As court deadline approaches Phoenix, plans, builds and opens shelter options
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Phoenix officials report the municipality is moving to complete the final steps of a court-ordered deadline to address the area around the Human Services Campus after a Superior Court judge, earlier this year, imposed a Nov. 4 deadline to complete “the removal of all tents and other makeshift structures.”
According to a press release, Phoenix is expediting its process and has opened additional shelter options to comply with the court’s order. Phoenix city officials say the municipality intends to comply with all court directives.
Since the court ruling, Phoenix has been working to address community concerns whereas the city has addressed 11 blocks around the campus, offering services to individuals experiencing homelessness while cleaning up and closing the blocks to camping.
Over the last several months, the city of Phoenix has been working toward its goal of serving those experiencing homelessness with the opening of available shelter options.
In October, municipal leaders partnered to open three new temporary, transitional lodging locations, adding 302 new beds in Phoenix.
The city, throught its Office of Homeless Solutions is also temporarily expanding capacity at the Washington Relief Shelter, adding an additional 60 beds at that location. These temporary locations, city officials say, are serving people in need while the City Hall continues to build permanent solutions, including 790 additional new shelter beds and focusing on creating and preserving affordable housing.
Here is a rundown of the ongoing efforts as the Nov. 4 deadline approaches:
*CBI Transitional Lodging Partnership: 140 units
In partnership with Community Bridges INC., Phoenix has opened a new facility that will provide 140 units of transitional lodging for people experiencing homelessness.
*CASS Transitional Lodging Partnership: 60 units
In partnership with Central Arizona Shelter Services, Phoenix opened a 60-room transitional lodging facility, serving people 55 and older. This location will operate until renovations are completed on The Haven, a permanent senior shelter set to open in early 2024.
*A New Leaf Transitional Lodging Partnership: 102 units
In partnership with A New Leaf, Phoenix opened a 102-room transitional lodging facility to serve people experiencing homelessness.
*Expanding Capacity at the Washington Relief Shelter: 60 beds
This month, the City, in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul and Maricopa County, temporarily expanded capacity at the Washington Relief Shelter adding 60 additional beds.
