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.
Phoenix Navigation Center (PNC)
Phase I of the PNC opened in July 2024 with a capacity of up to 140 individuals. The full site will be operational by end of the summer with a capacity of 280. The completion of this shelter for people experiencing homelessness marks a significant milestone in the City's ongoing efforts. It is the tenth project the City has partnered to open or expand since 2022. The opening also comes at a crucial time, ensuring more people have access to cool, indoor spaces before the dangerous summer temperatures begin.
Program Update
Between July 2024 and March 31, 2025, the PNC has served a total of 515 individuals, of which 145 are still staying at the site. Of the individuals that have exited the PNC, 58 are now in housing. The positive exits seen are a result of the collaboration and coordination between OHS, CBI, and St. Vincent de Paul partners working with each individual and leveraging each partner’s expertise and resources.
Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) Update
The City of Phoenix made this safe, outdoor structured campground site available in November 2023. The SOS was established to provide an alternative placement solution other than indoor shelter for unsheltered individuals camping in the area surrounding the Key Campus (formerly the Human Services Campus). 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 March 31, 2025, the SOS has served a total of 1,564 individuals, of which 216 are still staying at the site. Of those that have exited the site, 116 people are now in housing. 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. 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 400 participants from January 2024 through February 2025. Of these, 61 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 April 2024, we were introduced to a client through a community partner who had heard about Community Court and brought him to the courthouse to see how we could help him. Since entering the program, he obtained all his vital documents even after some setbacks. He worked with his case manager to apply and receive his Supplemental Security Income (SSI) income as well as enrolling in Medicare. Through the program, he was able to get connected to shelter and finally able to begin addressing some of his medical needs. Although he faced some ups and downs, he secured his own apartment and moved in at the beginning of March as well as graduated from Community Court.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
After years of living on the streets, a client was successfully placed in a shelter through one of our coordinated outreach efforts. During conversations with a Homeless Liaison, the client expressed interest in finding employment. The Liaison connected him with workforce programs offered by our community partners, and months later, he reached out to express his gratitude. He shared that, thanks to the support, he is now working day labor and is actively working toward securing full-time employment. This journey marks a significant step toward his independence and long-term stability.
Success Story
Liaisons met a male individual and his girlfriend in the parking lot of a convenience store. The couple stated they had been on and off the streets for the past few years. The male individual was on parole and the girlfriend seemed to be struggling with mental health challenges. They were both trying to regain custody of their child. The Liaison informed them of the help they could get at the Safe Outdoor Space and how a stable living situation could assist with their goals. They accepted going to the SOS and the Liaison transported them and their belongings.
Success Story
A Liaison engaged with a male individual and his spouse in an alley behind a local restaurant. For several months the Liaison provided outreach to the couple. During previous engagements, the couple was not ready to accept services. During the most recent outreach effort, they decided the most positive way forward was to reconnect to case management. The Liaison helped secure beds for them and their dog at the Washington Shelter. They downsized their belongings and the Liaison transported them to the program.
Success Story
Liaisons were providing outreach at Hance Park with a Park Ranger and came across a couple and their dog experiencing homelessness. The couple reported being homeless for a while. The couple reported struggling with substance abuse and believed that getting into shelter and working on ending their homelessness would help them get on the right track. Liaisons were able to get them into the Safe Outdoor Space along with their dog.
Success Story
A Liaison met an unsheltered male in East Phoenix. He stated he had just been released from incarceration within the past month and was having a difficult time finding resources and safe places to sleep. The Liaison informed him of the help available at the Phoenix Navigation Center. He was excited to connect with case management and eager to rest in one location. He and his belongings were transported to the PNC.
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. Of these, 170 shelter beds are now available and 210 beds are under construction. All but 60 of the temporary shelter beds created in 2023 have closed.
Below are success stories submitted in the last month by funded partners.
