City of Phoenix Places 585 People in Shelter While Complying with Court Order Ahead of Deadline | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/homeless-solutions/2910 | Homeless Solutions | | 11/3/2023 11:00:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/_EHA5QldBBk?si=fv9JO3Dw3PpOohdX | City of Phoenix Places 585 People in Shelter While Complying with Court Order Ahead of Deadline | <div class="ExternalClassF207237B2F044393979394F001C85147"><html>
<p>The City of Phoenix has fulfilled the court's order ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline, removing all tents and makeshift structures from the area around the Human Services Campus (HSC) and addressing the community's concerns while placing hundreds of people in shelter.<br></p>
<p>Since May, the City has addressed the area one block at a time, conducting outreach and then cleaning up the area and closing blocks to camping. On the days staff conducted engagement efforts, 718 people were offered services. 585 of those individuals accepted placement at an indoor location -- an 81% acceptance rate. This week, the City also opened the <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?8c9c03ca5408c8d83bb9da22ac9142bf969ee42d8e946dbb">Safe Outdoor Space</a> where 21 individuals are currently staying.<br></p>
<p>Throughout this process, the City offered every person who staff engaged with a place in an indoor shelter. The City has prioritized rapidly opening additional shelter options. In 2023, the City worked with its partners to add 482 new temporary shelter beds, <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?f28e50282ccc7cbec26d6bcbde564482d0f09da13e725e69">362 of those in October alone</a>. These temporary locations are currently serving people in need while the City continues to implement permanent solutions, including creating and preserving affordable housing as well as adding 790 new shelter beds. </p>
<p>Moving forward, the blocks addressed during the outreach and clean-up efforts will remain closed to camping. Signage is posted in the area alerting the community to the closure. The City plans to maintain the area through proactive outreach efforts conducted by the Office of Homeless Solutions, its partners and enforcement when needed. If individuals are found to be camping in the closed areas, the City will make efforts to engage and offer alternative locations. If services are declined and individuals continue to stay in a restricted area, officers have the authority to issue a citation or make an arrest. </p>
<p>While the City has met this court deadline, there is still work to be done in order to maintain the area and help people experiencing homelessness across Phoenix. The City will continue working with all individuals who have accepted a place in shelter or at the Safe Outdoor Space to help them on their path to ending their homelessness. The goal remains to ensure that every person has access to safe housing and services while preserving quality of life in our neighborhoods for all residents.<br></p>
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<span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>The
stories of the people Phoenix is helping through its Office of Homeless
Solutions are inspiring. <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?591c0ccff7499011a965597b7664ea3a6b69bd2502c96189">Hear from Sophia</a>, who’s on the path to ending
her homelessness.<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/homeless-solutions | Video | | homeless-solutions | | Homeless Solutions | | | | #PHXSolutions | homelessness, homeless, homeless solutions, solutions | Kristin Couturier | 602-568-8126 | | | | kristin.couturier@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/49/Kristin_Courtier.jpg | Ashley Patton, Deputy Director | 602-292-3704 | | | | ashley.patton@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/89/Ashley_Patton.jpg | cityofphoenixaz | |