Mercy Housing

To create stable, vibrant and healthy communities by developing, financing and operating affordable, program-enriched housing for families, seniors and people with special needs who lack the economic resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities.

Our story begins in the early 1980s, when founder Sister Timothy Marie O'Roark, a Sister of Mercy of Omaha, served as a legal aid attorney in Omaha, Nebraska, working with families facing eviction from their homes. She witnessed the horrible conditions in which they lived, and saw that many had little to no help accessing affordable housing. She recognized that the root problem for many of her clients was the lack of stable housing, as many were facing eviction from their homes because they simply could not afford rent. She saw the pervasive impact that an insecure living situation had on family dynamics, as children faced difficulties in school and parents encountered problems finding stable employment.

She vowed, "We can do better."

In order to treat a growing social crisis, she organized her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy, and founded Mercy Housing in 1981.

The program answered a desperate need and expanded to regional offices across the country, including Arizona. In 40 years, Mercy Housing has grown into a national organization, now operating in locations across 20 states.

Mercy Housing Southwest provides safe, affordable homes for low-income seniors and people with special needs living at 13 communities in Arizona. Four communities in the Phoenix area serve people with disabilities, those living with HIV/AIDS, and/or those living with severe mental illness. The remaining nine properties are senior housing communities focused on helping residents age in place with dignity and respect. Resident Services are offered at no cost to residents at many Mercy Housing communities. Many of our residents are just one health crisis away from losing their housing and ending up on the streets. The median household income for Mercy Housing Southwest residents is $10,970. Our residents struggle to maintain healthy lifestyles due to limited transportation options, chronic disease, and fixed incomes.

Testimonials

"I'm a very active senior at 70 years of age, and this community helps me maintain my independence. I ride my bicycle seven days a week, and because Mercy Housing is near public transportation, I can easily take the bus. I'm very happy and comfortable here in my retirement years." - Mike, Mercy Housing Southwest resident

"I am so grateful at this time in my life to have found a home where I feel safe, secure and valued." - Gloria, Mercy Housing Southwest resident

"I don't know where I'd be without Mercy Housing. I do know though, that without Mercy Housing many more people would be homeless. I'm grateful to be here."
-Emma- Age 74