Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about the closing of the downtown Phoenix YMCA, and the resulting displacement of the 64 tenants in its housing program.

I went to a press conference held by the Valley Tenants Union last week to hear from one of those displaced tenants, as well as members of the union who have gotten to know the residents over the years.

We’ll also talk about some housing-related news—it was a busy week for it!—and upcoming community events you may want to stop by.

Thanks as always for reading, and if you know anyone who may benefit from this newsletter, please forward it their way! I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

Hey, Phoenix renters! Early voting in Arizona starts today—and the candidates you choose will influence housing policies and your ability to afford basic needs.

If you’re already on the Active Early Voting List, you’ll receive a ballot in the mail soon. If you’re not, you can join it or request a one-time early ballot by Oct. 23. Drop that ballot back in the mail by Oct. 27, or take it to a dropbox or voting center by Nov. 3.

In-person early voting starts today—head to a polling location if you want to skip the line on Election Day! Just make sure to bring ID.

Check out our Arizona Voter Guide

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

🚨 Homebuilders say the Trump administration’s increased ICE operations have resulted in a struggle to find workers. (Axios Phoenix)

💰 Here’s a validating but depressing stat: Home prices in Arizona have outpaced inflation by 177% over the last 15 years. Bring this up next time someone asks why you don’t own a home yet. (Phoenix New Times)

🔑 And speaking of buying, new home sales have slowed as potential buyers are hit with mortgage rates over 7%. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

🏠 The head of Arizona’s Land Department said Republicans’ plan to sell off the state’s trust land to increase housing supply doesn’t add up, because most of that land doesn’t have the infrastructure or zoning needed for residential development. (Arizona Mirror)

😬 State auditors are raising issues with the Arizona Department of Housing’s work. In some cases, the agency did not notify property owners about “urgent problems” in housing units for 40 to 115 days. (Arizona Mirror)

💸 After a seven-year struggle, the One Camelback apartment building is now open. I already looked for you: The cheapest unit is a 536-square-foot studio for $1,625 a month. The most expensive? A 1,898-square-foot three-bedroom for $10,000 a month. (Axios Phoenix)

The downtown Phoenix YMCA’s housing program has ended. What now?

two people holding a sign that says YMCA makes millions by putting tenants in homeless shelters

Valley Tenants Union organizers outside of the downtown Phoenix YMCA on Oct. 2, 2026. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

Deon Gilchrist, 45, turned to the Downtown Lincoln Family YMCA in Phoenix last year when he found himself without a job and unable to afford an apartment.

As part of the Christian nonprofit’s low-cost or no-cost housing program, Gilchrist rented a bedroom with a communal bathroom for around $600 a month.

On Aug. 7, he and 63 other residents—some of whom had lived at the YMCA for over a decade—received an email stating that the program was ending on Sept. 30, and they would all have to move out by then.

Gilchrist said the YMCA promised to work with residents to help find them a place to go, but he said the options they were given—including apartments that cost $1,200-$1,400 a month, more than double what he was paying—were not viable.

“ I knew I couldn’t afford it,” he told reporters outside of the YMCA on Oct. 2, the day that all residents were expected to leave after the nonprofit had extended the deadline.

What will happen to the YMCA and its tenants now

This is a space to share events that are focused on connecting with community and spending time with neighbors.

If you have an event you’d like to submit, reply to this email or email me!

Here’s what’s coming up:

☕️ Roosevelt Historic Neighborhood Coffee Pop-up

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 7-9 a.m.

Where: 525 W. Willetta St.

“Coffee, donuts, and good neighbors, what more could you ask for? Come meet the folks who live right around the corner, swap a few stories, and start your Saturday off warm and welcome. Bring your own mug so we can keep things kind to the earth too. We cannot wait to see your smiling faces there.”

🛠️ Coronado Community Clean-Up + Tool Shed Event

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: Coronado Park

“Come clean up the park and check out what the Coronado Tool Shed has available to reserve or rent for Coronado Neighborhood Association members. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring gloves and a picker if you have them (though we have some to share)!”

🚮 Garfield Litter Lifters

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.

Where: 1214 E. McKinley St.

“Gloves, pickers, gloves, and hand sanitizer will be provided. Stay after for coffee and a potluck brunch! Bring a dish to share with your neighbors.”

🚈 West Phoenix Light Rail Extension Open House

When: Wednesday, October. 14, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall

“Join the City of Phoenix and Valley Metro for an open house to learn more about the West Phoenix Light Rail Extension. These open houses are a continued conversation aimed at hearing your hopes for this major infrastructrure project from design through construction. Attendees will have an opportunity to share what’s important to them and meet one-on-one with Valley Metro and City of Phoenix staff.”