City of Phoenix Invests $8 Million to Expand Family Shelter Solutions | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2570 | Human Services | | 11/17/2022 12:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2570/Newsroom_HumanServices_005.jpg | | City of Phoenix Invests $8 Million to Expand Family Shelter Solutions | <div class="ExternalClass0510889B7507460E9CB76E36295F9C9B"><html>
<p><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The City of Phoenix is investing $8 million to help add more safe, indoor spaces for families experiencing homelessness. On Wednesday, the City Council approved two contracts with the Salvation Army and UMOM New Day Center, which will help more than 250 additional vulnerable families each year. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span><br><br></p>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">“The need for additional family shelter is urgent,” said Rachel Milne, Director of the Office of Homeless Solutions. “Right now, a family who is experiencing homelessness typically waits 10 to 11 weeks before they can get into a shelter. These projects are crucial so that the families aren’t forced to wait any longer to get a roof over their heads.”</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The City is investing $6 million to add an additional family shelter building to the Salvation Army campus at 2707 E. Van Buren St. The new building will add 12 family units with beds for as many as 60 people. The expansion will increase the number of families the shelter can serve at one time from 24 to 36. It is expected that the additional rooms will serve more than 170 families each year, including more than 260 children. The Salvation Army Family Shelter currently provides housing, meals, case management, life skills classes, and occupational and crisis counseling to families for up to four months.</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The City also allocated $2 million to create an additional 20 family shelter units at the UMOM New Day Centers campus at </span>
<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">3333 E Van Buren St. The funding will cover the remodeling and repurposing of an existing building on the campus which can serve an additional 80 families each year. Families typically stay in the shelter program for about 3 months. </span>
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<span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Funding for the expansion of both Family Emergency Shelter Services is available from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Community Development Block Grant coronavirus Aid, Relief, And Economic Security Act (CDBG-CV) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).</span>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices | News | human-services | HS | | |
Volunteers Needed for Tax Season | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2542 | Human Services | | 10/28/2022 6:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2542/Newsroom_HumanService_Classroom.jpg | | Volunteers Needed for Tax Season | <div class="ExternalClassA50CEB002EA44846AB81C8DE75AFE5C9"><html><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The City of Phoenix needs your help to save taxpayers hundreds of dollars on filing their taxes. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an accountant or a math whiz to give back to your community. The City’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will provide all the training you need to help low-to-limited-income individuals and families file their returns for free. </span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> <br></span><br><div><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">VITA volunteers help educate taxpayers about their returns and make sure they claim every deduction and credit available. Over the last</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> 18 years</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, VITA volunteers have assisted Phoenix residents in obtaining over $100 million dollars in tax refunds.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">VITA volunteers are certified by the IRS to prepare basic tax returns or help taxpayers complete their own taxes using free do-it-yourself VITA tax software. But we need more than just tax preparers to volunteer. Greeters are the friendly faces who welcome residents to their appointment. We need Screeners to help make sure taxpayers are eligible for free tax preparation and that they have all the necessary documents to file. Our Site Coordinators organize and supervise all VITA sites and volunteers. And, if you’re bilingual, we really need you! Interpreters help provide tax preparation assistance to clients who speak languages other than English.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">“There are many personal and professional benefits to becoming a VITA volunteer,” said Julie Bordelon, VITA Program Coordinator. “Our team members give back to the community, interact with people, make friends, and network. You’ll learn new skills that can help build your resume to get a job or grow your career. Plus, you’ll save money. If you become IRS certified, you’ll never have to pay someone else to do your taxes for you.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Volunteering for VITA doesn’t require a huge time commitment and comes with a flexible schedule. We ask that you volunteer for a minimum of four hours per week during tax season from mid-January through mid-April. The training is free and available online to complete at your own pace. You can become a volunteer with as little as 8 hours of training and get IRS certified with 24 hours of training. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Ready to sign up and work with our VITA team? Register for the next Virtual Information Session on November 8, 2022</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">.</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita-information-session-tickets-343377089117" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">Learn more about VITA at <a href="/humanservices/programs/tax-prep" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/taxhelp</a>.</span></div><div></div><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices | News | human-services | HS | | |
