Cost of Crisis: A look at conditions in 'The Zone,' Phoenix’s largest homeless encampment

[@faithoverfear2.0]

A family both working minimum wage will never make it out of homelessness. Rent is way too high. It's ridiculous. That's not right.

[@taylorsmith9629]

Blame cheap corporations, out of state investors and nimby zoning laws that makes low income housing harder to build.

[@van6278]

If they worked 40 hours each a week and are paid $15.00 and hour (that's what fast-food pays) each at a fast-food place that would be $1220 a week or $4800 a month $57,600 a year. That's clearly enough to pay rent.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Who works minimum wage Thats what I did in high school in the late 60s Havent done that since 1970

[@monettesalazar7073]

@@frederickmuhlbauer9477 who cares ?? Any waige is good waige !!! Better than making no $ an hour

[@adoe2305]

If you're not drug addicted. You won't be homeless long

[@alaskayoung3413]

I’m an er nurse in Tempe and the whole er is basically a tax drain homeless shelter and drunk tank. Everyone says they have chest pain to have a safe place to sleep and food. It’s so sad and causes a hundred times more money than fixing the issue.

[@deserthawk]

I live north of you and it's the same problem in Mohave County. The homeless people live in storm sewers and in the bush nearby. I see many of them and their life's must be miserable. Let any big shot in Congress live that way for a week and It'll be fixed.

[@janebaxter5835]

Yup I see it here Los Angeles

[@janebaxter5835]

Which hospital

[@ollie1464]

Where in Mojave county?

[@MA-yl1er]

A relative worked in a state hospital . The addicts used the system to live and recoup and get medicated for free as they saved their welfare money to buy drugs with when they get out. The system is designed to transfer wealth from taxpaers to dealers to cartels to politicians.

[@wenmcbrainvansandt3030]

Our elders here on the Hopi reservation has taught us many things of how everything is going to change drastically from a long time ago and homelessness is one of them. They say that there are going to be many people who will be wandering our reservation with no place to go, no place to live but, little did I know, they meant it was for the whole world that they were talking about. KÖYANISQATSI An ancient Hopi prophecy word meaning a world without balance. MAY THE GREAT SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL ALWAYS P.S. I was at a rehab center and there were people who actually have homes to live in but, they refuse to go home. WHY? because they choose to be homeless drinking and drugging just plain laziness but also living with psychological issues.

[@DGill48]

About 50 years ago, I was lost on my motorcycle in Arizona. I was going down a small paved road that dead-ended in a small Hopi village. There was only one mercantile store, a post office and a bunch of hogans. Thunderstorms kept me there most of the day. Your town?

[@EmpoweredPursuits87]

Yes. Many have homes. Some choose to be homeless and use drugs. Many try to hide behind “mental Illness-mostly caused by drugs nor refusing to take their medication. Many have been offered housing through rehabilitation to get clean of drugs. Family would let them come home if they were sober and not steal Or cause issues. Smh. It’s a multifaceted issue. With drug use typically at the center of it all.

[@wenmcbrainvansandt3030]

@@DGill48 Hogan's are Navajo houses. But there are Navajo on Hopi reservation too. I have nothing towards the Navajo people they are my brothers and sisters

[@DGill48]

@@wenmcbrainvansandt3030 I tried for quite a while to remember the name of the little village, I now think it was Pinon, or some shorter name. The mercantile store (I remember it was painted blue, had a covered porch) was run by a family of white people. The hogans (?) were brown earth and wood roofs. Post office was tiny concrete place. Was only one paved road into town. Around sundown, I tried to ride the red dirt road south out of the town, but crashed twice. Then a pickup with three guys came and we got the motorcycle in the back. One of the guys had tried to pick a fight with me, before at mercantile store. Don't know they had too much to drink, or just trying to fool with me. I was about 30 then; old now, but I remember.

[@wenmcbrainvansandt3030]

@@DGill48 Omg yeah those people are rough with outsiders and yes Pinõn is on the Navajo reservation. Lots of dirt roads for miles and miles brother. I'm actually from Second Mesa Shungopavi village like some 40mi west of Pinõn on the Hopi reservation.

[@alaskayoung3413]

Well when apartments go from 1200 to 1700$ in ONE year…. It’s pretty hard to not go homeless!

[@Chiefs555]

Voting for democrats causes this. Over regulation and less jobs. Are we building back better yet?

