Phoenix Opens New 280-Bed Shelter Ahead of Summer Heat

Today, as part of the City of Phoenix’s significant and continued efforts to address homelessness, the Phoenix Navigation Center opened, ahead of the summer heat. The Center is a new 280-bed shelter for people experiencing homelessness and marks a significant milestone in the City's ongoing efforts; it is the tenth shelter the City has partnered to open since 2022, adding more than 1,200 beds to the local shelter system. The opening also comes at a crucial time, ensuring more people have access to cool, indoor spaces before the dangerous summer temperatures begin.

“We’re committed to helping individuals who want to end their homelessness, and this center will navigate them to the right path,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “Aside from sheltering them from the upcoming heat, the center will provide opportunities for employment, mental and physical health care, and case management to keep them on track.”

The shelter is located at 11 S. 71st Avenue and is the first of its kind in west Phoenix.

"The opening of the Phoenix Navigation Center is a direct response to the challenges faced by our most vulnerable community members. By adding more than 1,200 new shelter beds since 2022, Phoenix has proven we are dedicated to creating lasting solutions for homelessness,” District 7 Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira said. “This new shelter ensures that more people can stay safe, cool, and have the resources they need to rebuild their lives."

The Center offers 200 dorm-style beds for men and women and 80 private beds in X-Wing converted shipping containers. It provides a variety of critical services beyond shelter to help people end their homelessness including meals, personal property storage, housing navigation, and access to mental and physical health services.

"I am incredibly proud to see the Phoenix Navigation Center open its doors,” said Rachel Milne, Office of Homeless Solutions Director. “Over the past three years, Phoenix has been a leader in adding hundreds of critically needed shelter beds to our region and this project brings services to an area where they didn‘t exist before. We know we need to meet people where they are and ensure that people across our city have access to safe spaces and opportunities to end their homelessness.” 

The shelter was funded by Arizona Department of Housing and City of Phoenix American Rescue Plan Act and general funds. The City is proud to partner with Community Bridges Inc and St. Vincent de Paul to operate the facility.

"Community Bridges is proud to stand hand in hand with the City of Phoenix, working together to provide shelter services, access to housing, substance abuse and mental health resources, and overall support for our community,” said John Hogeboom, President and CEO of Community Bridges, INC. Together, we are building bridges to a brighter future for all."

This facility has a unique focus on providing workforce opportunities for shelter guests. Immediate employment is available through the St. Vincent de Paul Neighborhood Brigade program, which allows guests to earn income while staying at the shelter by completing neighborhood beautification projects in the area. Staff also help navigate guests to other employment opportunities or job skills training.

When the City committed to building this shelter, it also committed to the community. The Office of Homeless Solutions created a community advisory committee and a 24-hour hotline where residents can report any concerns. Guests must be referred to the shelter and walk-up services are not available. The facility also has 24/7 security. 

The City’s Neighborhood Services and Street Transportation Departments made additional improvements in the neighborhood including making streetlights brighter, restricting parking near Fowler Elementary School, addressing blight, and providing business owners with tools to secure their properties. The City will continue to be in regular contact with residents and business owners and work to positively contribute to the neighborhood as a whole. 

The City of Phoenix is committed to addressing the challenges of homelessness by creating more shelter and implementing innovative solutions through collaborative partnerships. Learn about all of the City’s efforts at Phoenix.gov/solutions.