FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A Flagstaff barber left homeless after his apartment was converted into a short-term rental property has finally found a new home.
It took nearly two years.
“We don’t quit. Just keep going, keep going, keep going,” said 56-year-old Marvin Pierce.
12News followed Pierce’s story in May after he was notified by the city he was next in line for the city’s Section 8 Affordable Housing Program.
Pierce was working at a Flagstaff barber shop, taking showers at a truck stop, and eating at a food kitchen. He parked his car in lots and campsites where he slept at night. He was determined to stay in Flagstaff and find an affordable place to live. The federal program allows him to get a $550 lease in a 2-bedroom house in northeast Flagstaff.
“I’ve got a great view of the mountain. It has my back. The universe got my back,” said Pierce, smiling.
There are many other people out there in need of housing and Arizona cities are trying to keep up.
A snapshot of federal housing programs across the state shows:
- Flagstaff has a wait list of about 2,800 applicants. Those who live, work, or have a promise of work in Flagstaff are sorted ahead of those who do not. Special vouchers exist in addition to regular vouchers.
- Tucson has a wait list of about 26,000 applicants. The wait time is between 2-5 years.
- The Phoenix Housing Choice Voucher program has a wait list of 43,000 applicants. Phoenix is the fastest-growing large city nationwide. By comparison, nearly a decade ago the wait list had 27,000 applicants. The mayor and council are urging Congress to expand the city’s allocation of Housing Choice Vouchers.
- Glendale is accepting applicants right now to place 1,400 families in affordable housing through a lottery at the end of this month.
“I want to thank the good people of Flagstaff. They came through for me,” Pierce said.
