Our Why
At HOM, our purpose is simple: to help people build stronger, healthier futures by ensuring they have a safe place to call home. But “why” we do this work is only part of the story. Equally important is how we do it — the shared values, skills, and behaviors that shape our culture and fuel our mission to end homelessness. This is where the HOM Competency Model comes in. It’s the foundation of who we are, how we work, and why HOM remains a place like no other.
What Is the HOM Competency Model?
A home gives stability and belonging. The HOM Competency Model does the same for our team.
This model is a clear framework. It defines the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to succeed in every role.
It goes beyond job descriptions and focuses on the how. We serve clients with care, support partners effectively, and work together smoothly. We uphold the standards that make HOM a leader.
For over 30 years, HOM has helped thousands of Arizonans find stable housing through programs like Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-Housing. Our competency model is key to this impact. It ensures every team member lives our culture of service, innovation, and integrity.
The model rests on four pillars called The Four E’s. They guide every interaction and every decision we make.
The Four E’s of the HOM Competency Model
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is the heart of our competency model. It means approaching every individual — whether a program participant, landlord, or coworker — with empathy, patience, and respect.
We listen intentionally and respond with compassion. We build trust by showing people they matter.
This emphasis on emotional intelligence strengthens every relationship in the HOM community and ensures that people who walk through our doors feel heard, valued, and supported.
Excellence
Excellence is our commitment to doing things the right way, every time.
It means holding ourselves to the highest standards in accuracy, confidentiality, compliance, and service. From processing payments to collaborating with partners, we strive to deliver results that make a measurable impact.
As industry leaders, we innovate, improve processes, and set new standards for what effective housing programs can look like in Arizona and beyond.
Ethics
Ethics is our non-negotiable.
We manage federal funds with transparency and integrity, honor our commitments, and communicate honestly — even when challenges arise.
We treat every person with dignity and respect, recognizing the unique strengths and experiences they bring.
This ethical foundation builds trust with program participants, community partners, and the many stakeholders who depend on HOM.
Expertise
Expertise reflects our commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and the diverse backgrounds that make our team strong.
We evolve with the needs of the housing landscape, leveraging technology, real-world experience, and specialized training to improve our programs and outcomes.
Whether navigating market changes or adopting new tools like Padmission’s Journey and Connect software, our expertise drives innovation and supports our mission.
Why the HOM Competency Model Matters
Our competency model is more than a framework — it’s our culture in action.
It shapes how we show up for our community and for each other.
It helps us attract and retain dedicated professionals who share our vision for a stronger Arizona.
And it ensures that every process, partnership, and program is rooted in fairness, empathy, accuracy, and innovation.
Thanks to the principles in this model, HOM helps more than 4,800 households every month and has supported over 12,000 individuals in exiting homelessness since 2018. Our competency model is the reason we can streamline complex housing systems and allow our partners to focus on what matters most: supporting people.
This is “Our Why.” This is who we are. And this is how we’re working — every day — to build communities where everyone has a place to call home.
