling down to the 'Apply Now' section. Once you've downloaded, filled out, and signed your application, please send the full document along with any supplemental materials to housingapplication@nativeconnections.org.
- How long will it take to process my application?
- NAC cannot guarantee a specific wait-time for application processing. To expedite your application, please confirm all information submitted is complete and accurate; our housing specialist cannot process applications with missing or inconsistent information. If there is a problem with your application, our housing specialist will reach out.
- When will I know I've been accepted?
- Our housing specialist will confirm by phone or email that you’ve been placed on our waitlist for affordable housing. We encourage waitlist members to add the NAC phone number and email address to their address book to ensure all messages are received.
- What if I need to make a change to my application after my application is accepted?
- If any changes have occurred to your application / rental criteria status after you’ve submitted, please update NAC at your earliest convenience. This will help ensure your space on the NAC waitlist is correctly prioritized. Unspecified changes to your rental criteria status are subject to re-evaluation of placement in NAC affordable housing properties.
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, familial status, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under Native American Connections housing programs.