Title
City of Phoenix Homelessness Outreach Plan Update
Description
This report provides the Land Use and Livability Subcommittee with an update on the City of Phoenix Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan outreach efforts.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Background
The City of Phoenix spends almost $20 million annually for services related to homeless solutions across several city departments including Housing, Human Services, Neighborhood Services, Police, Public Works and Street Transportation. Phoenix also annually dedicates over $4 million of that $20 million for services such as homeless outreach/engagement, veteran navigation, emergency shelter, rent/utility deposit assistance, wrap-around support and permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness through community-based providers.
On April 21, 2020, the City Council approved using COVID Emergency Solutions CARES Act funds to mitigate the impact of individuals experiencing homelessness in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $9 million was dedicated to the following services for seniors/medically vulnerable individuals, single men/women, families and youth: emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, case management.
Additionally, on June 24, 2020, the City Council approved $750,000 for heat relief efforts for the Day Respite Center located at the Phoenix Convention Center and shade structures for St. Vincent de Paul and Justa Center.
Summary
On June 23, 2020, staff presented to City Council the Strategies to Address Homelessness plan. At this meeting, Council approved the plan and further directed staff to engage the community to hear feedback and get input as to the plan and additional areas that might need to be incorporated.
Staff developed three types of opportunities to provide feedback to overcome the limitations COVID-19 has imposed: Virtual meetings, online and paper surveys for the community and those experiencing homelessness, and an informational website. Additionally, many individuals sent emails, and spoke directly to staff, outlining their perspective and strategies for addressing homelessness in Phoenix.
Virtual meetings were held between July 23 and September 4. Marketing efforts for the public meetings were accomplished through Council newsletters, various City listserv email lists, social media, as well as publicizing meetings on the City's public meeting notification system. Through the 22 meetings conducted by staff, over 700 people attended and more than 2,200 comments were received. Also during the outreach process, 3,700 comments from the 2,570 surveys were received, as well as 52 emails. At each public meeting, Spanish interpretation was available. Meetings were also held with organizations that provide services to the homeless population, neighborhood associations, and at the Phoenix Heat Respite Center where 100 individuals experiencing homelessness were able to provide feedback on the plan (Attachment A and B).
Key themes noted, and areas that needed enhancement in the current plan include:
- Affordable housing options, including tiny homes.
- Mental health and substance abuse services.
- Regional and non-profit partnerships.
- Considerations for specific populations of individuals experiencing homelessness (Youth, Seniors etc.)
- How will the plan recommendations be funded.
- How success will be measured.
- Consideration of other community models for engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Do not criminalize or stigmatize those experiencing homelessness.
- Clarification and emphasis on the Neighborhoods Section strategies to address safety and blight concerns.
- Consider additional court diversion models to provide more opportunities for people experiencing homelessness to access services and avoid barriers to recovery.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Human Services Department.