In Sept. 2021, Tempe purchased the Rodeway Inn on Apache Boulevard to add 40 temporary shelter rooms in Tempe. The property was purchased for $3.3 million using federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Now called Sue's Espacio, the shelter increases Tempe’s ability to assist people off the streets and into a safe haven. Residents work with staff to access resources such as employment and medical care while securing more permanent housing.  

Sue's Espacio is equipped with laundry facilities, a small children's library and a dog park for residents with pets. The city works with nonprofit and community groups to provide resources such as occasional hot meals, food boxes and free feminine hygiene supplies.

The City of Tempe purchased a second bridge shelter in 2024. When open, it will offer up to 60 rooms for people experiencing homelessness. 

The nonprofit Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing (TCAH) was created by the City of Tempe Public Housing Authority in 2018. The mission of TCAH is to oversee a portfolio of affordable properties throughout Tempe and also purchase properties and land that will remain permanently affordable. TCAH receives funding support from the city's Hometown for All affordable housing initiative.

The Hometown for All initiative creates a dedicated funding sources to accelerate the growth of affordable and workforce housing in Tempe. Funds support the nonprofit Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing, which leverages funds for:

• Acquisition – Permanently affordable homes, apartments, condos
• Land purchased - Partnerships to develop affordable/workforce housing
• Redevelopment - Reimagined city-owned properties

For every development project built in Tempe, an amount equivalent to 50% of certain permitting fees paid to the city's General Fund supports affordable and workforce housing. Contributions from developers to Hometown for All also support the city's work. 

Learn more on the Hometown for All public dashboard.