City of Phoenix Invests $12 Million in Homeless Solutions in October | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2537 | Human Services | | 10/26/2022 10:20:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2537/Newsroom_HumanServices_006.jpg | | City of Phoenix Invests $12 Million in Homeless Solutions in October | <div class="ExternalClassDE293227FDA24762B60103AFCB7B905E"><html><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;">In Oct. 2022, the Phoenix City Council approved $12 million in funding dedicated to homelessness solutions. The allocated funds will create new shelter and safe spaces to sleep for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness. It will also contribute to wraparound services and support a workforce program to help individuals end their homelessness and become financially self-sufficient. These allocations are part of the </span><a href="https://stories.opengov.com/phoenixaz/published/9tz_vAiwC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="font-size:10pt;background-color:window;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">American Rescue Plan Act</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;"> (ARPA) Strategic Plan</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;"> the City of Phoenix is quickly deploying to assist people experiencing homelessness and the community.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;"> </span><br><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><b><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">St. Joseph the Worker Workforce Villages Program</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></b></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The City dedicated $2 million of ARPA funding to provide temporary housing for clients participating in St. Joseph the Worker’s Workforce Villages Program. This unique housing program supports employed individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them find permanent housing without any subsidy or housing voucher assistance. Clients receive intensive case management and life skills training and follow a financial management program that includes saving 75% of their net income. Upon successfully exiting the program, clients will have a permanent place to call home and are solely responsible for paying their rent.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>St. Vincent de Paul Transitional Housing Ozanam Manor II</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The City dedicated $6 million dollars of ARPA funding to St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to build a new 100-bed transitional housing facility for individuals experiencing homelessness. The new Ozanam Manor II will supplement the existing 60-bed Ozanam Manor transitional housing program on the SVdP campus at 308 W. Watkins Road. The facility will provide structured, wraparound supportive services to residents with the goal of securing them permanent housing. The funding is a partnership between the City, Maricopa County and the Arizona Department of Housing, with each contributing $6 million. This project is estimated to be complete in summer 2024.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>St. Vincent de Paul Emergency Shelter Services, Washington Relief Shelter</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The City allocated up to $4 million of ARPA funding to extend emergency shelter services at the Washington Relief Shelter through Dec. 2024. The project at 2739 E. Washington St is an ongoing partnership with St. Vincent de Paul and Maricopa County, with the County also contributing an additional $4.8 million to extend operations. The 200-bed shelter, which opened in May 2022, provides wraparound services and is unique in that it prioritizes serving people experiencing homelessness in the neighborhood surrounding the shelter as well as in the area surrounding the Human Services Campus. The shelter operates 24/7 and residents receive three meals a day, have access to laundry services, showers and hygiene supplies, clothing and are welcome to bring their pets. As of October 22, 2022, the shelter has served 583 people and more than 300 individuals have moved to permanent housing, treatment, reunited with family or otherwise exited positively.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Sprung Structure Congregate and Non-congregate Emergency Shelter</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The Phoenix City Council approved up to $270,000 in ARPA funding to contract with RPM Team, LLC to provide architectural and engineering services for a new Sprung Structure. The project will provide a design for insulated Sprung structures</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">and 25-50 non-congregate shelter units to be built on a City-owned site at 2225 W. Lower Buckeye road. The site will offer support services and day and nighttime shelter for up to 200 people at a time, providing a cool, safe space ahead of the 2023 summer heat. RPM Team previously contracted with the City to construct its first Sprung Structure, </span><a href="/newsroom/human-services/2285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Respiro</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">, which added shelter for 100 people at the Human Services Campus in March 2022. This project is expected to be complete by Spring 2023.</span></div><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices | News | human-services | HS | | |
