Title
Office of Homeless Solutions Program Report
Description
This report is issued monthly to provide the City Council with an update regarding the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness within our community by the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS). This report does not encompass the totality of the City’s efforts to address homelessness but rather provides a review of the key highlights from the preceding month and an update on major upcoming projects.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix is committed to working with the community, service providers and our regional partners to implement regional solutions to address homelessness and mitigate impacts to neighborhoods. The information below are highlights from OHS in the areas of shelter, outreach, procurement and success stories.
Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) Update
To address the need to relocate unsheltered individuals camping in the area surrounding the Key Campus (formerly the Human Services Campus) who were willing to accept an alternative placement solution other than indoor shelter, the City of Phoenix made available a safe, outdoor structured campground site. The site, operated in partnership with the Key Campus, Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) and Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP), offers 200 camp sites for up to 300 individuals, including on site services, such as heat/winter respite, case management, meals and behavioral health services.
Program Update
The SOS is operating under a limited capacity while construction is still underway. Between Nov. 1, 2023, and Jan. 25, 2024, the SOS has served a total of 123 individuals, of which, 46 are still staying at the site. There have been 77 individuals that have exited the SOS, 43 of which, or 56 percent, have had a positive exit which may include moving to an emergency shelter, reuniting with family, and one person obtaining their own apartment. The positive exits seen are a result of the collaboration and coordination between OHS, CBI, and the Key Campus partners working with each individual and leveraging each partner’s expertise and resources.
Construction Update
Construction is nearly complete. Final punch list items are being completed to address inspections findings. Turf under the shade canopy has been installed. An ADA ramp was constructed for people to access the warehouse space for meal service, weather relief, and to engage with service providers, however pending modifications. An ADA restroom has been constructed in the warehouse space and is awaiting finishing touches.
Hatcher Road Outreach and Engagement Efforts
In response to the Hatcher Road Community Safety Plan, neighborhood concerns, and the closing of the SVdP Chris Becker Resource Center, OHS has implemented an outreach and engagement strategy to address the unsheltered homelessness in the area of Hatcher Road between 7th and 19th avenues. Walk-up services at the Resource Center will end on Feb. 23, 2024.
Beginning on Dec. 4, 2023, OHS assigned a Homeless Liaison and caseworkers to conduct outreach in the specified area. The outreach is focused on individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, who are currently relying on the Resource Center to meet their basic needs, and those seeking to be connected to a sustainable solution, such as emergency shelter and substance abuse treatment. OHS has partnered with the Police Department's Desert Horizon Precinct Community Action Officers and their bike squad to conduct periodic enforcement operations as needed. As of Jan. 29, 2024, OHS has engaged 207 individuals with 178 of those individuals accepting a shelter placement.
Hatcher Road Engagement Effort Outcomes
On Dec. 8, OHS staff encountered four homeless youth, ages 18-21, at St. Vincent de Paul who were seeking shelter but refused to separate as they all came from unhealthy homes previously and found stability in each other. OHS staff attempted to place them in the Homebase Youth Shelter in Surprise but was unable due to one of the youth having an emotional support animal; however, staff were able to get them all placed in an alternate shelter. The youth were connected to CBI Department of Economic Security (DES) youth program and all gained employment while staying in shelter. On Jan. 27, all four youth moved into the same apartment complex with the assistance of DES youth and the CBI Rapid Rehousing program, which pays for all move in costs and the first three months of rent.
On Jan. 16, OHS staff encountered a family of six, which included four children under the age of four, at the SVDP dining hall who utilized the evening meals being served there. The family was living in their vehicle. After discovering a problem with the family’s United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) referral, OHS staff worked with UMOM explaining that the family had done everything right but had somehow fallen through cracks which resulted in placement of the family into UMOM.
Homeless Liaisons encountered a 36-year-old female fleeing domestic violence who stated she had been recently assaulted by her spouse. She reported that she had attempted to get into Halle Women’s Center but was told there was no availability. Liaisons spoke with the Center and advocated for her, resulting in her placement.
Key Campus (formerly the Human Services Campus) Encampment Efforts
OHS completed a total of 15 outreach and engagement efforts in the area surrounding the Campus between May 10 and Nov. 1, 2023, and closed streets to camping. Efforts included offering indoor shelter and services, assisting individuals with moving belongings as they were asked to relocate, and cleaning of streets by removing trash, waste, and other debris from each identified block. At the time the efforts began, nearly 700 individuals camped in the right of way in the area from 7th Avenue to 15th Avenue, Van Buren Street to Harrison Street, and it was by far the state’s largest encampment.
