Question 1: Who do I call to report homeless issues?
Answer: Being homeless is not a crime.
However, if you see a crime in progress it needs to be reported. If you witness a need that requires immediate response from Phoenix Police or Fire departments call 911.
If you suspect illegal activity call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151.
If you see a possible encampement and want to get outreach teams to the area call PHX C.A.R.E.S. at 602-262-6251.
Question 2: What is the impact of homelessness?
Answer: Homelessness is difficult both to those experiencing it first hand, and communities at large. Homelessness creates permanent barriers to economic and psychological well-being, and is proven to reduce life expectancy. Communities are impacted by blight and waste left behind by people living on the streets. It is not unusual for homeless to gather in public facilities such as libraries and parks which may limit access for patrons. Aggressive panhandling decreases the public's sense of comfort and safety.
Question 3: What is the city doing to address homelessness in the community?Answer: The city of Phoenix spends just under $20 million annually on services related to homeless solutions.
| | Community
Development Block Grant
(CDBG) | General
Funds | Department of Housing and
Urban
Development | Emergency
Solutions Grant | Solid Waste Fees | Total |
| Housing Department | $125,000 | | $10,066,512 | | | $10,191,512 |
| Human Services Department | $1,231,000 | $3,283,243 | | $1,807,602 | | $6,321,845 |
Neighborhood Services
Department | $219,128 | $152,106 | | | | $371,234 |
| Police Department | | $1,630,439 | | | | $1,630,439 |
| Public Works Department | | $577,781 | | | $86,115 | $663,896 |
Street Transportation
Department | | $390,000 | | | | $390,000 |
| Total | $1,575,128 | $6,033,569 | $10,066,512 | $1,807,602 | $86,115 | $19,568,926
|
Question 4: What types of services does the city of Phoenix provide to the homeless?Answer: There are two types of services available; direct services and contract services through the city of Phoenix. Direct services are services provided by the city and include:
Homeless outreach and engagement
Veteran navigation and coordination
Emergency shelter
Rent and utility deposit assistance
Wrap-around support
Permanent supportive housing
Eviction prevention and utility assistance
Phoenix dedicates over $4 million for services to assist those experiencing homelessness through community-based providers through contracted services.
| Provider | Amount/Fund Source | Service | Clients Served |
| Central Arizona Shelter Services | $878,038
General Fund | Single Adult Shelter
Services | 2,500 |
| Chicanos Por La Causa | $166,818
Emergency Solutions Grant | Emergency Shelter
Families | 100 |
| Community Bridges Inc. | $ 174,665
Emergency Solutions Grant | Re-Housing /Case
Management | 90 |
| Community Bridges Inc. | $125,000
City of Mesa, General Fund | Veteran Navigation | 150 |
| Community Bridges Inc. | $1,175,000
CDBG, Transit, General Fund | Outreach and
Engagement | 1,500 |
| Native American Connections | $97,650
Emergency Solutions Grant | Youth Re-housing /
Case Management | 90 |
| Southwest Behavioral | $226,374
CDBG, General Fund | Navigation and Wrap Around Services for
Justice Involved
Individuals | 100 |
| UMOM | $1,075,000
CDBG, Emergency Solutions Grant, General Fund | Singles & Families | 100 |
| UMOM | $191,000
Emergency Solutions Grant, General Fund | Singles | 800 |
| Total | $4,109,545*** |
| 5,430
|
Question 5: Is the Human Services Campus the only place there is a homeless shelter?Answer: No. There are just over 1,800 shelter beds in Maricopa County. Of those beds, nearly 1,500 are in Phoenix with the largest concentration at the Human Services Campus. Phoenix's Planning and Development Department maps the allocation of shelter beds across Phoenix. In addition to the 300 shelter beds available in east valley cities, there is an allocation of nearly 400 shelter beds for those fleeing domestic violence that can also be used.
Question 6: What are the biggest challenges in addressing the homelessness problem in Phoenix?Answer: An expensive rental market and lack of affordable housing has been a contributing factor in regards to homelessness for years. This coupled with the lack of available facilities to accommodate those with mental illness, drug addiction and sex offenses compound the issue.
Question 7: How can someone get help if they become homeless or are about to be homeless?Answer: Early intervention is critical in preventing homelessness. Individuals or families should seek assistance as soon as they encounter a challenge meeting any of their basic needs (rent, utilities, food, etc.). City of Phoenix residents may seek assistance at a city of Phoenix Family Service Center, or call 211 for information about community service providers. Rental assistance is extremely limited. Utilizing community resources to meet other basic needs, saving income for rent is encouraged.
Question 8: What is PHX C.A.R.E.S.?Answer: PHX C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Action, Response, Engagement, Services) is a process that coordinates city resources to work with neighborhoods and individuals experiencing homelessness. PHX C.A.R.E.S. sends trained outreach teams, who take the time to build rapport and trust with people on the street, to encourage them to accept the services and resources that are offered to help end their homelessness. PHX C.A.R.E.S. also unifies city resources and community partners to respond to the impacted neighborhood and business with services and education.
Question 9: What can I do if I see an encampment and who is responsible for cleaning up the area?Answer: Call PHX C.A.R.E.S. at 602-262-6251. PHX C.A.R.E.S. is a coordinated response to work with neighborhoods and individuals experiencing homelessness. Outreach teams engage those in the camps offering a variety of services. Any encampment in a city right-of-way is cleaned by unifed city resources. Encampments on private property are the responsibility of the property owner to clear.
Question 10: What happens if individuals refuse services?Answer: We can not force people to accept help but we will continue to make contact with indviuals and build a rapport and relationship that will hopefully one day lead to them accepting services and case management assistance.
Question 11: Who do I call for abandoned shopping carts?Answer: Contact Phoenix's Neighborhood Services Department for their shopping cart removal program at 602-534-4444.
Question 12: Who can I call if I see people entering vacant property?Answer: Call 9-1-1 and describe the situation in as much detail as you can.
Question 13: What can I do to help those living on the streets?Answer: Finding opportunities to keep those experiencing homelessness engaged with services is key. The experts that work at 20 services providers at the Human Services Campus are there to engage and offer services from meals to other crucial support to help address the issues that lead to the person becoming homeless. Street giving, although well intentioned, often keeps those experiencing homelessness away from these providers. The Healthy Giving Council was formed by a coalition of concerned citizens, faith leaders, social services providers, neighborhood stakeholders, businesses, local government and individuals with lived experience of homelessness to promote healthy and sustainable giving. They can help connect you to healthy ways to give both finanically and through volunteer opportunities. Most importantly, they encourage year-round giving to make sure the needs are met through the long summer months and not just around the holidays. Learn more about the Healthy Giving Council .
