Mental health and homelessness are deeply connected — and for thousands of families across Arizona, the challenges often go hand in hand.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, Save the Family Foundation of Arizona is shining a light on the growing mental health crisis impacting individuals and families experiencing housing instability throughout Maricopa County and across the state.
According to statewide data, approximately 1.3 million Arizona adults live with a mental health condition, while more than 318,000 adults experience serious mental illness. At the same time, nearly 368,000 adults reported needing mental health treatment but not receiving it due to barriers like cost, lack of access, or limited resources.
The reality becomes even more alarming when looking at homelessness in Maricopa County. Recent Point-in-Time (PIT) count data shows that 9,720 people are currently experiencing homelessness, with nearly 38% to 40% of unsheltered individuals reporting a serious mental illness or co-occurring disorder.
For many families, the stress of financial hardship, rising housing costs, job loss, trauma, or unexpected medical expenses can quickly spiral into housing instability — and mental health struggles often follow.
“Homelessness is not just about housing — it’s deeply connected to mental health, trauma, financial stress, and access to support systems,” said Robyn Julien, CEO of Save the Family Foundation of Arizona. “Families facing housing instability are often navigating overwhelming stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma while simply trying to survive. Stable housing paired with individualized support can change the entire trajectory of a family’s future.”
The impact is especially severe for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Nearly half — approximately 47% — of those experiencing chronic homelessness in Arizona are living with serious mental illness, often cycling between the streets, emergency rooms, and the justice system without long-term psychiatric support.
At Save the Family, we know that stable housing is more than a roof overhead — it’s the foundation for healing, growth, and long-term self-sufficiency.
That’s why our approach goes beyond emergency assistance. Through affordable housing and wraparound support services, families are connected to individualized case management, financial literacy programs, career development, parenting support, and mental health resources designed to help them move forward with stability and dignity.
Each year, Save the Family helps more than 1,000 families remain safely housed and on a path toward long-term success.
“We know that when families have safe, stable housing, parents can focus on healing, children can thrive, and long-term stability becomes possible,” Julien added. “Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that supporting mental wellness must also include addressing housing insecurity and economic instability.”
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that mental wellness cannot be separated from housing stability. Families need more than temporary relief — they need long-term solutions, compassionate support, and a community willing to invest in their future.
You can help make that possible.
By supporting Save the Family Foundation of Arizona, you help provide safe housing, mental health support, and life-changing resources for families facing homelessness across the Valley. Together, we can help families move beyond crisis and toward hope, healing, and stability.