Maricopa County Approves $150,000 to Support Housing for Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved $150,000 to support housing and career training for foster youth at EVIT’s HopeTech.Photo byImage: Tysonomo Multimedia

PHOENIX— At their formal meeting today, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $150,000 in funding to support housing opportunities for students transitioning out of the foster care system.

The funding will benefit HopeTech, a newly built 64-bed residence hall at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), designed to provide safe housing and support services for young adults as they receive career technical training.

According to the county, it will provide funding for EVIT to purchase furniture and appliances for five apartments within the residence hall, located at 1601 W. Main St. in Mesa.

Additionally, the funds will cover transportation within the 65-acre EVIT campus and to classes and appointments, as well as provide courts and equipment for physical activities, according to county officials.

“Investing in our young people as they transition out of foster care is an investment in the future of our communities,” said Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin. “Workforce training provides them with important, economically viable skills and the opportunity to build a stable, successful life.”

HopeTech is the first program of its kind in Arizona, combining housing and support services for foster youth with career training at a Career Technical Education District (CTED) campus, according to the county.

The improvements are funded through Maricopa County’s Community Solutions Funding, which, according to the county, is part of the Board’s broader efforts to advance the county’s strategic goals and provide clear public benefits for its residents.

“The generous support from Maricopa County is more than a financial gift,” said EVIT Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson.

“It provides students with additional resources and support needed to step confidently into adulthood and onto a pathway towards independence and prosperity. We are deeply grateful for this investment in these students' futures.”