The Valley continues facing a housing crisis. According to a 2024 Arizona State University report, Arizona is short 270,000 housing units.
In the Phoenix metro area, 27% of multifamily renters spend more than half their income on rent, leaving them vulnerable to eviction from unexpected expenses like car repairs. These figures, highlighted by the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at ASU, paint a stark picture of the challenges many in our community face.
When housing is unstable, mental health deteriorates, employment becomes unsustainable and financial goals feel out of reach. These struggles disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, who are 120% more likely to be homeless than their peers.
At St. Joseph the Worker, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a stable, thriving life. As the director of workforce development, I aim to help individuals overcome underemployment, housing insecurity and financial hardship. As a trans nonbinary individual, I understand firsthand the barriers rooted in identity. This drives my commitment to SJW’s mission of helping disadvantaged individuals achieve financial security and freedom by fostering inclusive and welcoming environments for all.
In 2023, the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity found Phoenix’s true unemployment rate was closer to 22%, measuring individuals seeking full-time jobs paying more than $25,000 annually. For many, navigating the job market feels insurmountable. Clients often approach SJW overwhelmed with questions: “Where do I start? Is my resume good enough? What platforms should I use?”
For LGBTQIA+ individuals, the barriers extend further. Workplace discrimination, challenges with deadnames or gender markers and the fear of inauthenticity often create additional obstacles in their job search.
At SJW, we connect individuals with inclusive employers who value their humanity as much as their skills. Through our Employment Without Barriers program, we provide resume preparation, interview coaching, transportation assistance and professional attire. Last year, SJW supported over 7,000 individuals, helping 4,500 secure stable and inclusive employment. Guided by our team’s lived experiences, we approach each client with compassion and partner with employers who understand and address the unique barriers our clients face.
It’s impossible to succeed in the workplace or maintain mental health without a safe, stable place to call home. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, discrimination often creates insurmountable obstacles to securing housing.
SJW’s Workforce Villages program offers free transitional housing, allowing participants to save up to 70% of their income — an average of $5,000 over 90 days — while learning essential life skills like budgeting and meal planning. With an 85% success rate of participants transitioning to stable housing, the program offers more than shelter — it provides hope. Additionally, the cost of programs like these per participant is comparable to just one year of public assistance costs for individuals without support.
I often think of a trans woman of color, who I’ll call Lydia, who joined our housing program after years of discrimination. Homeless but working full-time, Lydia was paired with a specialist who understood her unique challenges. Through empathetic support, Lydia saved money, secured better employment and found stable housing. Today, Lydia is thriving, proving what’s possible with the right support.
According to the 2024 P-Fin Index, only 48% of U.S. adults are financially literate. For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, financial independence is a constant uphill battle. Without family or community support, even minor setbacks can become insurmountable.
At SJW, we become that community support by teaching budgeting as a tool of empowerment. Workforce Villages participants receive budgeting and financial coaching, and we offer free budgeting and meal-prepping classes for all clients and the broader community. These resources give individuals the skills to save, plan and navigate unexpected expenses, creating lasting financial stability.
The challenges of underemployment, housing insecurity and financial hardship demand systemic solutions — and organizations like SJW are leading the way. Through inclusive employment services, transitional housing programs and financial education, individuals are empowered to overcome barriers and build thriving, self-sufficient lives.
Addressing these issues transforms individual lives and strengthens our communities as a whole. Everyone, regardless of background or identity, deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Editor’s note: Andi Denton is director of workforce development at St. Joseph the Worker, a nonprofit employment support service with offices in Phoenix and Mesa. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
Share with others
