Maricopa County has made a conscious effort to address the affordable housing crisis for seniors with the recent opening of The Cascalote in Glendale. As reported by Maricopa County's news release, the 148-unit community is geared towards seniors facing economic challenges, including those experiencing homelessness or living with disabilities.
The initiative is a testament to partnerships in the region, where the collaboration between Maricopa County, the City of Glendale, and Mercy Housing has come to fruition. Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee highlighted the importance of developments like The Cascalote for providing seniors "comfort and stability." In a community where housing prices continue to soar, such affordable options are not just welcomed; they are necessary.
Supported by a significant financial investment, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors earmarked $9.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the land acquisition, predevelopment, and construction costs of the endeavor. This reflects the county's larger commitment to affordable housing, having put forth more than $128 million of ARPA funds into housing programs and projects to date.
The Cascalote, located at the intersection of 49th Avenue and Glenn Drive, not only offers a range of affordable housing options with rents tailored for incomes 30 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) but also amenities such as a bocce court and community garden. Mercy Housing's President, Shelly Marquez, expressed excitement about this "exciting milestone" and gratitude towards the project's contributors. According to the official statement, this marks Mercy Housing's first new affordable housing development in Arizona in over a decade.
