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.
Program Update for Permanent Site
Between March 26, 2025, and August 31, 2025, the PNC has served a total of 629 individuals, of which 216 are currently staying at the site. Of the individuals that have exited the PNC, 27 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 August 31, 2025, the SOS has served a total of 2,147 individuals, of which 245 are currently staying at the site. Of those that have exited the site, 159 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 623 participants from January 2024 through August 2025. Of these, 149 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
An individual was introduced to Community Court in February 2025. He had been experiencing homelessness for at least five years. He is wheelchair bound and was reluctant to engage in services, spending time in and out of shelters, and frequenting heat relief sites. During his participation in Community Court, the client secured identification documents and his Social Security Disability Insurance, opened a bank account for direct deposit, and secured an apartment in July 2025. In August 2025, he graduated from the Community Court program and celebrated his last day of appearing in court, with his case being dismissed.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
Homelessness Liaisons engaged with a couple near a conveyance channel where they were staying. They were engaged by Liaisons several times, being offered shelter and heat relief. At first, they were reluctant to go into a program because they felt they would leave too many of their personal belongings. Liaisons highlighted the benefits of downsizing and being connected to caseworkers at the SOS. After encouragement, the couple agreed to be transported to the program.
Success Story
A Homelessness Liaison engaged multiple times with an individual residing in an alley who was dealing with addiction. A Liaison shared information about the services available at SOS and offered support when the individual felt ready. After consideration, the individual packed his belongings and expressed his commitment to improve his situation. A space was secured, and the Liaison transported him to the program.
Success Story
A Homelessness Liaison met an employed individual during Sunnyslope Heat Relief outreach who was experiencing housing instability. OHS staff helped coordinate temporary support and, in collaboration with a property manager, secured a housing opportunity. With guidance and move-in assistance, he successfully transitioned into permanent housing.
Success Story
Homelessness Liaisons and Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) teams connected with an individual they had engaged multiple times in the past. After engagement, the individual accepted an offer for heat relief. While at the heat relief site, they made a decision to enter detox. This turning point was the result of trust built over time and the presence of outreach teams. From there, they enrolled into a recovery program that provides both housing and employment support.
Success Story
A Homelessness Liaison engaged with an individual who had been living in her vehicle for several months. She maintained steady employment and commuted by bus after her vehicle stopped running. One morning, she reported that her vehicle had been towed, prompting urgent support to help her recover her belongings and avoid further displacement. The Liaison was able to secure emergency shelter placement at Rio Fresco, conveniently located near her workplace. She was transported to the shelter, where she completed her intake and began the next step toward stability.
Success Story
A Homelessness Liaison engaged with an individual regarding shelter options and available resources for rehabilitation and detox services. The individual shared a background of working in the healthcare field and described a personal crisis that led to mental health issues and substance use. The individual expressed a desire to change their circumstances, stating they had administered naloxone to others in need and showed a strong interest in entering a rehabilitation program. The outreach team transported the individual to the Sunnyslope Heat Relief facility. The case manager contacted rehabilitation facilities to explore intake options and successfully scheduled an intake at Purpose Healing inpatient facility.
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 facing a recent medical crisis lost both housing and employment. After receiving support at a cooling center, CBI staff coordinated with Circle the City and secured shelter and continued care. The individual was placed at the Safe Outdoor Space, where they now receive case management, medical support, and access to job training services, which are assisting this individual in taking meaningful steps toward stability and recovery.
Success Story
An individual caring for several children came to the Jackson Street Respite Center after experiencing homelessness due to a personal tragedy. With quick coordination, CBI staff arranged transportation and helped reunite the family with supportive relatives where new opportunities awaited.
Success Story
An individual connected with the Phoenix Community Connections program while experiencing homelessness and facing challenges related to missing identification documents. With guidance from outreach staff, the individual accepted a shelter placement at a SVdP facility. With steady case management support, meaningful steps were taken towards stability. Now working part-time and continuing to engage in supportive services, the individual expressed deep appreciation for the help and support received.
Success Story
An individual experiencing homelessness found stability and hope at the PNC. After facing significant personal and economic challenges, they began rebuilding their life with support from local service providers. Through participation in SVdP Neighborhood Brigade transitional employment program, the individual regained essential job skills and self-confidence. This opportunity led to enrollment in a workforce development program and a full-time job. With added support from financial coaching services, they were able to budget, save and ultimately move into stable housing.
Success Story
After aging out of foster care, a client went to a shelter and secured employment. Their determination led to securing stable housing, and they have since enrolled in a comprehensive medical plan to support their ongoing health and well-being.
Success Story
After nearly seven months in PNC shelter, a client found employment and saved money. They were able to move into an apartment with their significant other. With support, they made significant personal and financial progress.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.