With a funding from RDF, Native American Connections (NAC)completed the Catherine Arms Apartments, 28 units of affordable housing in downtown Phoenix. NAC began redeveloping the project in 2008 which helped to revitalize the community, creating several construction related jobs. The apartments will be completed and open just in time for the holidays.

Once opened, Catherine Arms will be home to 28 families, many of whom are experiencing homelessness, perhaps due to the economy or other extenuating circumstances. The community is located within walking distance of the Metro Light Rail, Arizona State University’s Downtown Campus and many other educational and employment opportunities. “With this great location we are hopeful that residents will take the opportunity to further their educational endeavors and employment goals, with this great walk to work opportunity, thereby improving their quality of lives”, stated Diana Yazzie Devine, CEO of Native American Connections.

The new Catherine Arms community helps to revitalize the neighborhood and is also environmentally friendly. The project is a major renovation of an aging 1950’s apartment complex that was in dire need of major fundamental building and life safety code improvements. The interior of the apartments have been modernized and include energy efficient windows, appliances and other energy efficient features. The buildings aesthetics have also been improved including modernization of the façade which helps make the building and the neighborhood visually appealing. In addition, Xeriscaping has been used for the landscape to conserve water.

NAC will officially open Catherine Arms Apartments on December 10, 2009.