City of Phoenix Recognizes Ten Years of 'Paint Phoenix Purple' — a Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2508 | Human Services | | 9/30/2022 7:00:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/xXeVlxkpcAk | City of Phoenix Recognizes Ten Years of 'Paint Phoenix Purple' — a Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign | <div class="ExternalClassAB441B71035940FB803557493F999934"><html>
<p>October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — raising awareness around one of the most widespread and dangerous health and safety challenges in our community today. <a target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices/programs/strategicinitiatives/paintphoenixpurple" href="/humanservices/programs/strategicinitiatives/paintphoenixpurple">Paint Phoenix Purple</a> is a City of Phoenix awareness campaign brought to you by a collaboration of more than 50 community, private, and public organizations. <br><br>In December of 2012, the Mayor and City Council endorsed the goal to end domestic violence in Phoenix. In April 2013, that plan was approved. Here are just a few accomplishments over the last 10 years:<br></p>
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<p>Created and distributed more than 80k resources to community partners with information on local shelters, safety planning, and identifying domestic violence</p>
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<p>Created a centralized screening hotline for placement in local shelters</p>
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<p>Offered trainings classes to City of Phoenix employees and the community on subjects such as the Arizona Child & Adolescent Survivor Initiative (ACASI) and domestic violence in the LGBTQIA+ community</p>
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<p>Reached more than 75k students through outreach events at local high schools with lunch time resource fairs, football and volleyball games, and classroom trainings</p>
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<p>Raised approximately $12k through an online store created for City employees and community members to purchase Paint Phoenix Purple merchandise to wear during the month of October; proceeds benefited the <a target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.acesdv.org/" href="https://www.acesdv.org/">Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence</a> (ACESDV)</p>
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<p>Collected more than 30k items including toiletries, cleaning supplies, new clothing, pet items, and prepaid cell phones for local shelters through an annual donation in conjunction with ACESDV <br></p>
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<p>Additionally, the City’s <a target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices/programs/victims/fac" href="/humanservices/programs/victims/fac">Family Advocacy Center</a> (FAC) made major strides forward, including:<br></p>
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<p>Launched an Order of Protection Pilot program in February 2014 – the FAC worked with other valley law enforcement to develop service processes when orders obtained in Phoenix must be served elsewhere</p>
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<p>In February 2016, FAC received Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding from the Arizona Department of Public Safety to implement a mobile victim advocacy project, allowing the expansion of service delivery beyond the walls of the FAC </p>
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<p>Victim Services Division developed a new electronic system for assigning referrals to Victim Advocates in December 2019, allowing Advocates to spend more time providing services to crime victims<br></p>
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<p>Join the City in recognizing this important initiative all throughout the month. See a calendar of events below and <a target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices/programs/strategicinitiatives/paintphoenixpurple" href="/humanservices/programs/strategicinitiatives/paintphoenixpurple">more details here</a>. </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a target="_blank" href="/humanservices/programs/strategicinitiatives/paintphoenixpurple" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices/programs/strategicinitiatives/paintphoenixpurple" style="text-align:center;background-color:window;font-size:10pt;"><img src="https://action.phoenix.gov/users/myteam46126/Media5918.png?1664561562650" data-placement="custom" align="middle" alt="Paint Phoenix Purple 2022 Calendar.PNG" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="0" style="width:550px;height:678px;" /></a><br></p><p>If you or someone you know is a victim, please call 1-800-799-HELP (7233) or <a target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.phoenix.gov/police/domesticviolence" href="/police/domesticviolence">visit this page for more resources</a>.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices | Video | human-services | HS | | |
