Phoenix’s New Affordable Housing Complex

A new affordable complex, opened by UMOM New Day Centers, is coming to 19th and Glendale avenues.

The complex, called 19West, was constructed on an empty lot that was previously used by those from the homeless community.

Darlene Newsom, the CEO of UMOM, said there are 54 apartments available at reduced rent for those who are in need. The available units are two and three bedrooms.


“We’ve been leasing out for about for three weeks now,” Newsom said.

“We have 35 residents that have already moved in, and we have applications for the rest of the units — in fact, we have a waiting list of 25.”

Phoenix’s mayor, Kate Gallego, and the nonprofit group hopes the new complex will help those affected by Phoenix’s shortage of affordable housing.

“We value every resident. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, with amenities,” said Gallego at the center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“I think this is a project where any one of us would be happy to live, and that’s a great standard for the city of Phoenix.”

Gallego wants to reproduce the project to help those who can’t afford the rising rent prices in the area.

In addition to the apartments, the center offers after-school programs, a computer lab, food pantry, and financial literacy classes.

“It was real important for us to fit into the community with a ranch-style complex, and we have a lots of community space for the families,” Newsom said.

“And we’re just hoping to become a real part of this community.”