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 April 30, 2025, the PNC has served a total of 629 individuals, of which 199 are currently staying at the site. Of the individuals that have exited the PNC, 64 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 April 30, 2025, the SOS has served a total of 1,644 individuals, of which 255 are currently staying at the site. Of those that have exited the site, 125 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 442 participants from January 2024 through March 2025. Of these, 74 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 August 2024, a couple came to the court together and both decided to accept entering Community Court. Within a few weeks of entering the program, they were connected to shelter and began working with their case managers. Through the program, they both obtained their vital documents including their identification, social security card, and birth certificates. They worked with their case managers to get connected to medical appointments and a mental health provider. Through their combined income, they were able to move into their own apartment in March. With all of their success, they graduated from the Community Court program in early April 2025.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
An OHS Caseworker engaged with a male individual during outreach on 35th Avenue and Indian School Road. He stated he had been on the street for a while and was ready to go into shelter. He noted there were a few barriers and health issues stopping him before but he was ready. The Caseworker coordinated with an OHS supervisor to secure shelter at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). During engagement he stated there was a list of things he would like to accomplish while in shelter. The OHS Caseworker provided information to different organizations and community partners that could help him. The OHS Caseworker transported him to CASS, where he could start the process of ending his homelessness.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison was notified of an unsheltered male sleeping along a sidewalk in front of a restaurant. The Liaison learned the individual had been on the streets since last summer. The individual stated he usually stayed in a park during the day. The Liaison told him about the PNC and the individual immediately said he would like to enter shelter. The Liaison reserved a bed and transported him to the PNC.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison met a physically disabled 58-year-old female and her 56-year-old boyfriend along a sidewalk. They had been on the streets on and off for several years. They had income and were hoping to move into an affordable apartment soon but needed a temporary place to live. The female was keen on receiving immediate assistance, and after speaking with her boyfriend, the Liaison convinced them to get help. The couple agreed to be transported to the SOS.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison engaged two individuals who indicated they were a couple at 52nd Street and Taylor. The female was 46-years-old and her boyfriend was 65-years-old. She is battling cancer and substance abuse. He struggles with mental health and substance abuse. The Liaison informed them of assistance they could receive at the SOS. They were interested in getting off the streets and asked the Liaison to help transport their belongings. Once at SOS, they were eager to connect with all the services offered at the program and to sleep in a safe location.
Success Story
Liaisons conducted outreach at Norton Park and engaged a male individual who had two dogs. He reported being homeless with his wife for approximately two months. His wife was currently hospitalized and expected to be discharged and transitioned to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. He stated he was laid off from his job, which led to their homelessness. He was seeking shelter but owned two pets. The Liaison contacted a coworker and was able to arrange for one pet to be fostered. He met with Valley Dogs Rescue and signed all required documents. The individual was then escorted to the PNC by CBI, where an intake was completed.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons outreached one male individual who indicated he had been homeless for approximately two years. The male individual indicated he became homeless because he was evicted from his apartment for lack of payment. He indicated he had been unable to recover since being evicted. He indicated he was a veteran and upon checking eligibility requirements, he qualified for housing programs and veteran benefits. The Liaisons contacted Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Rapid Rehousing (RRH) program requesting assistance. One of the Liaisons spoke with the program supervisor who indicated the client would be accepted. The Liaison contacted CBI Rio Fresco asking for placement assistance. The Liaisons were able to secure him placement at Rio Fresco and the male individual was accepted into the RRH program.
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
The North Mountain Healing Center celebrates another positive month marked by success in changing the lives of nine individuals. They successfully housed nine individuals, each towards stability and independence. Out of these nine individuals, two have taken significant steps by enrolling in residential treatment programs. One of the clients is back with the support of their friends and family, demonstrating that healing sometimes means reconnecting with loved ones who can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. The remaining six individuals have moved into independent and sustainable housing. Providing them with the necessary resources and guidance, North Mountain Healing Center has empowered clients to move forward confidently.
Success Story
A mother and her children were living in their car after fleeing a domestic violence situation. They were receiving some income for her child’s disability. From the moment they entered United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) family shelter, she began looking for housing. She was able to quickly find an apartment within the budget of her daughter’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and received assistance from HOME INC to cover move in costs. She successfully moved into her own housing after only three weeks at the shelter.
Success Story
A 71-year-old female went to Community Court last year with an outstanding warrant and significant past fines. She was nervous about being arrested due to unawareness of her past cases. At intake, she was enrolled in shelter at the SOS. The Community Court team provided wrap-around services, helping her with vital documents, shelter coordination, and medical needs. After some setbacks, including exiting from SOS and resuming camping at a park, the case manager continued to assist her. She secured shelter at Rio Fresco for her and her partner. The client then actively followed all directives from the court team, graduated from Regional Homeless Court, and her fines were suspended. She is connected to a housing team and looks forward to her future.
Success Story
A 54-year-old has been working at a locally owned sandwich shop in downtown Phoenix for the past four years. Despite maintaining employment, he has struggled with homelessness and has stayed at the CASS Single-Adult Shelter consistently. He met with a CASS case manager, and together they developed a 60-day plan for him to obtain permanent housing. The plan included saving money, time management, and practicing independent living skills. He adhered to the guidelines of the plan produced in collaboration with his CASS case manager. In well under 60 days, he signed a lease for a one-bedroom apartment and left CASS.
Success Story
The Southwest Behavioral Health Services (SWBH) team enrolled a client who needed assistance with housing, psychiatric services, substance use, obtaining documents, a phone, and a new food stamps card. The team coordinated with attorneys and social workers for his third-party release. He agreed to a plan that involved evaluation at Valley Hospital followed by transfer to a sober living/substance use program. After his release, the team transported him to Valley Hospital, where he filled out intake forms. He called the team, expressing satisfaction with the program and shared his upcoming transfer to a sober living home in Mesa. He also enrolled in intensive outpatient classes at Valley. Once at the sober living facility, the client asked for help with transportation to the Department of Economic Security office where he successfully replaced his food stamps card. The team also provided a food box in the meantime. After a follow-up court date, his attorney was impressed with his progress. His resilience and commitment to working on himself, along with consistent communication with the team, are expected to support his success in his court case.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.