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. 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
The SOS is operating under a limited capacity while construction is being completed. Between Nov. 1, 2023, and April 9, 2024, the SOS has served a total of 339 individuals, of which 117 are still staying at the site. There have been 227 individuals that have exited the SOS, of which 52 percent have had a positive exit which may include moving to an emergency shelter, reuniting with family, and three persons 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.
SOS Success Story
A 77-year-old female encountered residing in a place not meant for habitation around Key Campus reported that she became homeless in January 2023. She was brought into the SOS in February 2024 for shelter and ongoing case management services. While residing at the SOS, she was assisted with getting reconnected to a primary care physician, medical detox to overcome alcohol withdrawal, and identification assistance. Once she was able to obtain all forms of identification, she was assisted with an application for income-based housing and resources for flex funds to further assist with move-in costs. On April 5, she successfully moved into her own affordable housing unit. The CBI Navigator at the SOS assisted her with independent life skills by assisting her with signing a lease and to better educate her on responsibilities as a tenant.
Phoenix Navigation Center Progress
The City was approved for a Use Permit via the Board of Adjustment on April 4, 2024, to allow for use as a shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. The City of Phoenix plans to add 280 beds at the proposed new shelter being constructed at 11 S. 71st Ave. Earth moving equipment is on-site, and the City broke ground the week of April 8th. Next steps include working with the community, local business leaders, and other stakeholders to finalize a good neighbor agreement, as well as opening the application process for selection of the Advisory Committee.
Central Arizona Services - Temporary Haven Closure
Central Arizona Shelter Services’ (CASS) Temporary Haven officially closed on March 30, 2024. This is the first of many temporary lodging sites that opened in 2023 to close. Over the five-month period of operation, CASS served 73 unique individuals. Other temporary lodging sites are slated for closure in the next few months and into fall of 2024; however, the City is planning to add an additional 790 new beds to offset the impact of closures.
Key Campus (formerly the Human Services Campus) Encampment Efforts
OHS completed a total of 15 outreach and engagement efforts in the area surrounding the Key Campus between May 10 and Nov. 1, 2023, and closed streets to camping. Efforts included offering indoor shelter and services, assisting individuals with moving belongings as they were asked to relocate, and cleaning of streets by removing trash, waste, and other debris from each identified block. At the time the efforts began, nearly 700 individuals camped in the right of way in the area from 7th Avenue to 15th Avenue, Van Buren Street to Harrison Street, and it was by far the state’s largest encampment.
As a result of this effort, staff engaged over 700 people in the area, 590 of which accepted indoor shelter, treatment or alternative placement. Attachment A includes the number of individuals engaged and the number who accepted shelter on the day of each engagement effort. Attachment B depicts the percent distribution per shelter resulting from the efforts to date. Attachment C illustrates where the individuals who originally accepted indoor shelter, treatment or alternative placement during these efforts went as of a particular point in time. Updated data as of March 27, 2024, now reflects the SOS as a destination and shows that 61 percent remain in an indoor environment or at the SOS, while 23 percent have left shelter and are again in an unsheltered situation. Previous data as of Jan. 27, 2023, showed 65 percent remained in an indoor environment or the SOS, while 19 percent had left shelter and were again in an unsheltered situation.
Since Nov. 1, 2023, staff continue to enforce the court-ordered no-camping requirement in this area. In addition, proactive outreach and education continue to take place, and the area continues to be monitored and individuals encountered are engaged and offered shelter and the SOS as options.
Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons came across a couple at Civic Space Park, a 36-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man. The man revealed that he had been without a home for eight years and Civic Space Park became his primary refuge. The woman said she stayed in the park for several weeks and shared her ongoing battle with mental health issues and expressed a strong desire to resume medication for stabilization. Recognizing the couple's vulnerable situation, they willingly agreed to enter the SOS, and the Liaisons facilitated their transportation to this supportive environment.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison received a call from Cactus Park Community Action Officers concerning a young couple and their dog unexpectedly displaced from a room they were renting. The man was working full-time, while the woman had just been discharged from the hospital. Their original plan was to save money by renting the room, intending to eventually move out on their own, but they found themselves exploited by their landlord. The Liaison successfully arranged shelter placement for the couple and their dog at A New Leaf, and CBI facilitated transportation to the shelter. The Liaison received appreciation emails from other departments for their prompt and effective response.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons met a 52-year-old female who was sleeping in a park and struggling with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and grappling with substance use involving fentanyl and meth. Despite having five adult children in the valley, her circumstances hindered their ability to provide substantial support. Liaisons were able to secure a bed for her at the Washington Relief Center and facilitated her transportation there. She expressed a commitment to reinstating her prescribed medications and begin to focus on her longer-term goals.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons met a 45-year-old female at Civic Space Park who reported she had been staying in the park for several weeks grappling with alcohol and drug addiction. She was very enthused about obtaining employment and pursuing a long-term residence. Liaisons transported her to the SOS. Recognizing her uncertainty, Liaisons took the time to emphasize the advantages of staying at the SOS, where all her basic needs could be addressed, while also encouraging her to maintain communication with her boyfriend regarding other options. Eventually, she agreed to stay onsite to fully explore the range of available support services.
Success Story
Homeless Liaisons outreached a male client outside of Key Campus in front of SVdP requesting resources for housing. The client indicated he has been homeless for over five years and recently moved away from the Key Campus area and wanted to have his own permanent housing. The Liaison discussed the different options and asked if he currently was sheltered. The client indicated he was in a temporary lodging placement, receives monthly income of $1,300 and would have enough money soon for move-in costs. After learning the client is a veteran, the Liaison reached out to Supportive Services for Veteran Families Rapid Rehousing (RRH) program to verify eligibility for RRH services. After the client agreed, the Liaison contacted CBI for transportation to complete walk-in intake for a housing program. Now, the client will not need to utilize his own funding for move-in costs and will be able to save his money he currently has saved.