City Takes Proactive Safety Steps to Protect Residents as Extreme Summer Heat Hits Phoenix | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2387 | Human Services | | 6/16/2022 11:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2387/Newsroom_HumanServices_005.jpg | | City Takes Proactive Safety Steps to Protect Residents as Extreme Summer Heat Hits Phoenix | <div class="ExternalClass0721CA2FA6EF4C85B0000F2AD5C2B4B4"><p>
The City of Phoenix is proactively working to reverse the trend of increasing heat-related deaths in Maricopa County and save lives this summer by increasing resources dedicated to heat respite. In 2021, there were 338 heat-associated deaths in Maricopa County. Of those, 130 (42%) were among people experiencing homelessness. The number of heat-associated deaths among those experiencing homelessness declined by 24% from 2020 to 2021 while the overall number of heat-associated deaths continued to rise.</p><p>
The City is dedicated to providing safe places where people in need can go to cool down during the hot summer months. That includes providing heat respite for more than 1,600 people during the day and 1,180 people at night, either through direct funding or partnerships with Maricopa County and non-profit agencies. In 2022, the City has added the following new resources:
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A total of four new shade structures at the Human Services Campus (HSC). There is an enclosed shade structure with air conditioning at 9th
Avenue and Jackson which can serve 120 people during the day. There are also three new additional shade structures with evaporative cooling on the Campus lawn and at 12th
Avenue and Madison, which can serve 200 people during the day. People do not need an HSC identification card, or any ID, to access the cooling tents at 9th
Avenue and Jackson or at 12th
Avenue and Madison. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
The Office of Heat Response and Mitigation (OHRM) is distributing high-quality, insulated, reusable water bottles; hats; sunscreen; personal misters; and cooling towels to those who are in need around the Human Services Campus, and across the city. Volunteers with the We're Cool program are helping distribute supplies on the streets several times each week.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
OHRM has also provided 30,000 of the above-mentioned heat relief items free of charge to 30 community nonprofit organizations that in turn help distribute the items through their own outreach efforts. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
The City provided additional ice chests and water for distribution at the Human Services Campus located at 9th
Avenue and Jackson and 12th
Avenue and Madison.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
The City identified a vacant building at 2739 E. Washington St. and quickly created a 24/7 heat respite center for 200 people which opened in mid-May. The shelter provides wraparound services and is unique in that it prioritizes serving people experiencing homelessness in the neighborhood surrounding the shelter and in the area surrounding the Human Services Campus. $16 million of the approved ARPA Second Tranche Strategic Plan is dedicated to keeping this facility open beyond the summer for an additional two years, through at least December 2024.
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The City funded the new $1.6 million Respiro Structure, which opened in March at the Human Services Campus, adding 100 shelter beds to provide day and nighttime respite for people experiencing homelessness.
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The City funded 175 new beds at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), expanding its capacity to 600 people. The City also worked with CASS to expand services to include daytime heat respite instead of offering respite only at night. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
OHRM developed an outreach plan in coordination with the Human Services Department (HSD) for those around the Human Services Campus. The goals are as follows:
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Guide individuals to the new, enclosed cooling tent and other available resources via direct contacts and signage</p></li><li><p>
Provide heat relief supplies at/near the cooling tent</p></li><li><p>
Monitor use of shade/cooling/water areas on and around HSC
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Collect temperature/thermal comfort measurements in various shade/cooling area</p></li><li><p>Provide information about additional nearby cooling centers and hydration stations if needed.</p></li></ul></ul><ul><li><p>
The City provided additional funding to the Human Services Campus and Community Bridges, Inc. for outreach teams focused on engaging people who are unsheltered and encouraging people to come to safe, indoor spaces.
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On June 7, the Phoenix City Council approved an additional $70.5 million in affordable housing and homelessness projects as part of the City's ARPA Second Tranche Strategic Plan. An additional $9M was committed in the ARPA Second Tranche Strategic Plan to tree and shade initiatives that will contribute to long-term heat mitigation and thermal comfort for residents and visitors. The City had previously dedicated $50 million to homeless solutions in the fiscal year 2021-22
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Additionally, the City works with several community partners to continue previously-offered heat relief options including:
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The Lodestar Day Resource Center (LDRC) at the Human Services Campus provides day and night heat relief for 100 people.
