Phoenix Clears Downtown Homeless Encampment, Shelters Over 500 People

Phoenix Completes Displacement of 500 Homeless Members to Shelters Ahead of Court's Deadline; An Additional City Parking Lot Opened as Temporary Campsite for the Homeless.

• Phoenix has successfully cleared a large downtown homeless encampment, referred to as 'The Zone', providing more than 500 people with shelter and motel accommodations.
• Clean-up had begun in spring and was done block by block, with the tents and debris removed and the areas closed off to camping post clearance.
• Over several months, 718 people were offered shelter, with around 80% (585 people) agreeing to move. The city has also opened a parking lot for safer, controlled camping.
• This initiative has resulted in a significant decrease in crime in the area, according to Rudy Soliz, operations director at the Justa Center offering meals and housing assistance.
• Despite the success of the operation, challenges remain; the city must balance the concerns of businesses, homeowners, and the rights of homeless people while grappling with a shortage of affordable housing and mental health services.

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