[@NewSpitin]

Exactly!!! And the change in security deposit amounts. It used to be $100, $200 or $300 dollars. Now it's the same as the first month's rent. And you have to prove that you make three times the amount of rent. How is that even possible?

[@whiskeykilmer1866]

Just imagine if the corrupt scumbag politicians spent 100 billion on low-income housing in the country instead of the bs proxy war against Russia.

[@janebaxter5835]

That’s correct Food too

[@messywebdev]

Seriously. And that’s just one bill. Factor in car payment, insurance, phone bill, internet, electric/gas, water, and so on. That’s just the very basics. Then if you have pets.. or children. I have a friend who was paying almost $700 in rent a few years ago. It was a one bedroom in a bad part of town. Now those are going for $1200-$1400. It’s insane. Who can do that on minimum wage?

[@thegenxgamerr]

Meantime our government sends BILLIONS to other countries (Ukraine, Japan, Member countries in NATO) but we cant take care of our own. Its ridiculous.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

They send money to Ukraine to dismember Russia dont kid yourself Its bigger than what we are told by Lame stream news

[@dcg590]

You’re supposed to take care of yourself. Billions are spent on this every year and it never gets better

[@thegenxgamerr]

@@dcg590 you’re right, I will concede that point. You are supposed to take care of yourself. However, the US government still spend billions of dollars on citizens of other countries. If they’re going to spend it anyways I’d prefer that they spend it on US citizens.

[@LindaMerchant-bq2hp]

​@@dcg590these foreign countries can take care of themselves their own money can fund their own wars all those billions sent can help our homeless and even then many of those billions someone else is profiting

[@lisadobbie7109]

These folks on the street all had families at one time. What happened? The breakdown of the family structure in America really gets to the root of this issue.

[@stephenmichaels6682]

Got that right, there used to be a tighter knit community, the church helped also, those days age long gone.It’s everyone for their self now.

[@GeckoHiker]

Bad behavior yields fractured families. And then congregating on a crowded public street and expecting a better life is more evidence of a long line of terrible life choices. There are millions of better places to pitch your tent.

[@Corinthians-kjv]

Sin

[@safeandeffectivelol]

Not all families can help with the mental issues and drug addiction.

[@truth4004]

maybe abusive family.

[@ms.coleman4535]

I am so confused as to how they have money to allow others to come to this country and house them for FREE but can't seem to find a solution to the homeless problem right here in the same country. What happened to charity beginning at home and taking care of your own first? It just shows how much AMERICAN CITIZENS are being left behind while helping others get ahead

[@thomasthecat3693]

They just use your future and what your family's worked for all these years to pay for it. Think of all the family's who have lost loved ones and property because of this. These people need to be arrested and put into a govt type work jail area. Have them clean up and do jobs or go to jail and live in there.

[@ksmith2852]

Watch..those people who entered illegally will end up here soon. Already in California Haitians are already sleeping on the sidewalks during the day. They don't care.

[@printingwithlue4310]

Blame Trump 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

@@printingwithlue4310 Hahaha, you call Trump a racist because HE controlled the border, then YOU elect someone that opens them, floods our Country will millions of from everywhere, overwhelms border States, and you blame Trump. You're delusional.

[@javicr2570]

Thanks to the socialist idiot president Biden and in my homeland happened the same

[@simontempler3239]

The problem is you cannot just build shelters and house these folks as a lot of them suffer from drug addiction and it would not be feasible until the drug faucet is shut off in AZ.

[@secretamericayoutubechanne2961]

Yah you can. Is there nit a shelter there? Take notes from San Diego

[@truth4004]

Build shelters and remove the people on the street to rehab or jail.

[@IMP3TIGO]

As a Seattlite, I can tell you that this is only going to get worse. We spend over a BILLION dollars a year with little improvement, as the homeless "industry" has become a monster, essentially existing only to grow in size and budget, with little incentive to actually solve anything.

[@JuanLopez-gh1rb]

That's cuz the billion dollars isn't going to homelessness....it's going to third party companies that are just cashing in the checks doing nothing but have a building up and some staff to answer the phones...that's it....make some cards and buy a van and you have a rehabilitation company overnight

[@princessmarlena1359]

More money made on the disease than on the cure.

[@FreeAmericanUSA]

Until the DRUGS are stopped it will only continue to decline. America is now a 3rd world country. Imagine the next decade.

