UMOM Celebrates Transformative Progress in 2024 and Looks Ahead to a Promising 2025
The emergency shelter expands its impact with the opening of two renovated facilities , offering critical resources to support families experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County
Phoenix, AZ — UMOM New Day Centers capped off a year of remarkable milestones, including the grand reopening of two state-of-the-art facilities that added an additional 192 beds and 42 rooms to UMOM’s campus furthering their ability to serve families experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. These achievements reflect UMOM’s 60 years of unwavering commitment to restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and addressing homelessness in the community.
With over 300 families on a waitlist for emergency shelter in Maricopa County, the renovations of Building F and the Annex marked a pivotal moment. Building F, funded by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, introduces 22 family shelter rooms equipped with six beds each, providing 96 new emergency beds. The Annex contributes an additional 20 shelter units, helping UMOM address the growing needs of multi-generational and larger families.
"The addition of these facilities helps us address the waitlist and provide critical support to families in crisis," UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder. "By increasing our shelter capacity, we can offer immediate relief to more families and help them begin the path to long-term stability, ensuring they have the resources to rebuild their lives."
UMOM’s transformative impact was further supported by a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, awarded in late 2023. This funding enables UMOM to expand emergency shelter capacity and implement innovative solutions for families of four or more, offering them the resources to achieve long-term stability.
The expanded facilities had pivotal outcomes in 2024. UMOM New Day Centers served 2,317 clients, with 1,525 transitioning to permanent housing, achieving an 85% success rate. The Family Housing Hub supported 4,438 families, successfully diverting 22% from needing homeless services, a 9% increase from the previous year. Workforce Development programs assisted 1,521 clients, with 51% exiting with maintained or increased income.
As 2024 draws to a close, UMOM’s commitment to the future remains steadfast. Construction is underway on the organization’s newest affordable housing community, La Esperanza Terrace, which is set to open in 2025, further expanding UMOM’s capacity to support families, along with additional construction slated for the new year.
"This is just the beginning," said Fonder. "With the continued support of our community and key partnerships, we are building a brighter, more stable future for countless individuals and families."
Since its inception in 1964, UMOM has evolved into a foundation of compassion and support, offering shelter to nearly 800 individuals every night, including 155 families and 130 single women. With over 900 units of affordable housing across the Valley, UMOM continues to meet the growing demand for safe shelter and supportive services.