Homelessness in Arizona is more than a statistic — it's a daily struggle for thousands of people and families who lack a safe place to live. Behind every number is a story of hardship, resilience, and the hope for stability. At HOM, we believe no one should face that struggle alone. For more than two decades, our team has worked hand in hand with community partners to create real solutions to this crisis. One of the most important and longest standing of those partnerships is with Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation (ABC). Together, HOM and ABC have built more than housing programs — we've built pathways to stability, dignity, and thriving lives for people who need it most. 

This blog highlights that partnership. Below, we explain who ABC is and the impact our combined work has had across Arizona. More than anything, we want to shine a light on the value of working together to end homelessness. 

Homelessness in Arizona affects thousands daily. Through its partnership with ABC, HOM provides housing and support, helping people move from hardship to stability and hope.

ABC: A Valued Partner 

When we talk about ending homelessness, no organization can do it alone. It takes trust, collaboration, and a willingness to focus on strengths. That's why our relationship with Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation is so meaningful. 

For more than two decades, ABC has trusted HOM to manage the daily operations of complex housing programs — everything from rental assistance payments and inspections to lease renewals. This allows ABC to focus on what they do best: systems-level administration, including financial management, planning, coordination, convening and facilitating, policy development, training, performance management, and advocacy. 

"My journey in housing began as an intern at ABC many years ago, where I saw firsthand the life-changing impact of stable housing and supportive services," says Hayley Winterberg, Chief Housing Officer at HOM. "Over the past 25 years, HOM and ABC have built a strong partnership rooted in trust and collaboration, working together to create lasting solutions and stronger communities across Arizona."  

This trust has been the foundation of an enduring partnership. HOM's housing expertise and ABC's focus on system administration complement one another, creating a system where people not only find homes but also receive the support they need to thrive. 

"Our partnership with HOM has enhanced our ability to fulfill our mission tenfold, and it is uniquely because of the care, expertise and dedication with which they do their work," says ABC President and CEO Charles Sullivan. "As a nonprofit organization dedicated to housing the most vulnerable in our community, we are extremely lucky to have found a mission driven for-profit company with a shared vision of ending homelessness through the only true solution — housing. Our partnership model allows us to leverage our organizational strengths to run high quality programs in a way unique to the world of housing." 

What Makes ABC Special? 

Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation is a nonprofit dedicated to making sure people with serious behavioral health needs — and others facing major housing challenges — have access to safe, affordable homes. Since 1999, it has provided housing to tens of thousands of Arizona residents, focusing on those who are most vulnerable. 

What makes ABC unique is their client-centered approach. They understand that recovery and stability start with a safe place to live. That's why they prioritize individuals living with serious mental illness, meeting them where they are in their lives. With the right wraparound services, many of these individuals can break cycles of emergency room visits, incarceration, and homelessness. 

Today, ABC houses more than 3,800 people in Arizona. Their programs are not only compassionate but also clinically effective and fiscally responsible. 

Support and compassion matter. Through partnerships like HOM and Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation, individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges can find stability, care, and hope for a better future.

AHCCCS Housing Program 

As the centralized housing administrator for Arizona's Medicaid program, ABC oversees system administration statewide, while HOM manages the day-to-day operations like intakes, inspections, and subsidy payments. Together, this program serves thousands of households every year. 

Section 8 Mainstream Program 

Designated a Public Housing Authority by HUD, ABC administers vouchers for very-low-income families with disabilities. With HOM's support, the program currently funds 194 vouchers. 

Housing Advocates 

For participants who face extra barriers — like criminal records, poor credit, or lack of transportation — ABC has a dedicated housing advocate This advocate goes the extra mile to help people find open units, negotiate with landlords, and coordinate with case managers so no one is left behind. 

These programs are designed not only to house people but also to support them in rebuilding their lives. Stable housing is often the first step toward reconnecting with family, accessing health care, and finding long-term independence. 

When housing expertise meets behavioral health support, lives change. Thanks to the partnership between HOM and ABC, individuals can find stable homes, supportive services, and the opportunity to thrive, rebuild, and embrace a brighter future.

HOM + ABC: A Partnership That Works 

The partnership between ABC and HOM is built on complementary strengths. ABC and HOM collaborate to align vision with execution, ensuring programs are both innovative and effective. 

At HOM, we take on the complex housing administration tasks — completing briefings and intakes, conducting inspections, and ensuring rental payments are made on time. This frees up ABC's staff to focus on the system administration side, allowing them to focus on strong community partnerships and advocacy for system improvements.  

At its core, the ABC-HOM partnership is about more than logistics or contracts. It's about people. Every successful match is a life changed, a family reunited, or a veteran finally finding stability. Together, we're not just solving problems — we're building hope. 

The Road Ahead 

While the partnership between HOM and ABC has already changed thousands of lives, the work is far from over. Arizona continues to face a housing crunch, with rising rents, limited affordable units, and increasing demand for supportive housing. At the same time, the need for housing vouchers is greater than ever. 

But these challenges only push us to innovate. HOM and ABC are preparing for the future by: 

• Expanding housing opportunities through new landlord engagement strategies. 
• Using technology, like Padmission Connect, to streamline housing searches. 
• Advocating for policies and funding that make affordable housing accessible to more people. 

"It's about empowering people to thrive, not just survive," says Winterberg. 

That's the vision guiding our partnership. Housing is not the finish line — it's the foundation for healthier, safer, and stronger communities. With stable housing, people can focus on recovery, reconnect with loved ones, and contribute to society in meaningful ways. 

Because ending homelessness isn't just about providing shelter. It's about offering dignity, opportunity, and hope. And as long as there are people in need of housing, HOM and ABC will be here, building solutions side by side. 

When housing expertise meets behavioral health support, lives change. That's the power of partnership. That's the promise of HOM and ABC.