[@desertangelfish140]

Why not borrow Joe arpaio's tent City design plans and get these people set up in one of those empty parking lots?

[@CC12398]

I think they're just having a really grand old time with tax dollars. Obviously no one is doing anything

[@jmoore241982]

Restart tent city on the edge of the county and make it a labor camp where homeless go to work and learn skills and for a bed to sleep on and food to eat.

[@flanagamer]

And no drugs so they can get clean!

[@janebaxter5835]

@@flanagamer good luck I hope

[@coreywittenwyler3093]

being homeless isn't a crime, they need shelter and stable conditions.

[@ronjeremy9648]

@@coreywittenwyler3093 yes it is Especially you don't want to accept help or work They're adults

[@pedalingprospector2007]

That would be fantastic but unfortunately many don't want to live where they have to follow rules Not very tough rules, just small things like no smoking tobacco or anything else for that matter in the apt/room they get. No getting drunk and starting fights with your neighbor. Maybe even throwing your trash in the dumpsters now and then.

[@TargaWheels]

You can build all the places you want. But as soon as there's rules, majority of them are out of there right back to where they started. The homeless people have to make a decision to do better for themselves and the state should help them with that. There's really only three choices: do better for yourself, can't make a decision and be institutionalized, or get pushed out with no help (and arrest people who enable them with that lifestyle). Sounds cruel, but its better than vigilantes going out and picking them off one by one.

[@chrisk7626]

Thank God another person with a brain bless you for stating your opinion everyone acts like we got this victimized homeless situation out there we have a drug addict situation that happens to be homeless that made their decision voluntarily

[@adoe2305]

If they need a place to stay. I know a place with a cot and three hots.

[@hubertdeyette5070]

I agree with you. I worked with the street people in Florida . I drive a disaster truck for the Salvation Army. A church would make food and I would go to a park near downtown and. Many camps in the woods around the city. It is hard bc most do not want to be told you need a shower every other day. You have to be in the house by a time.

[@hubertdeyette5070]

What time to be in at night. Rules are not welcome with most street people. Some will take help

[@hubertdeyette5070]

I drove a disaster truck for the Salvation Army in Fl. We would bring food to a park and about 5 camps around the city in the woods. Most of the people will not go to a shelter overnight. They do not want to be to told you have to have a shower orwhen to get up in the morning.

[@topflight6024]

Tell Katie Hobbs she said she will take care of it!

[@alecchapman]

YES!!

[@miket7184]

Reporter: "Katie, what is your administration doing to address the homelessness issue?" Katie "Sorry, I have to go, no further questions".

[@puffpuffpass3214]

So basically this Citizens:"Ay you gotta do something about this camp" Phoenix: "You can't tell me what to do

[@futonfave]

Mayor Kate

[@xScooterAZx]

That's rather dumb.

[@juliepiemonte1281]

Kate Gallego's paradise.

[@NewSpitin]

I know this area well. I've lived here. Been homeless for 20 years next year. I used to be able to get apartments when rent and security deposits were affordable. In 2014 I payed $425mo.I figured by now it should be around $750 or so. But nope. $1,200 a month in the ghetto! How can anyone afford it. I want to get off the streets too but it looks impossible! Security deposit used to be $100 if you had good credit and no evictions. $200 if you had bad credit and no evictions. And $300 if you had bad credit and evictions. Now security deposit is as much as the rent and landlords require you to make three times as much money as the rent is. How is that possible? I was living full time in my RV but that caught on fire. (Videos of that on my KZbin page) so I'm back on the streets again. I feel that lady when she said God please just give me a break. One thing after another all the time. You need to go back to affordable living expenses. Pay didn't increase so why did the expenses. That's what's happening. Also the part that said residents are not supposed to tell the city what to do and doing it through the court system is not the way. I believe that is false! That's the exact way they're supposed to be doing it. We're supposed to be telling the city folks what to do they work for us who pay taxes. And going to court IS the way to work on it, to fix it, or deal with this. Build a tiny house project. That's my dream is to build a tiny house community for the homeless. Looks impossible being homeless myself but the desire is there. I have been living it for so many years, I believe I understand more than most.

[@janebaxter5835]

Homeless 20 years Why didn’t you take advantage of getting low income housing. Didn’t you work? Or better job through education That’s crazy.

