The Arizona Department of Housing has formed a partnership with a national group called Socialserve.com to bring a convenient and timely new tool to the search for affordable housing. The new service will allow those seeking affordable apartments to search the department's portfolio of over 30,000 apartments across the state for vacant affordable units.

By following a link on the Department's website, prospective renters can select the communities, rents, amenities and other features and get an up-to-date list of any vacant apartments built with state funding that meet their search criteria. Interested persons who do not have access to a computer or the Internet can call toll-free 1-877-428-8844 and receive the same information, in both English and Spanish, by phone, fax or mail.

"This is a wonderful tool to have available for individuals and families that need help finding an affordable place to live," said Governor Janet Napolitano. Currently, one-in-ten Arizonans are paying more than they reasonably should for housing or are living in substandard or overcrowded conditions.

"By matching renters with housing that meets their income needs, we are creating an efficient method of addressing Arizona's affordable housing shortage," said Dr. Sheila Harris, Director of the Arizona Department of Housing.

Through the partnership with Socialserve.com, apartment vacancy data is updated weekly. This service is available to anyone seeking an affordable apartment including social service professionals assisting low-income clients. Persons interested in using the service can visit the Department's website www.housingaz.com or call (602) 771-1000 for further information.

Socialserve.com is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that provides technology solutions to state governments, local governments and housing authorities. Socialserve.com was recently named a "Best Practice" by the US Conference of Mayors and was awarded "Site of the Month" by the National Housing Institute. The Arizona Department of Housing was established to promote safe and affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate-income individuals.