Title
Office of Homeless Solutions Program Report
Description
This report is issued monthly to provide the City Council 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 all the City’s efforts to address homelessness but rather reviews key highlights from the preceding month and updates on major upcoming projects.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix is committed to working with the community, service providers, and regional partners to implement solutions that address homelessness and mitigate neighborhood impacts. 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. Phase II was completed in March 2025 with a total PNC capacity of up to 280 individuals. The full site will be completed by end of summer. 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 May 31, 2025, the PNC has served a total of 720 individuals, of which 231 are currently staying at the site. Of the individuals that have exited the PNC, 72 are now in housing. The positive exits seen are a result of collaboration and coordination between OHS, Community Bridges Inc. (CBI), and St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP). These partners work with each individual, leveraging expertise and resources.
Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) Update
The City of Phoenix made a safe, outdoor structured campground site available in November 2023. The SOS was established to provide an alternative placement solution other than indoor shelter for those camping in the area surrounding the Key Campus (formerly the Human Services Campus). The site is operated in partnership with the Key Campus, CBI, and SVdP, offering 200 camp sites for up to 300 individuals. The SOS also includes on-site services such as heat/winter respite, case management, meals, and behavioral health services.
Program Update
Between November 1, 2023, and May 31, 2025, the SOS has served a total of 1,932 individuals, of which 253 are currently staying at the site. Of those that have exited the site, 137 people are now in housing. The positive exits seen are a result of collaboration and coordination between OHS, CBI, and the Key Campus partners. These partners work with each individual, leveraging 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. Supplemental resources include 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 492 participants from January 2024 through April 2025. Of these, 89 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, OHS, and CBI continues to create individualized plans to assist individuals in addressing their homelessness and help participants achieve their goals.
Community Court Success Story
In December 2024, the Community Court team met with a potential client. As soon as the team met with him, he was excited about the opportunity of Community Court and working with the team. He worked with Circle the City to address his medical issues and recover from surgery while working with the Community Court team on a housing plan. The team worked with him to identify affordable housing options and apply. The Community Court Program helped him with move-in costs and he was able to move into his new apartment in March. In April, he graduated from Community Court and we are excited to see him thrive in his new place.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison along with Park Rangers, conducted outreach at Mariposa Park. They engaged a female with her pet experiencing homelessness. She reported being homeless for over five years and struggling with addiction. She was accepted into the Phoenix Navigation Center (PNC). Her goal is to work on herself, ending her homelessness and reuniting with her children.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison was contacted by Circle the City staff about an unsheltered male. The individual was observed staying around a local business and expressed immediate interest in getting off the streets. The Liaison secured a spot for the individual at the Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) and arranged transportation to the program.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison was notified of a couple living in their vehicle with their dog. They have been homeless since 2023. They have struggled with addiction and saving their income. They were not interested in a traditional shelter setting. The Liaison informed them of opportunities for support at the Safe Outdoor Space (SOS). The couple downsized their belongings and agreed to be transported to the SOS.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison engaged a family that had recently been camping outside a park. The couple has two young children and needed assistance. The Liaison was able to reserve a room for the family at a shelter and Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) picked them up for immediate transportation.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison engaged a mother and her adult daughter. They were informed of the Phoenix Navigation Center (PNC) and eagerly wanted to enter the program. The Liaison was able to transport them and their belongings to PNC, where they can start working on a plan to obtain a long-term residence.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison engaged a father and child experiencing homelessness at Deer Valley park. During outreach, the father shared they had one dog and four cats. Working with the father’s Phoenix Rescue Mission case manager, the family was provided temporary hotel stay until their entry at United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM).
Shelter Projects
Attachment A represents a summary of new shelter beds created with City of Phoenix investments. This includes the 592 indoor shelter beds created in 2022, 482 temporary shelter beds in 2023, 370 additional indoor shelter beds in 2024, and 380 additional beds that have opened or will open in 2025.
Below are success stories submitted in the last month by funded partners.
Success Story
Recently, with the support of Homeward Bound, a couple reached their goal of completing their program and securing a home. They faced significant challenges, losing their jobs and experiencing eviction, yet they persevered.
Success Story
A veteran entered North Mountain Healing Center (NMHC), after experiencing episodes of homelessness. Upon intake with NMHC, he was engaged with case management to begin obtaining vital documents, assisting with goal setting, and employment opportunities. He disclosed not receiving necessary HIV care while experiencing homelessness. NMHC connected him to Care Directions to establish care for HIV. He was also connected to Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), and CBI to assist with apartment searching. He is successfully housed.
Success Story
Recently, a male individual who had been homeless for over 20 years successfully participated in Phoenix Community Court (PHXCC). During this time, he obtained vital documents (ID, Social Security card, birth certificate). With his case manager’s support, he attended key appointments and was approved for Social Security income. He entered The Phoenix Navigation Center (PNC), engaged in support services, and eventually secured a one-bedroom apartment. He is now housed and doing well.
Success Story
Recently, a male individual, previously sleeping on a bus bench, entered the Phoenix Community Court (PHXCC) in December 2024. As part of the program, he was required to complete substance abuse treatment. He maintained contact with his case manager and completed a six-day detox and a residential treatment program. During treatment, he reconnected with his brother and was welcomed by his family to move in. With social security income and strong support, he successfully graduated from the program and is now on a positive path forward.
Success Story
Recently, the CBI Phoenix outreach team responded to a high-priority call and engaged with a client who was living in a tent. The client expressed interest in shelter options, particularly the SOS. The team confirmed availability, enrolled the client in services, and provided transportation. This rapid, coordinated response marked an important first step for the client.
Success Story
Recently, CBI assisted a woman experiencing homelessness. She was enrolled in case management and medical services. She was on a fixed income and had medical treatment that prevented her from finding low-income housing. CBI worked with community partners while she stayed at the SOS and found an apartment complex. She received a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and moved into her own apartment.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.