As part of its ongoing commitment to creating stable housing solutions for vulnerable individuals and families, HOM, Inc. has made the decision to end its Threshold incentives program, effective April 1, 2025. While this shift marks the end of an era for the incentives that helped launch the Threshold program, it also signifies a focused commitment to ensuring long-term housing stability. The risk mitigation services that have been a cornerstone of the program will continue without interruption. This allows HOM to better serve landlords, housing specialists, and service providers who are critical to the success of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) programs.

In this blog post, we’ll explain the rationale behind this decision, how the change will affect current stakeholders, and the ways in which HOM is doubling down on its mission to provide stability, security, and support through risk mitigation efforts.

Why HOM is Ending the Incentives Program

The transition from incentives to risk mitigation strengthens support for both tenants and landlords.

When HOM, Inc. first launched Threshold in 2021, it was clear that incentivizing property owners to partner with us was essential to quickly providing housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. To make this transition into housing more appealing, Threshold offered financial incentives designed to offset the risks and challenges landlords face when renting to tenants in programs like Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Re-Housing (RRH).

At the time, these incentives played a crucial role in building a strong network of partners, helping us successfully find homes for more than 1,250 households in Arizona. By offering upfront financial support, Threshold was able to attract landlords who might otherwise have hesitated to open their doors to vulnerable tenants. In fact, more than $2.88 million was paid out through the program to help secure stable housing for those most in need.

However, after a few years of tremendous success, the need for these incentives has lessened. Threshold’s network of more than 500 property owners and over 1,350 properties in Arizona now provides a strong surplus of available housing. With housing demand stable and a growing number of properties already available for participants, HOM made the decision to shift its resources toward enhancing the risk mitigation services that will better support the long-term stability of both property owners and tenants.

This decision allows HOM to maintain the integrity of its programs while adapting to the changing landscape of housing and homelessness in Arizona. Rather than continuing to focus on attracting new properties, HOM will now prioritize providing stability and support for the many landlords and service providers already involved in the program.

Strengthening Our Partnerships for Long-Term Success

As we move forward with these changes, HOM is committed to strengthening its partnerships with property owners and operators, service providers, and tenants to create a robust system of support that ensures the success of Threshold for years to come.

The shift away from the incentives program is not the end of HOM’s commitment to the community. Instead, it’s a step toward creating a more sustainable, impactful, and community-focused model. By focusing on risk mitigation, HOM can better allocate resources to support the current housing network, improving the quality and stability of the housing experience for both landlords and tenants.

Strengthening Housing Stability for Tenants

The focus on long-term stability that comes with the end of the incentives program will directly benefit tenants, providing them with a more sustainable housing experience. By removing the need for temporary incentives, HOM is making a clear investment in creating a system where vulnerable individuals and families can remain housed without fear of eviction or housing instability.

HOM’s dedication to ending homelessness in Arizona intensifies with a focus on lasting stability.

What tenants can expect with this change:

Ongoing Financial Assistance: While incentives will no longer be provided, tenants will continue to benefit from rent assistance, which is calculated based on their income and ensures that they pay no more than 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. This ongoing assistance ensures that housing remains affordable even as tenants’ financial situations may change.

Additionally, Rapid Re-Houng funding will continue until the tenant is stable and able to take over their rental payments, supporting long-term housing security.

Long-Term Housing Stability: The risk mitigation measures in place will help prevent evictions, manage damages beyond normal wear and tear, and mitigate the financial impact of vacant units. By focusing on long-term stability and continued support, HOM ensures that tenants won’t have to worry about losing their homes due to financial barriers or damage-related issues.

Wrap-Around Support Services: Service providers continue to play a crucial role in supporting tenants, offering client-centered, wrap-around services that help individuals and families maintain their housing. These services address underlying issues that may affect a tenant’s ability to remain housed, such as employment support, mental health services, and connections to community resources.

What Does This Mean for Property Owners?

For property owners and operators, this shift from incentives to a stronger focus on risk mitigation may raise some questions. HOM wants to assure you that while the Threshold incentives program is ending, the core risk mitigation services will remain unchanged and continue to offer the support needed to ensure a smooth experience for property owners.

Risk mitigation services that will continue:

Property owners stay protected through continued support for damage claims and vacancy losses.

Damage Claims and Vacancy Loss Reimbursement: Property owners will still be eligible for compensation for tenant-caused damages beyond normal wear and tear, and for rental income lost when a unit stays vacant between tenants.

HQS Inspections: HOM will continue conducting Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections to ensure properties remain in good condition and meet program requirements. These inspections help protect property owners by identifying any needed repairs and preventing future issues with tenants.

Support for Landlords in Tenant-related Issues: Through Threshold, HOM will maintain its role as a liaison between landlords, tenants, and service providers, ensuring clear communication and addressing any issues that may arise during the tenancy.

While there will be no new incentives, HOM’s commitment to supporting property owners through risk mitigation will remain steadfast. The goal of this shift is to focus on providing more resources and support for those who are already part of the program, creating long-term stability for both the housing providers and the tenants they serve. By redirecting efforts toward these long-term solutions, HOM ensures that the partnerships we’ve built continue to thrive and that housing providers are not left to face the risks of renting to vulnerable populations without backup.

A Renewed Focus

The end of the incentives program is not a setback. It is an opportunity to shift resources and focus on long-term solutions for homelessness. HOM, Inc. is excited to continue working alongside service providers, landlords, and tenants to foster lasting housing stability and move closer to the ultimate goal of ending homelessness in Arizona. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all those involved in these essential housing programs.

<p>If you have any questions or would like more information about these changes, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our team is here to help and support you as we transition to this new phase of the program.