For thousands of Arizonans, access to safe, stable housing is a turning point that creates the foundation for better health, renewed stability, and long-term opportunity. A recent study shows that investing in affordable housing does more than boost the economy. It changes lives, helping people who have experienced homelessness rebuild and move forward.

Research from the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University demonstrates how access to affordable housing leads to better health outcomes, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of well-being and belonging. These benefits are evident in Phoenix communities such as Urban Living on Fillmore (UFL) and Osborn Pointe, where stable housing is paired with services that help residents rebuild and stabilize their lives.

Both developments are owned and operated by Native American Connections, a nonprofit organization that serves more than 10,000 people and families each year across 24 sites statewide, including 19 residential communities, all dedicated to affordable housing, providing more than 879 units for individuals, families, and seniors.

That sense of belonging is especially strong at Osborn Pointe, Native American Connections’ newest development. The 48-unit affordable housing community serves adults ages 55 and older and offers long-term, income-based housing paired with supportive services.

“We have all turned into a big family here. We take care of each other,” says Michelle. “I’m much more confident in myself now that I have my own place. I love it.”

Osborn Pointe was made possible in part through a $720,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant awarded by FHLBank San Francisco in partnership with Raza Development Fund, a Phoenix-based community development financial institution.

“We saw that the senior population in midtown Phoenix was underserved,” says Matilde Serena‑Jordan, senior director of housing services at Native American Connections, which was motivated to alleviate some of the need for affordable housing for seniors in the neighborhood. “This isn’t just a roof—it can be long‑term housing that allows people to age with dignity and stability.”

While Osborn Pointe supports older adults, Native American Connections also serves families through developments like Urban Living on Fillmore, located just a few miles away. The community provides 63 affordable apartments for lower-income families in a rapidly growing district of Phoenix.

Finding housing that is both affordable and close to jobs, schools, and essential services can be a major challenge for families.

“It can be incredibly difficult to find housing that’s affordable and still be able to take care of your family,” says Leslie Reece, resident services director at Urban Living on Fillmore. “We help bridge that gap with food support, assistance applying for jobs, and children’s activities that help families thrive.”

With no new affordable housing developments built in downtown Phoenix since 2013, Urban Living on Fillmore became the first such development in its district in years, made possible by an $823,590 AHP grant from FHLBank San Francisco in partnership with Western Alliance Bank.

For residents like Adelaida, the support has been vital. After adopting four children, she needed a safe, affordable home for her family.

“I’m so grateful for this building,” says Adelaida, who appreciates the resident support services at Urban Living on Fillmore she receives for her children. “They help me a lot with food donations, clothes—everything.”

For nearly 55 years, Native American Connections has worked to change lives, strengthen families, and build healthier communities across Arizona. As the need for affordable housing continues to grow, the organization and its partners are developing new communities that will offer high-quality, income-based homes paired with free supportive services designed to improve health, stability, and long-term well-being.

Learn more about Native American Connections and its work to expand access to affordable housing across Arizona. Discover how FHLBank San Francisco’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and its community partnerships help expand access to affordable housing for those who need it most.