Abstract
Maricopa County’s Emergency Home Repair (EHR) program is a targeted initiative aimed at assisting vulnerable populations, including seniors, children aged six and under, and the disabled. The program was designed to address emergency home repairs that are not covered by other assistance programs, which could lead to significant health and safety concerns if left unaddressed. The EHR program provides critical support to those in need, ensuring that essential repairs are made in a timely and efficient manner. The program's outcomes include improving living conditions and reducing the risk of injuries or health hazards associated with unaddressed home repairs, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals and families.
Need Addressed by the Program
The EHR program was developed to address a critical need in the community, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, such as seniors, children aged six and under, and the disabled. The lack of access to functioning cooling systems during the summer months and heating systems during the winter months poses a significant health and safety issue. This program aims to provide emergency home repairs that are not covered by other assistance programs to avoid further health and safety concerns. The county has a legal obligation to take action to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents, particularly those who are most at risk. The EHR program was able to fast-track repairs and replacements, ensuring that these vulnerable populations have access to essential heating and cooling systems to prevent further health and safety issues.
Program Description
The Emergency Home Repair (EHR) program was launched in October 2021 to provide emergency home repairs to vulnerable populations in the community. The program received over 630 applications and completed 504 jobs within a short period. The program was designed to address critical health and safety issues faced by seniors, the disabled, and people who may not have access to essential home repairs. The program's timeframe for development and implementation is ongoing, to provide emergency home repairs to those in need as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The county plays a significant role in implementing the program, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential home repairs. The work is contracted with the Foundation for Senior Living, which provides critical support to those in need. The program aims to address critical health and safety concerns and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to functioning cooling and heating systems during the summer and winter months, respectively.
Responding to Economic Downturn
The EHR program provides critical support to vulnerable populations who may be impacted by the economic downturn. This program is designed to address emergency home repairs that may not be covered by other assistance programs, which could lead to significant health and safety concerns if left unaddressed. By providing emergency home repairs, the program helps vulnerable populations maintain safe and comfortable homes, reducing the risk of further health and safety issues.
The program can quickly move to assist clients who would otherwise not qualify for assistance with other programs, addressing the needs of those who may be disproportionately impacted by the economic downturn. By providing essential repairs to vulnerable populations who may not have access to other resources, the program helps to alleviate financial burdens and prevent further economic hardship.
In this way, the EHR program is a crucial resource for vulnerable populations during times of economic uncertainty. By addressing critical home repair needs, the program helps to ensure that individuals and families can maintain safe and healthy living conditions, reducing the risk of further financial burdens and improving overall well-being.
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The EHR program plays an important role in furthering Maricopa County's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals by eliminating obstacles that may prevent vulnerable populations from accessing critical home repair services. The program's broader reach allows it to address emergency home repairs that may not be covered by other programs, eliminating the risk of contractors walking away from an application because of additional work needed outside of the program. By addressing critical home repair needs, the program helps to ensure that individuals and families from diverse backgrounds can maintain safe and healthy living conditions, promoting equity and inclusion in the community. In this way, the EHR program supports Maricopa County's commitment to DEI by providing essential services that are accessible to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Program Cost
This program was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Maricopa County's total investment into the Emergency Home Repair program is $18,650,000.
Results/Success of the Program
504 residents have been assisted with a total of $7,649,614.
The program's focus on providing essential home repairs that may have previously been overlooked or inaccessible to vulnerable populations helps make a significant impact on the community. The program's swift response to emergency home repair needs demonstrates a commitment to improving the health and safety of the community's most vulnerable members. The program's ongoing efforts to address critical home repair needs and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to safe and healthy living conditions are a testament to its importance in the community.
Supplemental Materials