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St. Vincent de Paul provides day and night heat relief for 180 people in its dining hall.
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The Justa Center provides daytime heat respite for 120 people.
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The City of Phoenix is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG)'s regional Heat Relief Network, which offers cooling centers and hydration stations to people in need throughout the County. More than 50 of the 100+ cooling centers are within Phoenix city limits. <br></p></li><li><p>
Free transportation to cooling centers and hydration stations is available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. by calling 2-1-1, thanks to a generous contribution from Arizona Public Service (APS). <br></p></li><li><p>
The City invites participation in direct heat relief outreach efforts to vulnerable community members through the We're Cool and Cool Callers programs. Those interested to participate can learn more and sign up at phoenix.gov/volunteer.
</p></li></ul><p>
To learn more about how to manage the extreme heat of summer visit
<a target="_blank" href="/heatsite">
Phoenix.gov/HeatSite</a>
and
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heataz.org/">
HeatAZ.org</a>.</p><p>Find cooling stations and water through the Heat Relief Network:<a target="_blank" href="https://hrn.azmag.gov/">hrn.azmag.gov</a>.<br></p><p>
View heat-health data:
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.maricopa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5404">
https://www.maricopa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5404</a>.<br></p></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices | News | human-services | HS | | |
New Shelter Opens in Phoenix Offering Heat Relief and Services for 200 People Experiencing Homelessness | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2353 | Human Services | | 5/19/2022 6:30:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/DghnsnD-Kvc | New Shelter Opens in Phoenix Offering Heat Relief and Services for 200 People Experiencing Homelessness | <div class="ExternalClassB249F91E0EFE42B882B508A50F4E2C27"><html>
<p><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>The City of Phoenix and Maricopa County partnered to open a facility in central Phoenix that will provide day and nighttime relief from the summer heat for 200 people experiencing homelessness.<br><br>“Arizona's summer heat can be deadly. We need to ensure that everyone, especially our most vulnerable residents, has a safe place to stay cool during our hottest months," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This shelter is just one part of the City of Phoenix's strong commitment to leading with services and connecting those who are unsheltered with the appropriate resources."<br><br>The facility, owned by the City of Phoenix, is located near 28th and Washington Streets. The shelter is a closed campus, meaning there are no walk-up services and clients need to be referred to the facility by a caseworker. One unique aspect of this project is it prioritizes serving people experiencing homelessness in the surrounding neighborhood.<br><br>“It's really tough to have a conversation of bringing a shelter to a community, but I understood the need in our city and in my district and the importance of it," District 8 Councilmember Carlos Garcia said. “There had to be a process to talk to the folks around here and make sure that this became an asset for the community around this shelter. This shelter is not only adding bed space, but it is also making sure that it has the resources wrapped around people sleeping here. The services provided will hopefully set them on a path to be permanently housed. I'm grateful for our partnership with the neighborhood, City staff, St. Vincent de Paul, and Maricopa County. I know that we are all invested in this being a successful model that can be replicated." <br><br>People staying at the facility will have dedicated beds to sleep in, access to three meals each day, showers, and a secure place to store their belongings. Pets are also welcome. St. Vincent de Paul will operate the center and provide comprehensive case management services to each resident. Staff will be able to assist individuals with obtaining identification, accessing medical and financial services and connecting to employment and housing opportunities.<br><br>“It's a great privilege and responsibility to be one of the lead partners on this pilot program," said Jessica Berg, Saint Vincent de Paul Chief Program Officer. “We like to think that City and County chose SVdP for not only our proven track record of running a successful shelter, but also for our culture of dignified service, kindness and working collaboratively with our neighbors. Together, we will save lives this summer, get more people into housing, and build a better community for all of us."