Phoenix's Radical Solution For Homelessness: Spend $5.4 Million Plus ANOTHER $3 - $4 Million Per Year On This

Written By BlabberBuzz | Tuesday, 04 July 2023 03:00 PM
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Phoenix's Radical Solution For Homelessness: Spend $5.4 Million Plus ANOTHER $3 - $4 Million Per Year On This

The Phoenix City Council has given its approval for the acquisition of 4.2 acres of state-owned property to construct a structured campground for the city's growing homeless population.

The targeted area is located just two blocks away from the Human Services Campus, which houses more than a dozen homeless services nonprofits.

The land, which was previously used for the state's surplus property, is currently vacant.

Pending council approval, the city plans to enter into a licensing agreement for the land with the state in August, with the intention of purchasing the property by October 1st.

The cost of the state land is estimated to be $5.4 million, with an additional $3 to $4 million per year required for the operation of the campground, according to the Arizona Republic.

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City officials have stated that grant funds will partially cover these costs.

The purpose of the planned campground is to provide a safe camping space for individuals who are not yet ready to stay in shelters. It is expected to accommodate over 400 people and will include security, bathrooms, showers, and an indoor cooling center.

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City officials have emphasized that the camp will be entirely voluntary, with services available to help prepare individuals for a transition to indoor shelters or permanent housing.

The city estimates that the campground will operate for a period of two to three years. Rachel Milne, director of the Phoenix's Office of Homeless Solutions, expressed her support for the project, stating, "Until we have the availability for everyone to have an indoor place, and until everyone is ready for an indoor place, this is an excellent alternative."

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The decision to establish the campground comes as Phoenix faces a court order to address a large homeless encampment in the downtown area known as "The Zone."

In response to a lawsuit filed on behalf of area residents and business owners, a judge ordered the city to develop a plan for enhanced cleanup operations.

The cleanup efforts, conducted block by block, began on May 10th and will continue every two or three weeks to ensure that there is sufficient shelter space available for those who need to relocate.

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