What is Threshold?
Every day, people in Arizona struggle to find a home they can afford. That’s where Threshold comes in. Launched in 2021 by HOM, Threshold is a special program that teams up with property owners — folks who rent out houses and apartments — to help people who need homes, especially those who’ve been without one for a while.
At Threshold, we believe communities are safer, healthier, and stronger when everyone has a place to call their own. And we’re making that happen right here in Maricopa County.
We’re excited to share what Threshold is all about. In this blog, you’ll learn how we got started, how we help property owners be part of the solution, and the real difference we’ve made — like getting over 3,313 households into homes. You’ll also hear stories of people finding stability and see what’s next for us as we keep growing. Whether you rent out properties or just care about our community, we’re glad you’re here to learn how Threshold is building hope, one home at a time.
Threshold, launched by HOM in 2021, partners with property owners to help people in Maricopa County find safe, stable homes.
How Threshold Began
Back in 2021, Arizona had a big problem: too many people needed homes, but there weren’t enough affordable places to live. The housing crisis was getting worse every year and homelessness was on the rise. Families, seniors, and even people with jobs couldn’t find a place they could pay for. Something had to change. That’s when HOM, a group that’s been helping people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County for years, came up with a smart idea. They started Threshold — Arizona’s first program focused on working with property owners to fix the housing mess.
Before Threshold, most efforts to end homelessness focused on the people who needed homes. But HOM, Inc. saw something others missed: property owners are just as important. They’re the ones with houses and apartments that can become homes. So, Threshold was created to bring property owners into the team. The goal? Build a network where owners could rent out their places to people in need and still keep their properties in good shape. It was a new way to look at the problem, and it made sense — because when everyone works together, we can solve big challenges like homelessness.
Filling the Need
Threshold didn’t just happen overnight. It came from listening to what property owners needed and figuring out how to help them say yes to tenants who might not usually get a chance. HOM, Inc. knew that property owners weren’t just landlords — they could be partners in making our community better. So, they built Threshold to be a bridge, connecting those who have homes to share with those who need them most. It was a bold step, but it was the right one.
Since its launch, Threshold has grown into something special. It’s not just about finding a quick fix — it’s about creating a lasting way to help people and strengthen neighborhoods. We saw a gap in how things were done, and we stepped in with a plan that works for everyone. Today, Threshold is proof that when property owners join the effort, we can make a real difference in Arizona. And that’s just the beginning of our story.
What Threshold Does
Threshold supports property owners with risk protection, hands-on help, and useful tools like Padmission, our internet listing service.
Threshold is all about teamwork. Our main job is to connect property owners and operators with folks who need a place to live, especially those who have been unhoused. We know that finding a home can be tough, but it’s even harder when you don’t have a lot of money or a perfect rental history. That’s where Threshold steps in. We work with property owners to make it easier for them to say yes to these tenants, while keeping their properties operating successfully and sustainably.
How do we help property owners? First, we offer protection. If something goes wrong — like damage to a unit beyond normal wear and tear — Threshold has a risk mitigation fund to help cover the costs. This way, owners feel safe renting to people they might not have considered before.
Second, we give them real support. Our team is there 24/7 to answer questions or solve problems whenever they arise. Imagine a property owner worried about a tricky situation — Threshold steps in with a friendly voice on the phone, ready to help.
Third, our internet listing service, Padmission, allows owners to list and manage their vacant properties online so tenants can find them easily.
Lastly, we help owners see the bigger picture. By renting to people in need, they’re not just filling a vacancy — they’re building a stronger community. Property owners are the key to ending homelessness, and Threshold makes it easy and rewarding for them to join us. We listen to what they need and find ways to make it work.
Our Service Provider Partners
But it’s not just about the owners. Threshold works with service providers — groups that help tenants get settled and stay stable. These providers handle things like making sure tenants have what they need to succeed, so property owners don’t have to do it alone. Picture this: a single dad moves into an apartment through Threshold. Our service provider partners help him find a job and set up his new place, while we make sure the property owner gets paid on time and has support if anything comes up on their end. It’s a win for everyone.
Threshold isn’t just a program — it’s a partnership. We bring together property owners, service providers, and tenants to solve a big problem together. Our team is here to guide everyone, step by step, so more people get homes and more owners feel good about being part of the answer.
More than 3,300 households housed. Over 600 property owners on board. Threshold is transforming Arizona — one home, one partnership, one community at a time.
The Impact of Threshold
Threshold is making a dramatic difference in Arizona, and the numbers prove it. Since we started, over 3,313 families and individuals have found safe, stable homes. We’ve also built a team of more than 600 property owners and operators who manage more than 1,350 properties across 118 ZIP Codes in Arizona. These owners have opened their doors to help, and together, we’re changing lives.
Threshold has helped cut the time it takes to find a home — tenants spend 27 fewer days waiting on average. And with more properties available, people can live closer to their jobs or families, which helps them stay stable for the long haul.
The numbers tell a powerful story: 3,313 households mean thousands of nights spent in homes instead of on the streets. That’s less worry for families and more peace for everyone. Our community is healthier because people can see doctors, eat regular meals, and rest easily. It’s safer because stable homes lower crime and stress. And it’s stronger because we’re all in this together — property owners, tenants, and neighbors. Threshold isn’t just helping one person at a time: it’s lifting up whole neighborhoods. Every home we find builds a better Arizona, and that’s something we can all feel good about.
The Next Chapter for Threshold
Threshold has come a long way since 2021, and we’re so proud of what we’ve built together. With over 600 property owners and more than 1,350 properties in our network, we now have plenty of homes ready for people who need them. Because we’ve grown so much, we’re shifting our focus. Instead of looking for new property owners, we’re putting our energy into supporting the amazing partners we already have. This next chapter is about making sure Threshold stays strong and keeps helping Arizona for years to come.
What does that look like? First, we’re making our risk mitigation even better. If a property gets damaged or a tenant moves out unexpectedly, we’re here with funds to cover those costs. We’re improving how fast we can step in, so property owners feel protected no matter what.
Second, we’re boosting our support for property owners. Each property owner now has a dedicated Landlord Support Specialist to simplify communication and streamline the processes. This new approach ensures faster responses and personalized service, making property management smoother and more efficient. Our partners deserve the best, and we’re giving it to them.
This shift keeps Threshold steady for the future. By focusing on the owners already with us, we can make sure they’re happy and their properties stay open to people in need. Imagine an Arizona where no one sleeps outside — that’s what we’re working toward every day. We want every property owner to feel confident and every tenant to find a home that fits. This isn’t about starting over; it’s about building on what’s working and making it even stronger.
