Homelessness is a growing problem in Arizona, with a significant increase in the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in recent years. This increase is partly driven by the high cost of housing in Arizona, which has made it difficult for many low-income individuals and families to afford a place to live. Every year, rent prices increase, leaving many people unable to pay for a roof above their heads. According to the Phoenix Rescue Mission, more than 9,000 people struggle with homelessness in the valley daily.
In addition to the lack of affordable housing, Arizona's economy has also contributed to this crisis. The economic downturn has hit the state hard, with many residents losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet. This downturn has led Arizona to have one of the highest poverty rates in the country.
Many people expect the city to provide aid for those who experience homelessness. There have been multiple calls to action; in 2020, for example, protestors took to the streets of Phoenix to advocate against the criminalization of homelessness. AZCentral reported that around three times a week, Phoenix police sweep downtown Phoenix to clear out people who experience homelessness and their belongings. Protestors thought this practice inhumane and urged the city to take other measures to reduce homelessness.
According to 12news, because of the steadily increasing rate of homelessness, the City of Phoenix created a plan in 2022 that would use $49.9 million to lower the rate of homelessness in Arizona. The plan was supposed to provide those suffering from homelessness with shelter and aid. However, most of the money that was designated for this plan was never spent. In fact, in September of 2021, only 10% of the money was spent on the project. The plan has an expiration date; the money must be spent by 2024, or the plan will cease. This lengthy process makes many people in Arizona wonder why the city is waiting so long to approve projects that would use the money, and finally aid those who experience homelessness.
Another way to address the homelessness crisis in Arizona is to have local organizations work to provide housing and support services to those in need. These efforts include the development of affordable housing units, providing emergency shelter and transitional housing, and implementing programs to help individuals and families find and maintain employment. Project Humanities also works to help those who experience homelessness through their Homeless Outreach Program. On Fridays, volunteers sort through donations and organize clothing for distribution. Then, every other Saturday, people experiencing homelessness are assisted by volunteers and provided with the items they need for day-to-day life, such as clothes, shoes, and toiletries. The outreach done by Project Humanities has helped thousands of people experiencing homelessness and has brought volunteers together under a common goal: helping other humans. If you are interested in volunteering for this program, you can find more information here!
The homelessness epidemic in Arizona is one that must be addressed. To effectively address this crisis, we must work together to aid those suffering from homelessness. When we take a step back and realize our humanity, we can discover that everyone deserves a home. We should not allow our community to be one that tolerates others being deprived of a roof over their heads just because they cannot afford a home. Awareness of this issue and dedication to those who need help finding shelter will lead Arizona to make significant progress in reducing homelessness in the state.
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