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 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.
Program Update for Permanent Site
Between March 26, 2025, and November 30, 2025, the PNC has served a total of 862 individuals, of which 214 are currently staying at the site. Of the individuals that have exited the PNC, 100 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 November 30, 2025, the SOS has served a total of 2,309 individuals, of which 235 are currently staying at the site. Of those that have exited the site, 195 people are now in housing. The positive exits 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 provides basic medical and first aid.
Community Court
Community Court has served 712 participants from January 2024 through November 2025. Of these, 186 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
A client had been experiencing homelessness since 2023 and enrolled in Community Court in April 2025. A veteran, the client demonstrated resilience and determination to rebuild his life. With assistance from his Case Manager and CBI Veterans program, the client was connected to the resources and support he was entitled to. The client obtained his social security card, successfully applied for and received his Supplemental Security Income benefits, and was able to move into his own apartment. On November 18, 2025, the client celebrated his graduation from the Community Court program and his case was dismissed.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
A Homelessness Liaison located an individual in a neighborhood and shared information about available services at the SOS. The individual expressed interest in accepting shelter services. The Liaison provided transportation to the SOS. Upon arrival, the individual expressed relief at having a safe place to stay and was eager to begin focusing on securing employment.
Success Story
An individual experiencing homelessness needed assistance with benefits enrollment and health care access. A Homelessness Liaison provided outreach and coordinated with Community Bridges, Inc. to secure shelter placement and submitted a referral for support services. The individual was safely transported to the Rio Fresco site and connected to shelter services.
Success Story
An individual approached the Homelessness Liaison team for assistance with family reunification resources. The team successfully connected with a family member who confirmed a willingness to provide housing and support. A coordinated plan and transportation were arranged the same day, along with food resources from the Welcome Center. The individual safely reached their family home in time for the holiday season.
Success Story
The team engaged with individuals in an alleyway during outreach and offered safe shelter options through the SOS. Two individuals accepted and were transported to SOS. One of the individuals expressed appreciation for the support and motivation to pursue a different path.
Success Story
A Homelessness Liaison engaged with an individual that had been experiencing homelessness for six months and had two small dogs. After learning the individual is a veteran, the Liaison connected him to the CBI Veteran team for assistance completing his VA housing paperwork. In the meantime, he was safely transported to the Rio Fresco site and connected to shelter services.
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
An individual arrived at the SOS seeking shelter after experiencing prolonged housing instability. While at SOS, CBI provided case management, and a navigator supported the individual with understanding finances, building independent living skills, and creating a workable budget. With this support, the participant saved enough to begin searching for housing and was later approved for a supportive housing community. The individual successfully moved into stable housing.
Success Story
Two individuals who had been experiencing ongoing housing instability were unable to re-enter a shelter, leaving them at risk of spending the night outside despite having work the following morning. The Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) Welcome Center team stepped in immediately, offering shelter and helping restore a sense of stability and dignity during the situation. When Housing Match learned of the situation, they collaborated with the CASS team to develop a self-resolve housing plan. By the end of the process, both individuals secured stable housing, demonstrating the impact of strong cross-departmental communication and compassionate advocacy.
Success Story
Homelessness Liaisons approached an individual experiencing homelessness. During their encounter, the individual expressed their goal to seek shelter but was unsure of available resources and mentioned their family. The OHS team located their family and arranged same-day transportation with assistance from Keys to Change. As a result, the individual was safely reunited with their family.
Success Story
Recently an individual experiencing long-term homelessness engaged with shelter services while working toward stability. During this time, the Welcome Center provided both support and a consistent checkpoint for this individual. Through collaboration with the CASS case managers and the Keys to Change team, permanent housing was successfully obtained.
Success Story
An individual enrolled in Southwest Behavioral Health’s program and worked diligently to resolve court-related requirements and reconnect with supportive services. Despite multiple logistical challenges, the individual successfully secured placement at a supportive treatment program focused on sobriety and behavioral health care. The individual is engaged in structured services that will positively support both long-term stability and court outcomes.
Success Story
An individual enrolled in Southwest Behavioral Health’s program and began making significant progress toward stability. After independently securing identification, benefits, and essential documents, the individual requested support with housing and was successfully placed in a structured program offering work opportunities and clinical services. The individual quickly demonstrated commitment, resulting in a promotion to a residential home environment. This individual is now actively preparing for employment and continues to build on a strong foundation of personal growth.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.