<br><br>The City and the County divided funding for the project through American Rescue Plan Act funds. The City of Phoenix contributed $2.6 million, and the County contributed more than $2 million.<br><br>“With homelessness increasing across the region, we need to address both the immediate and long-term needs of individuals and communities. This partnership achieves that," said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, Supervisor for District 3. “First, it provides shelter that will literally save lives during the intense summer heat. Second, it connects people experiencing homelessness to resources that can help them find jobs and permanent housing." <br><br>The heat relief location will be open and operating through this joint funding model through October 31, 2022, with the goal of the City continuing year-round operations through 2024.<br><br>Learn more about how to manage the extreme heat of summer visit <a target="_blank" href="/heatsite">Phoenix.gov/HeatSite</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.heataz.org/">HeatAZ.org</a>. <br><br>Find cooling stations and water through the Heat Relief Network: <a target="_blank" href="https://hrn.azmag.gov/">https://hrn.azmag.gov</a><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></p>
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Task Force Presents Recommendations on Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2318 | Human Services | | 4/21/2022 6:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2318/Newsroom_HumanServices_003.jpg | | Task Force Presents Recommendations on Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan | <div class="ExternalClassE58878A75F704B9398D1D6625296C0F9"><html>
<p>As part of the City of Phoenix's ongoing efforts to find solutions to homelessness, earlier this month, the Strategies to Address Homelessness Task Force recommendations were presented to the Phoenix City Council and City Manager. <br><br>The City Council adopted the Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan in October 2020 to focus on strategies for people experiencing homelessness and for developing best practices to mitigate impacts on surrounding communities and neighborhoods. One element of the Plan was to create a City Manager-appointed task force to prioritize and provide ongoing feedback on the City's efforts to deploy the Plan. The Task Force made up of 19 neighborhood leaders, service providers, and homeless advocates began meeting in January 2021 to review and evaluate the plan. Its recommendations were presented to the City Manager, as well to the Phoenix City Council Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee on April 6, 2022.<br><br>The Task Force made recommendations on strategies in the areas of outreach and resources, housing and shelters, eviction prevention, neighborhoods, and encampments. Key takeaways from the recommendations are that they:<br>• Distribute shelters and services throughout the community<br>• Use all opportunities to provide additional shelter beds and permanent supportive housing<br>• Work closely with neighborhoods when establishing new shelter opportunities<br>• Recommend better use of data to drive and improve services<br>• Recommend improved outcome measures<br>• Provide more transparency with respect to services and outcomes<br>• Replace the concept of “service resistant" individuals and instead recognize a Service Readiness Continuum to describe the concept<br>• Prioritize tailoring City responses to the unique needs of those being served and the communities impacted.<br><br><a href="/humanservicessite/Documents/Task%20Force%20Recommendations%20to%20the%20City%20Manager-Final.pdf" target="_blank">Read the full Task Force Recommendations to the City Manager Report</a>.<br><br><a href="https://youtu.be/S66UwsDUMCk?t=1961" target="_blank">Watch the presentation of the Task Force recommendations to the City Council Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee</a>. </p><p><br><a href="/humanservicessite/Documents/Homeless%20Strategies%20Final%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">Read the Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan</a>.<br></p>
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Respiro Adds 100 Beds to Human Services Campus | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2285 | Human Services | | 3/25/2022 11:45:00 PM | | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig-YRnEyJ6E | Respiro Adds 100 Beds to Human Services Campus | <div class="ExternalClass4BE48E7E3BB6433E9FA7763251650187"><html>
<p>Preview the new Respiro structure, which will add 100 shelter beds and additional restrooms to the Human Services Campus. The structure will initially provide critical nighttime respite for people experiencing homelessness. The $1.6 million dollar structure, funded by the City of Phoenix, is just one step among many in the City's continued efforts and investments to increase shelter capacity, connect people with services and resources, and find solutions to homelessness.<br><br><br></p>
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