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​Visit the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS)​​ home page.

​Welcome​​Homelessness Camp

In January 2020, the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count (PDF)​ was performed across Maricopa County. This annual street and shelter count is an effort to learn more about the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the county.

This year 7,419 people experiencing homelessness were counted. Of those, 51 percent were unsheltered. The unsheltered count has been steadily increasing over the years. From 2019-20 the unsheltered count increased 18 percent at a higher rate than the sheltered and overall PIT counts. 

The city of Phoenix is part of the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care (CoC). The CoC Board is the decision-making body for the Continuum of Care. Members of the Board include local officials, service provider agencies, formerly homeless individuals, and advocates. The Board addresses regional issues relating to homelessness and approves the annual application for homeless assistance funding to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and addresses regional issues relating to homelessness. Aligned with the goals of HUD’s Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act, the Board works toward ending homelessness by focusing on rapid transition to housing solutions.

History

Family

The city of Phoenix has invested in preventing and ending homelessness since 1982 when urban camps emerged in the downtown area.

In the spring of 1985, the Phoenix City Council approved the development of Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), the first emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness at 12th Ave. and Madison St.

Two decades later, the Human Services Campus (HSC), a $23 million non-profit, private, government and community collaboration that provides wrap-around services for​ adults experiencing homelessness, was built on the 10-acres surrounding CASS. The founding members of the HSC collaboration intended the downtown location to be one of many across the region. 

Today, the downtown location remains the largest access point for homeless services and hosts nearly 20 independent agencies that offer a range of services. CASS remains the largest emergency shelter in Arizona. 

Recently, the HSC submitted a special permit rezoning request to add additional beds and expand the boundaries of the campus. The expansion area includes Andre House, to allow for a low barrier shelter. HSC has had several neighborhood meetings related to this request. The rezoning request has not been scheduled for public hearings yet. ​​

2019-20 City Efforts to Address Homelessness

The city of Phoenix spends almost $20 million annually (PDF)​​ for services related to homeless solutions across several city departments. ​​​​Of that $20 million, Phoenix dedicates over $4 million for services* to assist those experiencing homelessness through community-based providers. 

Direct services include:

· Homeless outreach and engagement

· Veteran navigation and coordination

· Emergency shelter

· Rent and utility deposits assistance

· Wrap-around support

· Permanent supportive housing

· Eviction prevention and utility assistance ​​

Also, the city of Phoenix received $293 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. See how the city has used these funds to help residents and businesses in the city of Phoenix, including those experiencing homelessness.​​​​ 

Community Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Downloads and Reference


Other Related References​

Contact Us

• Call us at 602-262-6180
• Email HomelessHelp@Phoenix.gov

Note when you submit an email it falls under the city's policy which states that the email message is: (1) subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Law, (2) is not private or confidential and (3) is retained for 90 days.