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 in November 2023. 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
Between November 1, 2023, and September 19, 2024, the SOS has served a total of 1,095 individuals, of which 237 are still staying at the site. There have been 858 individuals that have exited the SOS, of which 32 percent have had a positive exit which may include moving to an emergency shelter, reuniting with family, and 21 people 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.
Additionally, OHS has partnered with ARIZONA@WORK, SVdP and St. Joseph the Worker to provide workforce development services. These workforce providers meet with individuals seeking employment opportunities and provide assistance with resume building, job readiness clothing and referrals to employers with vacant positions. To date, 92 referrals have been made and 11 individuals have obtained employment. Many supplemental services have also been offered on-site to guests such as Valley Dogs Rescue that provides preventive care and vaccinations for pets, and Street Medicine Phoenix for basic medical and first aid.
Community Court
Community Court has served 198 participants this year from January through August. Of these, 20 participants have graduated from the program with achievements including: obtaining vital documents, entering shelter, addressing their physical and mental health, and gaining employment. The collaboration of the Prosecutor’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and OHS, along with CBI, continues to create individualized plans to assist individuals in addressing their homelessness and help participants achieve their goals.
Community Court Success Stories
A client with multiple charges was referred to the Phoenix Community Court program by a Public Defender’s Office social worker. With support from his Community Court case manager, he was able to obtain all of his vital documents including his Arizona ID, social security card, birth certificate, and tribal ID. He was connected to emergency shelter and referred to a Permanent Support Housing program. He engaged with ongoing case management and did not pick up any new charges. With all of his progress, the Prosecutor’s Office dismissed his charges.
A client was referred into Phoenix Community Court while being in shelter at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). He worked with his case manager to obtain all his documents, move to a hotel shelter, apply and receive Social Security, and save money for his own apartment. With his money, he purchased a vehicle and began renting his own apartment while he addressed his medical concerns. With all that he accomplished, the client’s charge was dismissed, and he graduated from Community Court.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons met a 26-year-old female and 26-year-old male who had been at a local park for a few weeks. Both individuals reported struggling with substance abuse and were eager to get off the streets. They expressed immediate interest in entering the SOS. Liaisons secured placement at the SOS and transported them and their belongings to the program.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons encountered a 64-year-old male outside a public library. Library staff reported to the Liaisons that he had been sitting outside the building for the previous 24 hours. He was tired from the heat and hoping to get assistance with food immediately. The Liaisons informed him of the Phoenix Navigation Center on 71st Avenue and he said he was ready and willing to go. The Liaisons reserved a bed for him, helped him pack his belongings, and transported him to the program.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons met two brothers in their early 20s at a local park who had been homeless for approximately four years. They were sleeping in the park beneath shade, and the Liaisons checked on their well-being. They were both fatigued from the excessive heat and were very hungry. The Liaisons informed them of the possibility of entering the Phoenix Navigation Center for shelter and to be connected to additional resources. They were excited about the chance to receive immediate support and agreed to be transported to the shelter.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons outreached a 26-year-old female at a local park with her dog who was very fatigued and wanted help for her and her pet. She did not have many personal belongings and was eagerly ready to enter the SOS. The Liaisons contacted the SOS to reserve a bed. She agreed to be transported to the program and looked forward to connecting with more resources.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons encountered a 64-year-old male at a park who reported being on the streets for a year and a half. He tried traditional shelters in the past but did not have good experiences. When Liaisons described the SOS to him, he voiced an interest in trying the program. Liaisons helped him get placed in SOS and encouraged him to communicate with case managers daily to complete a housing assessment and explore all that he may qualify for.
Shelter Projects
Attachment A represents a summary of new shelter beds created with City of Phoenix investments, including the 592 indoor shelter beds created in 2022 and 482 temporary shelter beds in 2023, and the additional 280 indoor shelter beds in 2024 and 510 additional beds that are in process and expected to be completed during 2024-25.
Existing Shelter Project Outcomes
Phoenix invested in four major projects in 2022 to create and provide 592 new indoor shelter beds and seven projects in 2023 to provide 482 new temporary shelter beds, and three projects in 2024 to provide 280 indoor shelter beds as summarized in Attachment A. Attachment B 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 Mercy House temporary lodging.
- Number of unduplicated clients served at A New Leaf temporary lodging.
- Number of unduplicated clients served at Phoenix Navigation Center.
- Average monthly usage at the CASS Single Adult Shelter.
Below are success stories submitted in the last month by funded partners.
Success Story
A client, who had been living in her car at truck stops, accessed support services connecting her with churches for temporary shelter and meals. Upon entering the Native Connections program, she stayed in a motel, which she found to be a blessing. She later joined A New Leaf’s Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program, where a housing navigator guided her through the process of finding and securing her own apartment. This stable housing allowed her to meet the requirements to regain custody of her three children. With the support of the RRH program, she focused on attending counseling, parenting classes and weekly visitations, creating a safe and stable environment for her family. Additionally, she received assistance with gift cards for essential household items, all made possible by the support from A New Leaf.
Success Story
A 19-year-old, who became homeless upon aging out of foster care, found refuge at CASS where he quickly secured part-time employment and continued his education. With support from CASS, he applied for a family reunification voucher and was referred to PHX350, an emergency housing program for young adults. He received confirmation to advance his voucher application process. Despite challenges, he graduated with honors and received multiple scholarship offers, marking a significant achievement in his journey toward stability and independence.
Success Story
A 28-year-old male overcame seven months of homelessness with the help of Phoenix I-HELP. Despite the challenges of maintaining employment and stability, he received essential support and hospitality from the churches and staff involved with the program. His dedication and the program’s resources enabled him to secure stable housing and a job. He expressed his gratitude, noting the program’s impact on his life and praising its comprehensive assistance. Thanks to Phoenix I-HELP and Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions, he now enjoys stability and a functional living situation.
Success Story
A 44-year-old mother of two faced homelessness after being evicted. Finding shelter at CASS Vista Colina, she immediately began working with her case manager to address her family's needs. She focused on creating a savings plan, securing employment, and finding stable housing. Despite her challenges, she also found time to give back to her community by making meals for those in need. After months of dedicated effort, she received acceptance into an RRH program, which provided temporary rental assistance. With support from her case manager, she navigated the housing market and secured a suitable apartment for her family. Now settled into her new home, she continues to pursue her goals, including her dream of opening a halfway house for young women experiencing homelessness, inspired by her own journey of receiving and now returning aid.
Success Story
A 62-year-old woman, who faced homelessness and injury, was initially staying at the Washington Relief Center before moving to City Center for a supportive environment conducive to recovery. With her service animal by her side, she formed meaningful relationships and made significant progress in physical therapy. Inspired by her recovery, she began working for Uber and Lyft. Supported by her case manager, she received an RRH Voucher and secured a home. Now living comfortably with her daughter and service animal, she is reconnecting with her family and building ties with her new community.
Success Story
A recent participant in the Workforce Villages Program faced homelessness and initially sought refuge in a costly sober living facility, which did not help him save money or secure stable housing. Despite trying various programs, he struggled with budgeting and saving. After being referred to St. Joseph the Worker’s Workforce Villages Program, he found the support he needed to achieve financial stability. The program provided him with financial literacy training, budgeting skills, and a structured savings plan. With weekly meetings with a housing specialist, he saved 80 percent of his income and successfully secured an apartment within 90 days. His dedication and the program’s support enabled him to provide a stable home for his daughter and continue contributing to his community. This success story highlights the impact of faith, hard work, and effective program guidance in achieving self-sufficiency and stable housing.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.