Stories by Blake Herzog
A Prescott faith-based nonprofit that brings homeless families into transitional housing is expanding its inventory with six manufactured homes in Prescott Valley.
The first family is expected to move into Agape House of Prescott’s Agapeville II community in March, with others joining them throughout the rest of year, according to a press release from the agency.
The one- and two-bedroom houses are being placed on a half-acre property on Bob Drive located near services from the Yavapai Family Advocacy Center, Spectrum Healthcare and other providers — what Agape calls a “perfect spot” for the residences.
Agape House assists families in crisis with weekly mentors and classes in life skills, budgeting and other areas and connecting them to social services to help them live independently, all while housing them in a nine-unit apartment complex in Prescott known as Agapeville.
About two-thirds of the families are headed by single mothers; the rest are single-father and two-parent families. Most have lived in vehicles, tents or other places not fit for human habitation.
Those who graduate from Agape’s program face a local housing market with limited and expensive options, so Agapeville II will be a place where the families can live and pay a nominal rent until they find an affordable apartment or house.
Once the Prescott Valley expansion is completed, an Agape House representative said the nonprofit will be able to serve 28 families a year.
The nonprofit was formed in 2013 and began aiding families two years later through mentorships, classes and linking them to temporary housing. It became a direct housing provider with the purchase of the apartment complex near downtown Prescott in 2019 and has provided more than 33,000 room nights of shelter for family members.
Agape House reports 86% of its families are still living independently a year after completing its program. Besides the Agapeville II groundbreaking on Dec. 14, in 2023 Agape House also celebrated the births of four babies to its families and the purchase of two Chino Valley homes by graduates of its program.
For more information on how to donate to or get help from Agape House visit www.agapehouseprescott.org or call 928.910.1089.