[@dandan9840]

One day at a time bro

[@TaShaBeNz85]

@@janebaxter5835 that’s a lot to assume, Jane… we are in the dark ages of mental health. Just be kind❤

[@theresaromeo5484]

@@janebaxter5835 all it takes is a chronic medical condition to keep a person in this cycle. That comment is part of the mindset that keeps real help out of reach for a lot of those people. The formula for homelessness is a crisis n no family help. That's it. Things to you may not seem like a crisis is shattering to others. When you have no resources or help everything is in crisis mode. I'm not trying to put in any digs on you because you may not know how people without any means live but blaming them instead of helping to figure out solutions keeps the cycle going.

[@derekd1510]

You build a tiny home park and they will just burn that down too. People need to learn how to be aware of and responsible for their environment. All the trash homeless people accumulate in these encampments is a clue as to what the problem is.

[@anthonywandowicz8084]

Drug addiction is no longer the reason for homelessness. The recent increase are mostly people who no longer could afford rent and were evicted. Just about every apartment complex over the last year or two are using the money made from the massive rent increase to remodel and update each apartment. They are kicking people out of their apartments to remodel and then increase the rent. The people will be paying hundreds more in rent if they find another place.

[@ronjeremy9648]

Stop making excuses These people can move to cheaper states they just don't want to

[@xScooterAZx]

Dont remove drugs and alcohol from that equation,friend. I've watched people right on the sidewalk shooting up,looking up at me as I go by. It's also happening where they hang out in the park next to the downtown post office. Homeless people live there and party there too. Well,recently in the last few months the police have been trying to clear them out but to no avail.

[@yixnorb5971]

I left Phoenix in '83. Prior to that I never saw anything like this.

[@joeo5738]

I lived there from 1980 until 98. Watched it go downhill in that time. I can imagine how much worse it got since then. Phoenix area is beautiful but not a good place to live anymore

[@dmo7815]

Yea ,, Maracopa County ,,lv heard of this county. “2020” election.

[@notanomad9320]

All the money in the world won't solve this problem until the homeless start taking responsibility by simply keeping their own environment clean. The money saved by the city to come back constantly and clean up their mess could go towards new housing. Time for some tough love.

[@jmcnally647]

Incorrect. The fault is on the community, largely the elected leadership, land/deed holders and other governing bodies for allowing the depravity in their areas to grow and flourish instead of (humanely) tackling the issue in a way that stops the issue from growing, ideally reducing the homeless footprint through more enriched opportunities for individuals.

[@elirodri835]

Personal responsibility yes, but I also want to mention that So many of these people have real mental health issues.

[@notanomad9320]

@@elirodri835 could it be illegal drug use that's in part causing that? Never saw so many people with mental health issues.

[@musicclassic5938]

To keep the environment clean they need at least enough garbage containers provided by the state and/or municipal authorities, where they could drop their waste. And the local authorities should find money in the budget to cover the garbage removal services on a daily basis. That's what they do here in Moscow, Russia, where by the way most people of scanty or moderate means live in their tiny studios or apartments in huge condominiums. But at least they do not sleep outdoors or in shelters, each having his or her own heated dwelling with toilets and running water as well as natural gas supply and stoves.

[@rainforme1850]

Make a great effort to help the people who really want to get off the street the rest give them a vacant lot do not allow homeless structures anywhere except on the vacant lot. You can’t get rid of them because you’re just gonna pop back up.

[@DavidEricPrates]

With inflation on the rise and everything getting more expensive, I fear the homelessness is only going to get worse.

[@taylorsmith9629]

Scottsdale, Gilbert and Paradise Valley wouldn’t let this happen Phoenix has no excuse.

[@jeffdo9195]

Homeless from CA overflow?

[@taylorsmith9629]

@@user-nu4cr1bh7m That’s 1 homeless person. Gilbert would never let there be a tent city like phoenix. Also phoenix has tons of older non HOA neighborhood Gilbert doesn’t have residential housing that isn’t HOA. So the HOA runs them off not the cops.

[@tonyt3509]

Are you saying Scottsdale, PV and Gilbert would do something to help the homeless? Cuz I'm pretty sure they just kick them out of their cities and call it a day. Glendale is gonna be next to make it illegal to be homeless. Can't be having them get in the way of that superbowl money right. NIMBY

[@wegosmom9261]

​@@user-nu4cr1bh7mGilbert does kick them out. They haul them out of there and drop them far west.