Success Story
A Homeless Liaison encountered a couple accompanied by their small emotional support dog during a cleanup operation near Key Campus. The male mentioned that he was currently employed through a temporary agency but faced challenges balancing homelessness with work responsibilities. The female shared that she had two job interviews scheduled within the next week. The couple revealed that they were residing in their vehicle near the railroad tracks. Although their vehicle was relatively new and operational, they needed to update its registration which they lacked the necessary funds for. When asked about any history of substance abuse, evictions, or felonies within the last five years, both individuals confirmed that they had no such issues. The female specifically mentioned her seven-year sobriety and the daily challenges she faced due to the prevalent drug use in the area. Liaisons promptly reached out to CBI for assistance in securing temporary lodging services for the couple while they saved up money to secure an apartment. As a result of their efforts, both clients were successfully placed in Rio Fresco Shelter, providing them with a stable environment as they work toward their housing goals.
Upcoming Shelter Projects
Attachment D represents a summary of new shelter beds created with City of Phoenix investments including the 1,074 indoor shelter beds created in 2022 and 2023 to date, and the additional 790 indoor shelter beds and 125 affordable housing units that are in process and expected to be completed during 2024-25. A total of 1,864 new beds are expected to be created during the 2022-25 timeframe, along with 125 affordable housing units.
Existing Shelter Project Outcomes
Phoenix invested in four major projects in 2022 to create and provide 592 new indoor shelter beds, and seven projects to date in 2023 to provide 482 new shelter beds as summarized in Attachment D. The attached table (Attachment E) 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 SVdP temporary lodging;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at Mercy House temporary lodging;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at A New Leaf temporary lodging;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at CASS temporary lodging;
- Number of unduplicated clients served at CBI temporary lodging; and
- Average monthly usage at the CASS Single Adult Shelter.
Success Story
A 42-year-old woman from Haiti made a courageous decision to leave an unhealthy relationship and start anew. Facing homelessness and sleeping in her car, she sought help from Phoenix I-HELP. Despite a minor past misdemeanor, she was determined to pursue a career in the medical field. With the support of her case manager, she secured full-time employment as a caregiver and is now working towards a second part-time position to complement her schedule. In February 2024, she achieved a significant milestone by obtaining permanent housing, marking a remarkable turnaround in her life.
Success Story
A vulnerable 64-year-old with behavioral health conditions and a history of homelessness, found success with the help of a CASS case manager. Despite facing challenges in finding employment, his positive attitude and commitment to his goals never wavered. His case manager connected him with supportive services and assisted him in applying for housing. He secured a spot at a subsidized senior housing community with the help of financial assistance from CASS. He has moved into his new apartment, marking the end of his homelessness. Grateful for the support he received, he looks forward to focusing on securing part-time employment now that he has stable housing.
Success Story
A male client faced homelessness and relocation due to sexual abuse before joining A New Leaf’s Phoenix Bridge program. With the help of his case manager, he set and achieved goals, securing a job as a cook earning $19 per hour with overtime opportunities. He saved money while in the program and, with support, transitioned to his own apartment, through Rapid Re-Housing. He expressed gratitude for the program's support and the consistent care he received, which was a new experience for him.
Success Story
A male client joined A New Leaf’s Phoenix Bridge program, after staying at CASS shelter and the Washington Relief Center. Despite receiving disability income, housing obstacles arose due to documentation issues. His case manager intervened, contacting the apartment manager of his desired complex and clarifying paperwork requirements. With transportation assistance from the case manager, he obtained the necessary documents and secured an apartment. A significant milestone was achieved marking his journey toward stability.
Success Story
A client of St. Joseph the Worker (SJW) faced housing instability after eviction and fell into homelessness due to job loss. Seeking support, she found the Workforce Villages program designed to provide budgeting assistance and aid in securing sustainable housing. After living with family temporarily and securing a new job, she aimed to regain independence. Lack of budgeting skills posed a challenge, but the program offered guidance. During her 90-day stay, she worked closely with a Housing Specialist, attending classes on financial education and food budgeting. By saving 80 percent of her income and forming a budget, she successfully moved back into her own home. She credits the program and her dedicated Housing Specialist for this achievement, stating she will continue applying the techniques learned to achieve future goals. The partnership between SJW and the City of Phoenix celebrates her successful transition into permanent housing, equipped with essential life and financial skills.
Success Story
A client and her family achieved positive outcomes in Chicanos Por La Causa’s homeless program. Initially arriving with only her child, she shared that her husband also needed shelter. Through the efforts of the case manager, the family was successfully reunited into a single unit on-site, allowing them to focus on their case plan. She secured employment and is awaiting housing placement, marking significant progress for the family.
Success Story
A client discharged from a psychiatric hospital with no place to go, facing loss of employment and custody of her child, found hope and support through her case manager at United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) Halle Women’s Shelter. Grateful for the resources provided, she diligently worked to rebuild her life. In just 24 days, she successfully transitioned out of shelter, demonstrating determination by budgeting, saving, and actively seeking housing. Leveraging available resources at UMOM, such as the employment center and gas cards, she secured full-time employment and stabilized herself mentally. She now enjoys visitation rights with her child and eagerly anticipates permanent reunification, showcasing her remarkable journey towards stability and family unity.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.