PHOENIX, Ariz. — AUGUST 7, 2025 — On schedule to open in 2026, the Phoenix Scholar House just signed their first academic partner, Maricopa Community Colleges. An initiative led by the Save the Family Foundation of Arizona, the Phoenix Scholar House will provide affordable housing and supportive services for single parents pursuing higher education.
Following the national model from Family Scholar House implemented in nine cities across the country, Phoenix Scholar House will combine 56 affordable apartment units with on-site career development, parenting resources and financial literacy education.
“This partnership reflects Save the Family’s belief that access to both stable housing and education is fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty,” said Robyn Julien, CEO of Save the Family Foundation of Arizona. “We’re grateful for the partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges and look forward to connecting with other career, family and academic partners in the community to make this program strong out of the gate. Together, we can set families up for success and get them Closer to Home.”
Maricopa County faces a severe shortage of over 138,000 affordable rental units for low-income residents, with Phoenix-area rents exceeding $2,000 per month. With affordable housing scarce, the added expense of higher education is an investment not everyone can afford, especially single parents on a fixed income.
“Maricopa Community Colleges prides itself on providing support services that help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “By partnering with the Phoenix Scholar House, we can empower learners who are balancing work, school, and the everyday responsibilities that come with being a parent. This initiative is a significant step forward, helping remove systemic barriers and create meaningful opportunities for long-term success.”
To learn more, donate, or explore partnership opportunities, visit www.phoenixscholarhouse.org or www.savethefamily.org.
About Save the Family Foundation of Arizona: A nonprofit that helps families facing homelessness stay together, in their community, with a safe place to call home and a long-term solution. Through personalized support, families are connected with a network of career, parenting, budget and trauma care resources. In 2024, Save the Family provided 513,000 safe nights of sleep – up from 430,000 the year prior. The success rate of their programs are high. Upon completion of their programs, 80% of the families secure permanent housing.
About Maricopa Community Colleges
The Maricopa County Community College District includes ten individually-accredited colleges – Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale, and South Mountain – and the Maricopa Corporate College, serving approximately 140,000 students with bachelor’s degrees, two-year degrees, certificates, and university transfer programs. Visit www.maricopa.edu to learn more.
Construction Progresses on Phoenix Scholar House as Save the Family Seeks New Community Partners