[@janebaxter5835]

@@tonyt3509 right

[@sandrafarley3965]

Our American citizens homeless need help before illegals do

[@gracewright7938]

If you watch the video, they look like Americans. A very many homeless are Americans.

[@kushkingla7385]

Or Ukraine.

[@gerryfrom9608]

Idiot idiot that’s why I’m see from your stupid comments

[@brubellaful]

But also they have to help themselves, it's not a problem with the illegals, they look for jobs, they are not living on the streets. Just stop with blaming others.

[@Bleu413]

@@brubellaful Yes, they should help themselves, but if housing budgets have to go to illegal migrants, then clearly that is affecting the current homeless population. It’s a no brainer actually. Although I appreciate your view about working hard. Perhaps they lost it all, money, housing, and their minds. Js…

[@AllAmericanDreamChaser]

Welcome to Calizona. Hobbs Row 🇲🇽

[@yahoola]

Remove them to a controlled encampment with security and services medically examine all then sort them out. Then place them in management jobs because none want to do labor jobs ☹️ rather spend money on our children in our schools free child care not on unmotivated adults that rather do drugs.

[@5yearsout]

It will never happen, but I've always said they should arrest them and put them in a "homeless jail". They would be free to come and go as they please during certain hours, they'd have a safe place to stay warm or cool, it would give them a fixed address to aid in getting employment. They would be required to be drug free, attend therapy, either job mental therapy or drug therapy. If they failed to keep their end of the deal they'd get sent to "regular jail". Of course tax payers would have to step up and foot the bill. But in the long run it would be cheaper and more compassionate than letting people suffer on the streets of PHX in summer.

[@truther001]

Ha ha. Economic ninja just declared that middle management positions in California government are useless fools. Homeless guy could probably do a better job.

[@xScooterAZx]

@@5yearsout No one would go there with the rules you mention. It's their choice to spend the summers out on the streets living in the filth they create.

[@5yearsout]

​@@xScooterAZx I understand it's their choice to live on the street, but this wouldn't be voluntary that's why I said "arrest" them. They have a few choices in a scenario like I listed above and living on the street isn't one of them. They can go to homeless jail (for lack of a better term), standard prison or a mental health hospital, but they can't stay on the street. At least it would help those that truly want and need help. But allowing folks to live on the street is less humane than the way we treat dogs. But I also know there are no easy answers for sure, hopefully somebody can come up with a solution that'll work because what we're doing now isn't working for anyone.

[@xScooterAZx]

@@5yearsout Sooo,..like so many movies we should imprison those who dont wish to live by today's societies rules? I done care for seeing their downtown camps but I also dont like taking their freedoms and rights from them. The only thing I think should happen is to move them to the outskirts of town where they wouldnt be in people's faces. Have people volunteer to keep an eye out for violence and what not,give them porta potties and dumpsters and let them be. Dont put them in a fenced prison like situation. As Americans they have the same rights as those people who have jobs and think they can rule over other people. I've known several people who dont want help. They just want to live unfettered. Some people are just happier living outside. Years ago my psych told me to move out of my apartment and go back to living in the forest in the campground I left to move into my apartment. I just didnt feel good living indoors. It's still the same with me,but I'm now handicapped and cant leave,....or I would. No one has the right to tell someone else how to live.

[@jimmiehamilton7741]

Not just Phoenix. Pick a city anywhere in this country.

[@DevilTravels]

Imagine if the city built a tiny house neighborhood and rented them to low income workers. All that rent money fed right back into funding the government, alleviating tax pressure for social services for the homeless. And no middleman raking off a profit. Because contracting out services ALWAYS cost taxpayers MORE.

[@danielgriffin8132]

RentS to high , mental illness, Drug abuse. AND SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST POOR NEEDING A HAND UP ✋️

[@330newsgroup]

Don't worry Arizona, im sure secretary of state Katie Hobbs will put her foot down and do something about this.

[@miket7184]

@@jahmanborneo1343 Hose them down with ice water every morning they're there, and burn all their stuff. They'd get the idea soon.

[@queenratv115]

This is going on all over it’s the shame of America

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

No homeless here in Warsaw Poland Too cold

[@diannadima7082]

This is happening all over the US. Please it has to stop. These container cities can fix this situation. Tiney homes is a solution to this problem. There are ways to fix this without a lot of cost. But it appears that none of over populated areas wants to do anything. This is a major need. Those tax dollars could be used to put these people in their own safe little home. There is no excuse for this. I am sorry.

