| 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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| 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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| 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:
</p><ul><li><p>
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.
</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
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.
</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
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:
</p></li></ul><ul><ul><li><p>
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
</p></li><li><p>
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.
</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
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
</p></li></ul><p>
Additionally, the City works with several community partners to continue previously-offered heat relief options including:
</p><ul><li><p>
The Lodestar Day Resource Center (LDRC) at the Human Services Campus provides day and night heat relief for 100 people.
</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
St. Vincent de Paul provides day and night heat relief for 180 people in its dining hall.
</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
The Justa Center provides daytime heat respite for 120 people.
</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>
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 |
| How The City of Phoenix is Working to Address Homelessness | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-services/2266 | Human Services | | 3/11/2022 8:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2266/Newsroom_HSD_001.png | | How The City of Phoenix is Working to Address Homelessness | <div class="ExternalClass6F88F586D29748A9A3BA2FA1DABCF0EC"><html>The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) released the <a href="https://azmag.gov/Portals/0/Homelessness/PIT-Count/2022/2022-2014_Unsheltered-Street-Count-by-Municipality.pdf?ver=BVaJMWAetqGlbxwUGnDTjw%3d%3d" target="_blank">data</a> today from its 2022 Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count. The PIT Count is an annual street and shelter count to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County during a given point in time, as part of a national effort to identify the extent of homelessness nationwide. The numbers reflect a two-year increase since the 2021 count was not conducted due to the COVID pandemic.<br><br>The pandemic strained economies worldwide. In our community, it resulted in the loss of jobs that hit low-wage earners particularly hard, putting them at greater risk of experiencing homelessness. Rising housing costs in the region also make more people vulnerable to homelessness. According to the PIT Homeless Count, the number of people experiencing homelessness within the City of Phoenix was 3,096. Due to the Covid-19 Crisis and the rise in housing and rental prices, the City of Phoenix anticipated an increase in homelessness and has taken steps to help mitigate the situation.<br><br>This fiscal year, the City dedicated nearly $50 million for homelessness solutions to provide shelters, rapid rehousing, outreach, and mental health services through partnerships with various community organizations and nonprofits.<br><br><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Homelessness Solutions:</strong><br style="text-decoration:underline;"><br><strong>Shelters:</strong> $27.9 million.<br>A Sprung Structure is currently being constructed on the Human Services Campus (HSC) which will add 100 new beds and additional restrooms in the area. That project is expected to be complete in mid-March 2022. The City of Phoenix also funded 175 new beds at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). Additional funding provides an emergency crisis shelter for families at Chicanos Por La Causa, a shelter for veterans with 145 rooms, an emergency shelter for vulnerable seniors as well as COVID-19 emergency shelters.<br><br><strong>Rapid Rehousing:</strong> $4.7 million.<br>The City of Phoenix contracted with community partners CASS, A New Leaf, Inc. & UMOM to provide COVID-19 Rapid Rehousing for families, single women & single men. The City also contracted with Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) for Rapid Rehousing bridge support and Native American Connections (NAC) for Rapid Rehousing support for youth.<br><br><strong>Outreach Services:</strong> $8.3 million.<br>The City of Phoenix prioritizes leading with services when it comes to those experiencing homelessness and recognizes that there are unique populations that require specialized services to best meet their needs. The City provides outreach and engagement services for persons experiencing homelessness through contracts with various community partners. Services include veteran navigation & coordination services, navigation & wraparound services for justice-involved individuals, COVID-19 support for seniors experiencing homelessness, and COVID-19 related homelessness prevention. Community partners include CBI, HSC, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SWBH), Justa Center, U.S. Vets, Homeward Bound, and Phoenix Rescue Mission.<br><br><strong>Mental Health Services: </strong>$9 million.<br>The City of Phoenix has a tentative contract with Mercy Care, set to begin on or about April 2022, to provide mental health services for people experiencing homelessness.<br><br><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Eviction Prevention:<br></strong><br style="text-decoration:underline;">Preventing the loss of housing through eviction prevention is a priority in the City of Phoenix. The U.S. Treasury has allocated 106 million dollars to the City of Phoenix for Emergency Rental Assistance to prevent residents from losing their homes. $51.1 million was allocated to begin ERA 1.0 on March 8, 2021. All ERA 1.0 program funds were disbursed as of January 2022. The Treasury allocated $55.3 million for ERA 2.0, the City began disbursement of those funds in October 2021. To date, $66,060,002 in rental assistance has been disbursed.<br><br>Additionally, through a partnership with <a href="https://clsaz.org/" target="_blank">Community Legal Services</a>, the city created the <a href="/humanservices/programs/landlord-tenant-counseling" target="_blank">Tenants Eviction Assistance Project (TEAP)</a>. TEAP provides no-cost legal assistance to residents experiencing an eviction crisis, including working cooperatively with local agencies administering COVID-19 related rental and utility assistance programs for the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, and the state of Arizona.<br><br><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Affordable Housing Initiatives:<br></strong><br>The City of Phoenix operates 1,567 public housing units, administers more than 7,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, and provides 1,200 housing units to seniors. The following are several of the City's major affordable housing initiatives:<br><br><strong>Housing Phoenix Plan: </strong>The Housing Phoenix plan was adopted by the Mayor & City Council in 2020 to continue to explore innovative and effective strategies to continue to provide critical affordable housing for the community. It set the goal of creating or preserving 50,000 homes by 2030. Through December 2021, 23,090 units have been created or preserved.<br><br><strong>New affordable housing creation:</strong> The City of Phoenix invested approximately $5.8 million to develop 126 new affordable single-family detached homes for low- and moderate-income homebuyers in South Phoenix Village (SPV).<br><br><strong>Landlord Incentive Program:</strong> The City of Phoenix provided $500,000 in incentives to landlords for accepting vouchers, with another $1 million in the pipeline. 570 landlords have received incentive payments for executing 1,297 Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contracts. On Feb 16, 2022, City Council approved increasing the incentive payments to $2,000.<br><br><strong>Housing Rehabilitation Program:</strong> The City of Phoenix Invested nearly $2.5 million to preserve 164 affordable homes, with an average per-home investment of nearly $15,000 in 2021 alone.<br><br><strong>Down payment assistance:</strong> The City of Phoenix worked to support low-income, first-time homebuyers by selling 299 homes from the City of Phoenix public housing portfolio.<br><br><strong>HOME Investment Partnership Program:</strong> The City of Phoenix's distribution of HOME funds has been successful in delivering approximately 6,300 affordable housing units, with 1,200 underway today.<br><br>The City of Phoenix unifies community partners and resources to respond to neighborhoods and businesses impacted by homelessness with education and services. If you have questions or concerns about a homelessness issue in your neighborhood, you are encouraged to report it to PHX C.A.R.E.S. by calling 602-262-6251 or fill out a report <a href="https://phxatyourservice.dynamics365portals.us/phxcares/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices | News | human-services |
