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 October 21, 2024, the SOS has served a total of 1,188 individuals, of which 240 are still staying at the site. There have been 948 individuals that have exited the SOS, of which 32 percent have had a positive exit which may include moving to an emergency shelter, reuniting with family, and 22 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, 103 referrals have been made and 26 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.
Affordable Housing for Seniors Project Update (I-17 and Northern)
The former Super 8 hotel, located at the I-17 and Northern, is being transformed into 126 units of permanent housing for seniors. The project is currently being rezoned, City Council approved October 2, and a zoning waiver has been received. The City plans to break ground in 2025 with units coming online in 2026.
The project is nestled between Project Haven, an emergency shelter for seniors owned by Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), and the City of Phoenix’s Innovation 27 workforce and education center. Prospective residents will be low-income seniors (aged 55+) who make $21,600 or less annually.
Community Court
Community Court has served 217 participants this year from January through September. Of these, 25 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.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons met a 49-year-old male near a local park who was living on the street with his dog, after his trailer had broken down. He did not have family or friends in town and was without any immediate resources. He and his pet were hot and hungry, and the Liaisons told him about help he could receive at the SOS. Liaisons reserved a spot for him at the program and transported him and his dog.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons were contacted by a couple, a 53-year-old female and her 56-year-old husband with three small dogs, who had been on the streets for several years. They were hoping to enter the SOS for about two weeks and had to be patient for spots to become available. They stayed in touch with the Liaisons daily to inquire about entry into the program. Fortunately, Liaisons secured their placement at SOS and transported them. They are looking forward to getting help obtaining their identification, applying for disability, and exploring long-term housing options.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison engaged a 42-year-old male who previously had housing and income but due to incarceration, lost his benefits and housing. He’d been experiencing homelessness for over a year since his release. Struggling with health issues, he believed he would perish living on the streets. He was ecstatic that services were offered. The Liaison transported him to the SOS where he will be connected to services for health and provided assistance to be reconnected with his social security benefits.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison engaged with a 45-year-old female who had been experiencing homelessness off and on for the past four years. She had experienced domestic violence and was assaulted, which led to her becoming unhoused. The Liaison transported her to the SOS where she can begin her road to recovery.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons outreached an unhoused veteran who had been disconnected from services for over a year. Veteran’s benefits ended after his incarceration, and he has been struggling to reinstate them. He agreed to let the Liaison reconnect him with services and a transitional housing facility was able to provide a room for him. The Liaison transported him and his belongings to the Community Resource Center for Veterans for intake. Now, he can get reconnected to reestablishing his veteran’s benefits and can sleep with peace of mind.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons engaged a male with his senior dog who had been experiencing homelessness for approximately four years and struggling with substance abuse as a result. He excitedly jumped at the opportunity to be placed at the SOS so he and his dog could stay together and receive access to other services. Liaisons transported him, his dog, and personal belongings to the SOS, where he can begin his path out of homelessness.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons met a couple at a park who had been unhoused for three years and were now ready to accept services so they could obtain employment and move back to the reservation. The couple were struggling since being evicted from their apartment. When Liaisons offered services, the couple did not hesitate and quickly gathered their belongings. They were transported to the SOS where they can have a safe space to sleep and begin their track back to the workforce.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison met a female at a park who stated she had been experiencing homelessness for approximately five years due to an eviction, then began using substances. She was hoping for a way off the streets so she could be reunited with her family. When the Liaison offered an option, she was ecstatic and eagerly gathered up her belongings, including a canvas that she had been working on. She has been painting to keep her mind at ease while she has been separated from her five young children. Excited about her future, she intends to reconnect with her children and hopes to one day have her paintings showcased in a studio.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons met with an individual at a park, who reported being unhoused for countless years but has been in this park off and on for three years. He states that he suffers from substance abuse and mental health issues and has been disconnected from services. He was excited to be offered a safe place to sleep to get some rest and was transported to the SOS where he can re-engage with services.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons engaged an unhoused couple at a park. The male individual was extremely resistant to speak with Liaisons, but through persistent engagement, they agreed to listen to the Liaisons. The couple was evicted from their housing situation and have been moving from park to park. Exhausted from lack of sleep and the heat, they decided to accept assistance and were transported to the SOS where they can have a safe place to sleep and get some much needed rest.
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 280 indoor shelter beds in 2024 and 510 additional beds that are in process and expected to be completed during 2024-25.
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 three projects in 2024 to provide 280 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 through the I-HELP Program.
- Number of unduplicated clients served at Mercy House temporary lodging.
- Number of unduplicated clients served at Phoenix Navigation Center.
- Number of unduplicated clients served at North Mountain Healing Center.
- Average monthly usage at the CASS Single Adult Shelter.
Below are success stories submitted in the last month by funded partners.
Success Story
A 50-year-old woman with multiple trespassing charges was referred to the Phoenix Community Court program by a Public Defender’s Office social worker. Previously familiar to the Community Court case manager from other outreach efforts, the woman was initially hesitant but agreed to join the program after understanding its benefits. With support, she successfully resolved her warrants and graduated from the regional homeless court, clearing all fines. While staying at the Community Bridges, Inc. Greenway Shelter, she connected with a mental health clinic and was also reconnected with her primary care physician through Circle the City. This led to her obtaining necessary lab work and undergoing hip replacement surgery, which greatly improved her quality of life. Although she continues to face challenges, such as degenerative bone disease, she is now stable in shelter, engaged in ongoing case management, and receiving assistance with her social security disability application from a SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) specialist. With all charges dismissed and significant health improvements, she is on a positive path toward self-sufficiency.