As a result of this effort, staff engaged over 700 people in the area, 590 of which accepted indoor shelter, treatment or alternative placement. Attachment A includes the number of individuals engaged and the number who accepted shelter on the day of each engagement effort. Attachment B depicts the percent distribution per shelter resulting from the efforts to date. Attachment C illustrates where the individuals who originally accepted indoor shelter, treatment or alternative placement during these efforts went as a of a particular point in time. Updated data as of Jan. 27, 2024, shows that 65 percent remain in an indoor environment, while 19 percent have left shelter and are again in an unsheltered situation. This is a slight difference compared to previous data as of Nov. 27, 2023, which showed 68 percent remained in an indoor environment, while 15 percent had left shelter and were again in an unsheltered situation.
Since Nov. 1, staff continue to enforce the court-ordered no-camping requirement in this area. In addition, proactive outreach and education continue to take place, and the area continues to be monitored and individuals encountered are engaged and offered shelter and the SOS as options.
Phoenix Community Court
The City of Phoenix’s new Community Court, which will provide long-term solutions and services for people experiencing homelessness as an alternative path to the traditional criminal justice system, held its first docket on Jan. 9, 2024. Two dockets will be held each week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Phoenix Community Court will provide individuals experiencing homelessness, who are accused of misdemeanor offenses, the opportunity to connect with resources and establish stable housing through a customized plan.
Community Court is a collaboration of the Municipal Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and OHS, along with CBI. People referred to Community Court are evaluated by the Prosecutor’s Office to determine their eligibility based on their criminal history and the charges they are facing. Participants will be assigned a CBI Navigator who will assist them through their court process. CBI Navigators will develop an individualized plan for each client, which will identify personal goals to help them get on the path to ending their homelessness, including finding shelter. Participants who successfully complete their individualized plans will graduate from Community Court with their charges resolved or reduced. If an offender does not complete their plan, their case will return to regular court proceedings. OHS will monitor and evaluate the outcomes of participants and provide updates on the success of the program regularly.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison went to a location for an active PHX C.A.R.E.S case where there was one active encampment with one male individual and his dog. He shared that he’s been homeless since 2013 after his divorce. While speaking with him, he shared that he is a veteran and has only received medical care through the Veterans Affairs while in Arizona. The Liaison asked him if he would be interested in speaking with the veteran’s team through CBI and he agreed. The Liaison waited with him until CBI arrived. The Liaison was able to secure shelter placement for individual in shelter. The client was very appreciative and said that he has not slept in a bed in almost 10 years.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons encountered a 33-year-old male who had a camp along the fence of Steele Indian School Park and stated that he was Severely Mentally Ill and interested in re-engaging with his mental health clinic. He had a difficult time connecting with his mental health provider because it was in East Mesa. Liaisons transported him to his clinic and helped secure an appointment for him in February. At this appointment, the client will be having his services transferred to Phoenix so that he will more conveniently be able to receive mental health care. Liaisons then secured a bed for him at the Washington Relief Center. Liaisons took him back to his camp to collect his belongings and transported him to the Shelter.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison encountered a 39-year-old female at Maryvale Park who had medical difficulties that led to the loss of her employment and later her apartment. After losing her home, she became homeless for about six weeks. The Liaison informed her of the Halle Women's Center and she expressed interest in entering the program. The Liaison contacted the Halle shelter, secured a bed for her and her service animal, and transported her to the shelter.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison engaged with two males and one female individual who all reported wanting to get into shelter but have not been able to. The Liaison called the Washington Relief Center and was able to secure placements for all three individuals. Both males reported that they wanted to find employment so that they could get back on their feet. The female individual reported having Severe Mentally Illness and was not connected to her clinic due to being unsheltered. CBI assisted with two transports, and the Liaison transported the third individual to the Washington Relief Center to complete intake.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison received a phone call from a CBI downtown navigator requesting assistance with possible placement of a male homeless veteran he was working with and needed help with obtaining documentation for service time. The Liaison informed the navigator he could go to the regional office and request his DD214s, and if they needed to order them, he could obtain the letter of service while waiting on DD214s. The navigator informed the Liaison that the client went to the Community Resource and Referral Center and was found the client was eligible for Grants and Per Diem shelter placement; however, there were no beds at this time. The client was also eligible for rapid housing and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing services. The Liaison was able to secure the client placement at the Washington Relief Center and informed the CBI navigator. Client was able to obtain his letter of service, conduct the Supportive Services for Veteran Families, rapid rehousing intake, and was placed at Washington Relief Center. The navigator will continue to work with the client on obtaining his own permanent housing solution.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison engaged an elderly woman at Cesar Chavez Park who found herself experiencing homelessness after a house fire that unfortunately took not only her home, but her family. She became disabled as a result of burn injuries. The Liaison exchanged contact information and later learned she had been hit by a car. The Liaison picked her up from the hospital and was able to help her secure new clothes and hygiene products in the Welcome Center at the Key Campus. Afterwards, she was transported to Native American Connections’ emergency hotel shelter, where she will be able to relax and feel safe. She will be connected to case management services via CBI and work with them to secure income, identification, and ultimately begin her pathway to housing.