[@tavuong666]

Give everyone everyone a home, give everyone free money for foods and drugs, are you paying for it?

[@WhatWhoandY]

Simply giving free housing and spending money doesnt work, look at San Francisco. Raising taxes and primarily property taxes actually can create homelessness.

[@dcg590]

Well how about you house some of them? What you’re complaining about costs money. And who do you think always gets the tab? Tax payers. When is it enough for those of us getting up at 4 am to go to work and expected to pay for people who won’t provide for themselves? Just think, most of these people won’t provide for themselves so they expect everyone else to ‘give’ them what they ‘need’. Not fair to those of us who work so hard and get zero help because we choose to be responsible for ourselves

[@xScooterAZx]

Umm,..easy or you to talk. Look,overpopulated places tend not to have A lot of room for tiny home cities to be built,ya know. All the land areas are owned by private owners who rent it out to those businesses who build apartments and smaller businesses who all pay rent. The government doesnt own most of it,so blaming the government for homelessness is rather silly. Blame those vile people who hike up the rent,food,essentials and dont want to pay the people to work or those who deliver the groceries. It's all about price gouging.

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

I complain about living with my mom but I fear ending up on the streets because I can't afford rent anymore... Even as a full-time working single mom I afforded it for my whole adult life with my child but because of inflation and skyrocketing rents I can no longer afford it. luckily it's just me now cuz my son is grown. I'm also having a hard time working due to having diabetes (type 1) which some employers don't understand and don't work with me on and I can only do delivery jobs or something from home. luckily, I found something but it's only commission until my car gets fixed or if I get another one. I'm always one step away from being homeless that step being my mom passing away... I don't know what I'm going to do once she passes... I would hope and pray she live a long time anyways but especially for that reason maybe I'll die first.... I'm trying to get myself in a better position but it's very difficult. I get knocked down time and time again like cars breaking down and my health being an issue.

[@trythatinasmalltown-d7h]

if you voted Biden you put us all in harm things will only get worse

[@natanaelaquino1428]

Ask your babies father for help🤣🤦‍♂️

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

@@natanaelaquino1428 what's that supposed to mean I don't have any babies I have one grown ADULT son... I don't ask for handouts from anyone jackass...

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

Your ASSuming A LOT

[@trythatinasmalltown-d7h]

Not assuming anything the low life usele ss American victim said she is waiting for housing that means free government housing have some pride get a job stop expecting mommy government to take care of you or have shame when taking handouts it is a disgrace

[@theresakaplanamuso6342]

Very, very sad & scary.

[@marjanvanleer]

They have the right to file the lawsuit but they should also sue the state of Arizona also

[@jessitaran763]

Shelters are NOT the answer! Instead of spending money on band-aide solutions, the same money could be used to build tiny home communities out of trailers, RVs, and donated construction materials (living spaces built on trailers do not require construction permits). If you don't want people pooping on the street, provide access to port-o-potties (duh!). If you don't want people dumping thier garbage everywhere, give them access to a dumpster. Politicians need to stop villianizing people who have little access to resources, and Instead focus more energy on doing their damn jobs The federal government has made a huge amount of money available to cities for addressing this problem - however, politicians are choosing to not use this money for it's intended purpose. Instead it's being distributed among real estate prospectors who in turn, promise to include two or three 'affordable housing units' in the luxury development project created with funding from grant money intended to be used for the benefit of the homeless.

[@illeagle8041]

This and major reforms in public education. More involved welfare programs that offer more than just money but vocational training and placement.

[@Mike-01234]

Some are hording look at the piles of "Stuff" which means mental illness, or drug addiction is why they are there. Can they be helped maybe if they want help. Can't force someone to quit using drugs I have seen it firsthand. No matter how much you spend on helping someone they continue to use drugs.

[@strayedarticle2838]

@@Mike-01234 How about not make help contingent on sobriety? The Neopuritans have had their chance to deal with this, and its let to a gross misappropriation of funds. Lets try a Housing First approach.

