Title
Lessons Learned from Other Communities in Addressing Homelessness
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee an update related to homelessness and an overview of efforts of other cities, such as San Diego, in addressing homelessness.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) is committed to ending homelessness through a comprehensive, regional approach to shelter and heat relief, outreach, supportive care, behavioral health services, homelessness prevention, and supportive housing. In the past year, the City of Phoenix has visited and researched a number of cities outside of Arizona to share ideas, learn best practices, and identify strategies for addressing homelessness in communities. This update will discuss highlights from San Diego, Austin, San Antonio, and Portland.
San Diego, California
San Diego, like many other cities across the United States, is struggling with addressing homelessness. San Diego is comparable in size to Phoenix, both in total population and in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, according to the 2023 Point in Time Count. Two ways that San Diego is addressing homelessness include the Unsafe Camping Ordinance and the Safe Sleeping Program.
San Diego’s City Council approved an Unsafe Camping Ordinance in June 2023 and began enforcing it on July 31, 2023, with a progressive model, including officers offering shelter. The Ordinance allowed for enforcement in the following locations, regardless of shelter availability:
- Within two blocks of K - 12 schools;
- Within two blocks of a shelter;
- Along trolley tracks and transportation hubs;
- In City parks where public health or safety risk is determined; and
- In any open space, waterway, or banks of a waterway
Similar to Phoenix’s approach, San Diego utilizes an engagement process, which includes outreach for weeks by non-law enforcement outreach teams leading up to the start of enforcement. San Diego also uses signage identifying locations with priority areas addressed first.
San Diego’s Safe Sleeping Program was launched in June 2023. The program offers a safe, legal camping space as an alternative to traditional congregate shelters through the use of a City-owned lot. The site, which has 24/7 security, has a 133-tent capacity, 266-person capacity and allows for pets, partners and personal belongings. Individuals staying on site are free to enter and exit at any time and are offered services such as showers, restrooms, meals, and housing navigation. There are established rules and guidelines for the site, such as no on-site substance or alcohol use, and registered sex offenders are not allowed.
Additional Communities Visited or Researched
In September 2023, a delegation from the City of Austin visited Phoenix to learn from City staff how the City was able to increase shelter capacity so quickly. Austin delegates spent three days with City staff learning about various collaborations and touring shelters and housing sites.
In October 2023, City staff visited several sites in both Austin and San Antonio including multiple shelter sites, tiny home villages, permanent supportive housing sites, and harm reduction centers.
Several City staff, together with representatives from Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa County and the City of Avondale, spent two days in Portland, Oregon last spring to learn about their recent efforts to address unsheltered homelessness. The City of Portland passed a local tax in 2021 that will fund housing and shelter operations for ten years. The Arizona delegation learned about the many government agencies, private business groups and non-profit service providers that are working collaboratively to address the growing number of encampments in and around the city.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.