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 January 24, 2025, the SOS has served a total of 1,399 individuals, of which 250 are still staying at the site. There have been 1,151 individuals that have exited the SOS, of which 30 percent have had a positive exit which may include moving to an emergency shelter, reuniting with family, and 37 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, 133 referrals have been made and 29 individuals have obtained employment. Many supplemental services have also been offered on-site to guests such as Valley Dogs Rescue, who provides preventive care and vaccinations for pets, and Street Medicine Phoenix, who provide basic medical and first aid.
Community Court
Community Court has served 316 participants this year from January through December 2024. Of these, 40 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 Story
In July of 2024, a 62-year-old client entered Community Court. Upon entering the court, he was quickly connected to shelter and worked with his case manager to obtain his vital documents and begin addressing his medical needs. After having surgery and completing physical therapy, he was able to pass his medical test and obtain his commercial driver’s license. He was able to gain full time employment as a long-range truck driver, work he had done prior to experiencing homelessness. In December, he graduated from Community Court getting his charge dismissed and waiving previous fines owed to the court. He expressed gratitude to the team for not only helping him get back on his feet but also helping him plan for the future.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
During a coordinated effort in the area around Phoenix Navigation Center, a Homeless Liaison, along with the Police Department and CBI, encountered a family of four who were living in a car. The Homeless Liaison was able to secure a temporary hotel stay for the family which consisted of the mother, father, three-year-old child, and four-week-old infant through partners at Maricopa County. The family was transferred to UMOM.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison followed up with a 63-year-old gentleman who had been frequenting a local park for the last three months and had declined assistance every time. He has experienced homelessness several times since 2018 and acknowledged substance use issues. He recently served jail time and is now on probation. He expressed to the Liaison that he was ready to make changes with his life and to start services at the SOS. The Liaison transported him and his belongings to the program.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison met a married couple at a local bus stop who had been accustomed to traveling from one stop to the next and had been homeless off and on for the past 10 years. They were not initially interested in services but wanted to try a non-traditional shelter and became interested after learning about the SOS. Both struggle with substance use and needed to stay near their treatment clinic. The husband utilizes a wheelchair, and his wife takes care of him throughout the day. The Liaison was able to secure a spot for them at the SOS and transported them to the program.
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 370 indoor shelter beds in 2024 and 380 additional beds that are in process and expected to be completed during 2025. All but 60 of the temporary shelter beds created in 2023 have closed.
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 four projects in 2024 to provide 370 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 at Phoenix Navigation Center.
- Number of unduplicated clients served at North Mountain Healing Center.
- Average monthly usage at the Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) Single Adult Shelter.
Below are success stories submitted in the last month by funded partners.
Success Story
A client experienced homelessness due to a breakdown in a domestic relationship involving children. After a month, they sought shelter services and were approved for entry into North Mountain Healing Center (NMHC). The client identified barriers including lack of employment, affordable housing, and missing documents. NMHC created a case plan to address these issues, and the client quickly secured employment within their first week. They also obtained necessary documents and were assisted with funding for vehicle repairs, ensuring reliable transportation. Within three weeks, the client had secured employment, reliable transportation, and started saving money. They began searching for apartments and found an affordable housing option. Within six weeks, the client successfully exited shelter services, having overcome all initial barriers.
Success Story
A female senior who had faced homelessness intermittently for much of her adult life, sought refuge at the CASS single-adult shelter when she could no longer rely on her brother for housing. She was also struggling with substance use dependency, poor physical health (including severe knee and shoulder issues, hearing difficulties, arthritis, and a history of cancer), and mental health challenges. She began working with a CASS case manager, who helped her complete rental applications for senior housing and connected her with medical support. Despite frequent emotional struggles, she persevered, completing numerous applications. In a few months, she received an interview for a subsidized senior housing unit at Westward Ho, a turning point in her journey. She moved in shortly thereafter. Soon after, her medical navigator informed her that she was cancer-free, adding to her hope for the future.
Success Story
A client and their significant other were referred to the Phoenix Rapid Rehousing program by Phoenix Rescue Mission, following challenges related to recent incarceration and substance use. Upon enrollment, they were referred for additional support services. Throughout their time in the program, both individuals made significant progress. They secured employment, stayed compliant with program requirements, and remained committed to self-improvement. As of now, they have been sober for nearly six months. They successfully signed a lease and moved into an apartment, maintaining housing stability. Both are still employed and remain sober, continuing to build a stable and healthier future.
Success Story
Keys to Change staff helped two participants, who met at the SOS, secure housing in Central Phoenix. After inquiring about available two-bedroom apartments, Keys to Change staff assisted them in finding a suitable apartment, guiding them through the application process, and securing approval. Additionally, the team provided move-in assistance through Flex Funds and a grant from the Latter-Day Saints church for essential household items. This collaborative effort ensured the participants transitioned smoothly into their new home.
Success Story
Two young adults exiting A New Leaf shelter system found themselves without stable housing. Through rapid rehousing, they received not only a place to stay but also programs focused on life skills and budgeting. Both have now completed their education and are working, with plans to continue their personal growth and independence.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.