Success Stories

Ray - Supportive housing makes everything possible.

Ray had a long history of drug and alcohol dependency and was diagnosed with a mental health disorder. When Ray arrived at the local emergency shelter system, the case managers connected Ray with the Community Bridges Blueprints Outpatient Treatment Program, as well as mental health services. When Ray completed the Blueprints Program, he was referred to Steele Commons, an Arizona Housing, Inc. supportive housing community.

He moved into his own apartment while continuing to receive wrap-around supportive services. During this time, he completed Goodwill Industries’ six month supportive employment program and was then hired part-time as a peer support specialist at the Marc Center, a social service provider. Ray was promoted to a full-time Peer Support Specialist and became one of Marc Center's most reliable employees. He loves “coaching” and providing emotional support to mental health clients at the Center.

Ray took an important step towards independence when he moved into his own apartment. Steele Commons was critical in developing his ability to deal with his substance abuse and mental health issues. It was the stage in his life where he began to feel stable enough to maintain sobriety and to maintain employment even in the face of doubt and insecurity. Since that time he spread his wings and also works at Native American Connections as a Senior Peer Support Specialist. He continues to seek new ways to help others and develop his skills.

"During this time, Ray an adopted child, was contacted by his biological family. It turns out he is one of seven siblings living in the U.S. and Germany. A family reunification culminated with a trip to Germany to meet his mother."

Peter - Effective case management opens the door to success.

20 years ago, Peter was forced to leave Sudan, the only home he’d ever known, due to civil war. While seeking asylum in the U.S. Peter was granted his life, a gift his parents and brother were not offered. He arrived without family and only 3 months to establish independence. Peter exceeded expectations, acquiring employment and housing quickly. However, the complex trauma he sustained eventually led to maladaptive coping skills and, as a result, experiencing homelessness.

AHI entered Peter’s life 7 years ago, providing him with a safe and stable place to call home, effective case management to assist him in addressing his traumas and becoming a U.S. citizen, and providing a supportive social environment – resulting in Peter experiencing hopefulness, a sense of belonging, improved functioning, and increased self-sufficiency. Today, Peter is employed, was recently approved for permanent residence in the U.S., and has established strong social connections – he is referred to as the unofficial “mayor” of his AHI community.

Larry - Dignity and self-respect are critical to success.

"AHI provided Peter with a safe and stable place to call home and effective case management...Today, Peter is employed and has established strong social connections. "

Larry spent years caring for his ailing mother until his health began to fail as well. Larry fell into a deep depression which led to alcohol abuse. He lost touch with his family and began drifting in and out of homelessness. During this time he would periodically stay at the local emergency shelter system and eventually joined their Veterans Shelter where his case manager referred him to Arizona Housing, Inc. With the help of his case manager, Larry moved into AHI’s Horace Steele Commons Apartments.

Through the supportive services offered at Horace Steele Commons, Larry was able to stop drinking and connect with the VA Hospital for other health needs He realized that Horace Steele Commons was a welcoming community and he became actively engaged with neighbors and involved in activities. As he became healthy again, he re-established contact with his family, including his mother.

Larry now serves on the Block Watch group at Horace Steele Commons and has become an artist who creates beautiful jewelry for the other residents. Larry takes pride in this and believes he is simply making up for the time he was struggling on the streets. Larry prides himself on being a man of his word, is respected by his fellow residents and Horace Steele Commons is a better place because of him.

"Larry is an 85 year old Arizona native and an honorably discharged Navy veteran. Larry serves on the Block Watch group at Horace Steele Commons, an AHI property."