The Route 66 Motel in Kingman, Arizona, known far and wide by photographers for its neon sign with a sweeping arrow, soon will be converted into affordable housing for the homeless and poverty-stricken.
According to KPNX-TV in Phoenix, Catholic Charities Communities Services Arizona announced it had obtained a $4.5 million grant funding to buy the motel at 2939 E. Andy Devine Ave. (aka Route 66) and renovate its 25 rooms for long-term living.
Housing for Hope, an affiliate of Catholic Charities, will be overseeing the conversion of the motel into 20 studio and one-bedroom apartments, which are intended to provide some relief to a housing crisis that’s affected multiple regions of the state.
“Housing insecurity has grown considerably in recent years, in particular in rural Northern Arizona communities. In response to this crisis, we are placing an increased emphasis on more underserved populations within our state,” said Steve Capobres, executive director of Housing for Hope.
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, 80% of Arizona’s extremely low-income tenants are severely cost burdened, meaning they spend more than half their income on housing costs.
Residents will be required to pay 30% of their income as rent. The motel’s conversion to housing is scheduled to be finished by spring.
Earlier this year, the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona awarded an $11,500 grant to the motel to restore its neon sign.
The Route 66 Motel, originally called the Pony Soldier Motel, was built in 1963.
(Image of the Route 66 Motel’s sign in Kingman, Arizona, by Jasperdo via Flickr)
It’s important to look out for our homeless, but this hotel has history and is an asset to the Route 66 following. Another site should be a top priority.