[@Mike-01234]

@@strayedarticle2838 I agree housing first basic needs is what we need. What we don't want are shacks like the 3rd world. Housing has to be realistic not a cot in a warehouse. I'm not saying people need luxury apartments. I do think at some point the rental market will subside because of overbuilding but it's going to take 2-3 years. Inflation also has lot to do with this. Shelters where people at least have some kind of privacy like a cubical and a locker they can lock up some stuff. Then they can go out and get work and get back on their feet. There always be some who are drug addicted who refuse to get clean. Most of the drug addicts are heroin and fentanyl users left over from the opioid crises. Millions were given pain meds by doctors who had no care in the world about what the result was. The DEA tossed a few doctors in prison the entire medical community stopped prescribing. Cutting off their patient this is the result.

[@Gator777]

The cities and counties do not want tiny homes because they do not make enough taxes off of them. I would say drop them all off in front of City Hall and mayors house. I wish I had all the answers, but it is a complicated issue and not easily solved.

[@musicclassic5938]

Paul McCartney once described a deplorable situation in which college graduates in the UK often found themselves in his well-known hit "You never give me your money". Here's an excerpt from his lyrics: "Out of college, money spent, See no future, pay no rent. All the money gone, nowhere to go. Any Jobber got the sack. Monday morning turning back, Yellow lorry slow, nowhere to go." I think even black slaves had their huts provided for them by slaveowners in southern states. And now the state authorities or municipal authorities cannot even provide enough garbage containers where those wretches could throw their waste, or ensure ample garbage removal services at the municipal expense. I sometimes think those homeless black people would be better off in Mother Africa where their forefathers were once kidnapped, loaded onto slave ships and moved to America. There in Africa they'd have at least a hut. It's none of my business, but here in Russia they build huge condominiums where people of scanty means have their own studios or tiny apartments. It's better than living outdoors in such a rough environment.

[@daneidacorona7483]

You can help and help people but as long as they're on drugs 😕 it will never end.

[@rogerleonard5351]

They have to want to change.

[@RandyR]

My income was cut by 2/3rds after career was phased out and body crashed. Am fighting full time to not end up there. The yuppies don't care

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

No they dont What do you mean by body crashing

[@ryan.miller]

I'm just a normal guy who doesn't know anything about public policy, but this is what I would do to address homelessness: Immediate Response (Regulated Designated Campsites): 1. Open up strategically located parking lots for individual campsites (giving a sense of private property) 2. Locked storage containers available on each campsite 3. Bathroom stations 4. Shower stations 5. Contracted barbers, dentist, health clinics on site 6. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the grounds 7. Mailboxes / physical address for people trying to get jobs and get back on their feet 8. Work placement services 9. Police Patrol on site 10. Social services to help with addiction recovery 11. Waitlisted to get into formal homeless shelters City Regulations (once campsite placement is available): 1. All camping/settling outside of these designating camp shelters overnight is prohibited (get people off the street and into the path to recovery) 2. Sidewalks, parks, bus stations, alleys, everything overnight is prohibited 3. Shopping carts are not allowed (theft) Homeless Shelters (longer term): 1. Expand/build formal homeless shelter services 2. Private storage needs to be made available for those entering the shelters (so that they’re not forced to abandon their personal property) Subsidized Housing (longer term): 1. For those who are taking proactive steps to recovery (completing steps above), reward them with special subsidized housing opportunities (mini houses, apartments, etc) Regarding Drugs: 1. Must take this seriously, drug use is unacceptable. 2. However, people should be able to pursue treatment without worry of being criminalized. 3. That said, people who are unwilling to get treatment must be physically prohibited from using. 4. Increase penalties for dealing/distributing Thoughts? What am I missing?

[@van6278]

Do I have to be homeless to get that free dental care? Can I get in on that? Cause right now I can't afford to go to the dentist or a barber

[@evonne315]

Safe places for people to store personal items including SS card, birth certificate and other paperwork , and any potential cash savings they are acruing to help themselves out of thier situation would be key. Having to move all the time is exhausing, unsafe and disorienting. Everyone on the street has trauma issues so we cannot expect them to have full smooth cognitive functioning. Meaning keeping schedules, making appointments, ect. I suffer cognitive imparement from Long Covid and am homeless. I am going broke paying for AirBnBs after losing my job and cant keep up with anything anymore on a computer. I have severe chronic fatigue moving puts me out for an entire month. When my credit runs out I will be out of options. I dont drink or do drugs but am afraid if I am forced to live on the street I would have to to have to energy to survive, which is not real and sustainable energy. I expect I would be killed one way or another, amd never get on my feet again.