Success Story
Staff have been working with a client at CBI Rio Fresco since January. He was accepted into a program designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities ease back into the workforce. He consistently attended the program on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. He was also enrolled in the H2O program, where he received an ABC Voucher and actively sought assistance in finding housing. His hard work paid off when he applied for an apartment and his application was approved. He is now on track to achieve his goal of independence.
Success Story
In April 2024, a PNC resident became homeless after a difficult breakup and spent months surviving on the streets near 19th Avenue and Thunderbird. In July, he secured a spot at the PNC and quickly found support. Brigade Supervisor Kenyon offered him a part-time job as a crew member at $18 an hour. He was then connected with a Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP) workforce case manager who helped refine his resume and provided interview clothing and preparation. After successfully interviewing at Shamrock Farms, he received a full-time job offer. With the staff’s help, he developed a budget and savings plan, leading to financial stability. The resident transitioned to the X-wing for short-term housing and with support from the CBI housing navigator team, secured permanent housing near his new job.
Success Story
A client came to Southwest Behavioral Health (SWBH) seeking help with substance use, housing, and securing his job. With dedicated support from the team, he achieved his goals quickly. On his first day, staff helped him get into New Freedom House for shelter, provided a bus card for food stamps, and assisted him in reinstating his job at a restaurant in one day. Throughout his journey, he showed resilience, attending all court dates with transportation support. At his final court date, he was recognized for achieving a major milestone. The client is now living with his family, has all his documents in order, and is working at a new job closer to home, highlighting the transformative impact of the program.
Success Story
A client enrolled in SWBH services in October, seeking help with housing, documents, a phone, and substance use issues. He also had a suspended jail sentence, with the option to avoid it by working with SBH. Initially, he was transported to a sober living program but left during intake, and contact was lost. A few weeks later, he reached out again, requesting information about other programs, and the team guided him into a detox program. After completing detox, he moved into a sober living home, where he currently resides. During a follow-up court date, he shared how much he enjoyed the program and expressed his progress. He is now thriving, spending more time with his daughter and enrolled in UEI College to earn a certificate as an electrician technician. His success is a result of his determination, the support from SBH, and his commitment to change.
Success Story
A 64-year-old client experiencing decade-long homelessness is working toward stability despite significant medical challenges. The CBI outreach team has supported him in obtaining his ID and setting goals for stability, such as securing shelter and accessing his retirement benefits. With leadership advocacy, he was placed at PHX28, providing relief from the cold and a safe place to stay. Grateful for the help, the client is committed to improving his health and not repeating past mistakes. He is focused on preparing for his surgeries and remains hopeful about his future.
Success Story
A client arrived at Saint Vincent de Paul De Paul Manor (SVdP) after seeking help from Circle the City. Previously a productive worker, the client's life took a turn when an accident caused him to lose his left eye, forcing him out of work and leading to significant hardships, including the loss of his apartment and incurring over $7,000 in eviction fees. In April 2023, the client sought legal help to secure disability income and finally received confirmation of his benefits last week, $1,642 per month, retroactive to April 2023. With support from De Paul Manor, the client has now obtained the necessary documents for housing applications and is on track to regain his independence.
Success Story
A client and her daughter found support and stability through the Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) De Colores program after a period of couch surfing and no permanent housing. When they arrived, she was critically ill, but despite her health challenges, she was prepared to work towards a better future. The program was flexible in meeting her needs, including providing a low-sodium diet for her medical requirements. The client expressed deep gratitude for the support since she was aging out of the Foster Care system and lacked family support. The client was placed in the United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) program, and after waiting for the right shelter space, she and her daughter successfully transitioned to a more stable living situation.
Success Story
A couple reached their goal of completing A New Leaf’s program and securing a home. They faced significant challenges, losing their jobs and experiencing eviction. Despite these hardships they worked hard and persevered with the support of Homeward Bound (HB). It has been an absolute pleasure to have them as part of the HB community and staff are proud of their achievements. Staff celebrate their resilience and determination and wish them nothing but success and happiness in their future.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.