The city of Phoenix has successfully cleared a massive downtown homeless encampment ahead of Saturday’s court-ordered deadline, helping more than 500 people find beds in shelters and motels.
The hundreds of tents that once lined the area’s streets are gone, and only a few people remain milling around or pushing shopping carts filled with their belongings.
“I was staying with a friend in a tent, but now he’s gone to a shelter,” said Lily Bitsui, 33, looking a little lost. Bitsui said she was not present when city workers offered to help people find a place to stay inside.
“They’ve really cleaned things up and there’s a lot less crime around here now,” said Rudy Soliz, director of operations for the area’s Justa Center, which provides day services for homeless seniors, including meals and housing assistance. “I’m glad a lot of those people went to shelters.”
Soliz said the measure had also reduced crime in the neighborhood.
Phoenix has faced the challenge of balancing the concerns of businesses and homeowners with the rights of homeless people. Takashi Sato for NY Post
The process of clearing the area began in the spring, and city workers focused on one block at a time, offering street residents a place to sleep indoors, including emergency shelters, temporary motel stays and long-term transitional housing for seniors. .
After clearing each of the 15 blocks, debris was cleared and camping access was closed.
City officials say that over the course of several months, 718 people were offered help finding shelter and 585 (about 80%) accepted placement.
Phoenix has also opened a parking lot in the city that was recently rezoned to allow homeless people to set up tents under safer, more controlled circumstances.
The hundreds of tents that once lined the area’s streets no longer exist. Takashi Sato for NY Post
A statement from the city said 21 people are now staying at the site, which will feature portable toilets and showers, food service, property storage, security and a code of conduct for residents.
Drugs, alcohol and fires are prohibited and camping will not be permitted on the sides of the property.
Start your day with everything you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
The city was able to house so many people because 482 new temporary shelter beds were added this year, including 362 in October. There are 600 beds in the city’s largest emergency shelter nearby.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney in October denied city officials’ request for an extension to clean up the encampment known as “The Zone” and reiterated his order that they finish the work by Saturday. .
A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 30 to verify that Phoenix met the November deadline.
Like many other major cities, Phoenix has faced the challenge of balancing the concerns of businesses and homeowners with the rights of homeless people.
Business owners and residents near the camp in Phoenix called it a public nuisance that exposed them to damage, litter and crime.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in 2019 that homeless people cannot be criminalized for sleeping outdoors if no alternatives exist.
“While the city met this court deadline, there is still work to be done,” the city said in a statement.
“The goal remains to ensure that all people have access to safe housing and services while preserving the quality of life in our neighborhoods for all residents.”
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn