When Rachel, a single mother of five, entered the Surprise Bridge Housing program by Native American Connections, she was facing an uncertain future. Her landlord had raised the rent beyond what she could afford, and with her lease coming to an end, she wasn't sure where her family would live next.

After receiving stable housing, employment readiness services, and case management support from Surprise Bridge Housing, Rachel was able to pull through. She enrolled in a GED program, earned a promotion at work, paid off her car, and eventually moved into a permanent home with her children.

Rachel's story reflects the impact of Native American Connections' work. In 2024, the organization received a $100,000 AHEAD grant for Surprise Bridge Housing from FHLBank San Francisco in partnership with Western Alliance Bank to strengthen the program, including employment readiness services, and expand support for families working toward permanent housing.

For families at risk of homelessness, stable housing is the first step toward a stronger future. Through its Surprise Bridge Housing program in Arizona's northwestern Phoenix metro area, Native American Connections provides families with temporary housing, supportive services, and a pathway to permanent stability.

50 Years of Supporting Arizona Residents

Native American Connections has served the Phoenix region for more than 50 years, providing affordable housing, healthcare, behavioral health, and community development services. Rooted in Native American culture, the organization serves people from all backgrounds.

According to Matilde Serena-Jordan, senior director of housing services, the organization identified a housing gap affecting families seeking permanent housing but facing barriers such as poor credit, prior evictions, limited rental history, inconsistent income, or a shortage of affordable homes.

To help address that need, Native American Connections operates nine fully furnished apartments that provide temporary housing while residents work with case managers and prepare for permanent housing.

"Housing is about much more than providing a roof over someone's head," Serena-Jordan said. "When families have a safe place to live and access to individualized support, they have the opportunity to focus on employment, education, financial stability, and the goals that will help them build a stronger future."

Another family, Yvonne and Alex, secured stable housing for themselves and their three children after receiving employment support, housing navigation assistance, and help with move-in expenses.

With support from a 2024 AHEAD grant awarded by FHLBank San Francisco in partnership with Western Alliance Bank, the Surprise Bridge Housing program expanded staffing and employment services, helping 46 individuals across 13 households on their path to stable housing, including six families that have already transitioned into permanent homes.

Local Bank Support for People and Communities

As Arizona's largest local bank, Western Alliance Bank works with nonprofit organizations, community partners and FHLBank San Francisco to connect resources with initiatives that strengthen housing stability, economic opportunity and long-term community prosperity.

"What sets Native American Connections apart is the combination of immediate support and long-term stability," said Craig Robinson, head of community relations and Community Reinvestment Act officer at Western Alliance Bank. "At Western Alliance, we're committed to helping community organizations create lasting impact. Surprise Bridge Housing helps residents build a pathway to permanent housing, making it an important project for Western Alliance Bank to support."

Power of Partnership

Native American Connections credits Western Alliance Bank with connecting the organization to FHLBank San Francisco's AHEAD Program, helping bring additional resources to families working toward housing stability.

"Our relationship with FHLBank San Francisco helps extend the impact we can have with community partners," Robinson said. "Programs such as AHEAD bring targeted resources to organizations addressing practical economic development needs and strengthening community stability."

Together, Native American Connections, Western Alliance Bank, and FHLBank San Francisco are helping families overcome housing barriers and move toward long-term stability, one household at a time.

Since launching the AHEAD Program in 2004, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded more than $50 million to support over 1,000 community development projects across its three-state district of Arizona, California, and Nevada.

To learn more about the impact of FHLBank San Francisco's AHEAD Program, visit the AHEAD Program page or fhlbsf.com.