Success Story
At a Project Connect event hosted by SVdP at Sunnyslope Family Services Center, various organizations came together to support individuals experiencing homelessness. The event included two main booths: one for meals and beverages, and another with a mobile bike shop offering repairs, raffles, and bike locks. Over 300 people were served breakfast sacks and chili dogs. The event effectively linked attendees with vital services and provided significant aid to the homeless community.
Success Story
A 63-year-old man began experiencing homelessness in June 2022 due to medical issues and stayed at CASS. He agreed to participate in the Phoenix Community Court program to address misdemeanor charges of littering and public intoxication. Despite facing medical challenges and a brief loss of contact with his case manager, he managed to save money, purchase a vehicle, and secure temporary housing. After resolving a warrant issue, he graduated from the Community Court program, with all charges dismissed. The client expressed gratitude for the support he received from his case manager and the team.
Success Story
A resident at Washington Relief Center secured a job as a wheelchair assistant at the airport and successfully regained custody of her son through active engagement with the Department of Child Safety. During her shelter stay, she also participated in the litter brigade with workforce development. She has now moved into her own apartment and continues to receive housing support.
Success Story
A female client came to United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) Halle Women’s Center shelter after fleeing an abusive relationship and becoming homeless. With UMOM’s support, including a rent-free safe place to stay, gas card, and work clothes, she quickly secured a job. Her dedication led to a promotion and a wage increase to $22 an hour. UMOM helped her save for application fees, secure an apartment, and cover move-in costs. Throughout her stay at UMOM, she was an exemplary participant. She now lives with her disabled son in her new apartment, continues to excel at work and is grateful for the comprehensive support that helped her achieve stability and independence.
Success Story
A resident at Washington Street Relief Center obtained a job as a forklift driver and took part in workforce development's litter brigade. He managed to address all his fines and court fees while at the shelter. He has moved into his own apartment and continues to receive housing assistance through rapid response.
Success Story
Phoenix I-HELP celebrated the success of a 48-year-old man who had experienced homelessness since November 2023 and was living in his car. Seeking stability, he reached out to Phoenix I-HELP and, with determination and support from staff, he utilized available resources to save money and secure a one-bedroom apartment. His journey highlights both his resilience and the impact of community support. Grateful for the help he received, he thanked the staff for their dedication in helping him rebuild his life. Today, he is thriving, and Phoenix I-HELP is proud to have played a role in his success.
Success Story
A female client began her journey to stability by enrolling in services and transitioning from homelessness to UMOM Halle shelter, a safe haven for pregnant women facing hardship. As she was transported to her new home, her spirits lifted. Upon arrival, she received a warm welcome from the staff who helped her settle in and explained the rules regarding substance use. She attended a municipal court hearing with her attorney, who encouraged her to participate in counseling and provide progress documentation to the court. The judge quashed her warrant and scheduled a follow-up hearing. She successfully set up an appointment to reconnect with her clinic.
Success Story
An 80-year-old first-time client faced the challenge of homelessness, struggling to accept his situation due to health issues and limited income. He felt lost and anxious, particularly during his first few nights in the program, but maintained an optimistic attitude and actively engaged with the resources available to him. Throughout weekly meetings, he explored the challenges that led to his homelessness, recognizing patterns of putting others’ needs before his own. With guidance, he identified and addressed destructive behaviors, saving money diligently to prepare for moving into his own place. He was approved for an apartment and successfully moved out of A New Leaf’s Phoenix Bridge into his new home. He expressed deep gratitude for the support he received during his journey.
Success Story
A female client signed up for services with Southwest Behavioral Health, seeking to escape a domestic situation. The following day, she was transported to Valley Hospital, where she felt emotional and stressed but was supported throughout her intake process. Staff learned of her upcoming release and collaborated with her discharge planner to create a plan for her next steps. After exploring various substance use and counseling programs, they arranged for her to join Lifewell. Staff transported her and assisted her during intake, where she was accepted. She successfully completed a mental health evaluation and was enrolled in Lifewell’s program, marking a significant step in her journey toward recovery and stability.
Camping Ordinance Update
Since the passing of the Camping Ordinance, Section 23-30, in May 2024, the City Manager’s Office has been collaborating with the Police (PD), Neighborhood Services (NSD), Street Transportation, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation departments, the Prosecutor’s Office, and OHS to identify an implementation plan including outreach, education, signage and priority locations, and enforcement. A modification to the Ordinance was approved by Council on October 2, 2024, and will become effective November 2, 2024.
Initial high priority locations have been identified by reviewing the past six months to one year of PHX C.A.R.E.S. cases within the boundaries identified in the modified ordinance. Signage has been installed at 32 priority City parks with 15 more added to the list; signs have been delivered to 12 schools and three daycare facilities; and signs are in the process of being installed within the 500-foot boundary of high priority locations. OHS and Information Technology Services are piloting an internal case management system to share engagement information with PD for their reference in the field. NSD continues to educate property owners and community members impacted by the updated Ordinance. PD continues to train their officers on the enforcement approach. OHS and PD will continue to lead with education and services and use enforcement only when needed.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.