Upcoming Shelter Projects
Attachment D represents a summary of new shelter beds created with City of Phoenix investments including the 1,074 indoor shelter beds created in 2022 and 2023 to date, and the additional 790 indoor shelter beds and 125 affordable housing units that are in process and expected to be completed during 2024-25. A total of 1,864 new beds are expected be created during the 2022-25 timeframe, along with 125 affordable housing units.
Existing Shelter Project Outcomes
Phoenix invested in four major projects in 2022 to create and provide 592 new indoor shelter beds, and seven projects to date in 2023 to provide 482 new shelter beds as summarized in Attachment D. The attached table (Attachment E) represents the bed utilization at the shelters including:
- Number of unduplicated clients served at the Washington Relief Center;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at Respiro;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at Rio Fresco;
- Number of unduplicated clients served through the I-HELP Program;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at SVdP temporary lodging;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at Mercy House temporary lodging;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at A New Leaf temporary lodging;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) temporary lodging;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at CBI temporary lodging; and
- Average monthly usage at the CASS Single Adult Shelter.
Success Story
A Phoenix Works Coordinator at Phoenix Rescue Mission was in contact with a male client who was experiencing homelessness for many years with Fentanyl addiction. He has always been very respectful and a good worker, but his drug use was taking a dramatic toll on his appearance. The caseworker tried to persuade him to go to detox. The caseworker did not recognize him when he came for a visit. The client was in jail for a month and detoxed in jail. He was eager about coming into the program. He has been in the program for over a month and stops by frequently to share how excited he is for his sobriety. He also shares that he can't wait to share his experience with others who are suffering from addiction.
Success Story
A 49-year-old has been contending with substance use issues for much of his life and has been experiencing homelessness for several years. He maintains connection to a clinic where he receives assistance with managing his substance dependency. He attends a support group every day and has remained sober for three months, a major accomplishment for him. Since he began working with his CASS case manager, he has made the decision to take his pursuit of sobriety very seriously and focus on improving his mental health. He is leaving the shelter and moving into a sober living facility that offers the level of support he needs to address his challenges. He is ready to work on making changes to his way of living that will better his circumstances and is looking forward to making a new start on life.
Success Story
The CBI Outreach Team encountered a 58-year-old female experiencing homelessness. The team was able to assess the client’s needs for rapid rehousing and transported her to the Motor Vehicle Division, Homeless ID Project, and the Social Security Administration office. The client was able to obtain a housing voucher, but she had barriers of an eviction and the need of a wheelchair accessible apartment. She was able to find an apartment and after her move in, the team worked on her life skills. She also obtained Social Security benefits and is successfully maintaining her rental portions. She has graduated from the program successfully.
Success Story
A female client stayed in UMOM Halle Women's shelter while her Department of Child Safety (DCS) case was pending. She had been working through addiction recovery to regain custody of her children. While in shelter, she obtained full-time employment and housing assistance. DCS determined she met the basic needs to receive her children back and they were able to transfer the family to New Day Center while waiting on housing. The family has moved out of shelter and is successfully maintaining housing.
Success Story
A male client entered A New Leaf’s bridge program after living at Central Arizona Shelter Services shelter and the Washington Relief Center. He receives disability income but had obstacles regarding his housing. He was unable to understand what documentation was needed and how to obtain current copies for his housing applications. Staff contacted the apartment manager at the complex he wanted to move into. He needed a current social security award letter and a document stating he paid nothing to stay at the shelter and he was a model resident. His case manager provided the LYFT transportation to the social security office and sent all the necessary documentation via email to the manager. The client reported that he has his keys in hand and will be moving into his own apartment.
Success Story
A 55-year-old client had been staying at the CASS single-adult shelter before transferring to the Haven, temporary senior housing facility. At the Haven, he earned late list privileges because he had begun working at a clothing company, and his work schedule required him to be on the job past curfew. With late list privileges, he can maintain his work schedule without worry that he will lose his spot at the Haven and have the peace of mind that his belongings will be secure in his private room while he is at work. Since arriving at the Haven, he remains diligent about showing up to all his work shifts and checking in regularly with his case manager. He recently informed his case manager that he has saved $1,000 during the short period since he arrived. The security and privacy of having a room at the Haven allowed him to focus on more than surviving, and he has set a goal for himself to save $1,000 from each of his paychecks.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.