[@evonne315]

A note on drugs: Quitting street drugs requires aa full support team. An individual cannot just "do it" they could die for one of widthdrawl and will be completly useless and in need during the widthdrawl process. People are forced to take drugs not for fun or to be happu. They have to to have the much needed and absent enegy to survive- defend themselves, run, make and keep shelter, move, find resources, manage the stress and depression of living on the street. Women are raped every day, thier children need protected. I would take drugs to be able to defend them. The flipside is OD, but nobody starts off like that. People say its an escape, but drug users know its a means to live not an escape. A horrible backlashing cycle. Most the regular population need prescription drugs to survive amd homeless people cant ecen see a doctor. They choose streeet drugs as an alternative again for surival. Not many survive without drugs out there. The narrative has to change. If you want to help people get off the drugs give them far superior support in a nonjusgemental "work harder ro prove yourself" kind of way. The fact these people are still alive means they are already working thier butts off. Jobs require things these people are not in a position to do. Yet. Thats a start. The rule of dont do drugs elinimates the effectiveness of homeless assistance right there. Address te drugs, switch them out to being under a doctors care. Its insanely expensive to do such things but because we failed on this key point for all of gistory thus far, its cost FAR more now in immediate, secondary and tertiary effects for the long term for NOT addressing this the right way. I say it again. People need drugs. Not atreet drugs, but think practicallly about it. Ita all they can get and they have no other choice. With exhaustion and trauma wreaking havock on the body and mind, we CANNOT keep expecting homeless people to act like thier healthy. They are not they are struggling sick people who need help like a hospital patient, not a regular person who is all full of energy, optimism and clear thinking, great memory, all that. Those days are long gone forever for most of us.

[@OfftoShambala]

They needed money to advertise for the vaccine, like gazillions… they have their priorities.

[@vegandolls]

what you're missing is that costs a lot of money. Free healthcare and dental and drug rehab? You're talking BILLIONS at that point

[@charlesvanenwyck7317]

It has been a long time since I have been to this area. But I'm shure it is a million times worse than when I was there. And it was horrible then. I see someone beat to death over 10 cents. Another for a cigarette butt. Fights constantly. Robbery everywhere. That was 10 years ago. It's sad.

[@stephenwest798]

Nope not sad, drugs, plain and simple.

[@danieldaniels7571]

I’m sitting here right now at 9th Avenue and Madison. I’m not homeless, I’m just lonely.

[@mamatrain100]

Where do they go? What response is expected? A shocking number here in seattle. Its not all drugs, but the drugs do follow...

[@TheTexasTakebyMissVikie]

You must have VACANT BUILDINGS available ... Fix them up as small apartments for the homeless and put them into work programs... If they have drug issues and arrested then give them a mandatory 90 days rehab program and keep them in jail until acceptably complete. Once done they can start a work program and earn a low income apartment to start their new life. 🕊💖🕊

[@dcg590]

Who pays for those buildings? Electricity, heat, water , maintenance? You’re suggesting MORE freebies. When is it enough? No matter how much money you throw at this, it won’t change. They don’t want rules and prefer this life.

[@karlwalter2242]

I'm surprised it hasn't gotten more violent knowing how people hate homeless in Phoenix, I lived in ScottDale and my time in Phoenix was awesome ,sad to see this. R.I.P. phoenix

[@got80hd]

This is a nationwide issue

[@Rick-vc4xn]

Like always others countries, come first and then the American people come last. And that is so sad so much money for war but by the American people no they have to suffer this is so sad could happen to anybody

[@strayedarticle2838]

Because these politicians are arms dealers. Over 50% of discretionary spending goes to the Pentagon.

[@molly5262]

@@jahmanborneo1343 We don’t have the money. The US is drowning in debt. In fact, we have the highest debt ever due to Biden’s spending.

[@dcg590]

Can’t blame war for these peoples choices. They don’t want rules or jobs. Millions and millions are spent on this problem and it never gets better

[@xScooterAZx]

And how much money are you going to use to 'help' the homeless off the streets when they will just choose to return? I've known several people here in Phoenix who were helped with an apartment and given a job they had no problem doing. After about 5 or 6 months they were right back. Homeless and spare changing for coffee at Dunkin Doughnuts downtown on Central ave.

[@SA-ho1mu]

People keep talking about rental prices and lack of housing, but this isn't because of any of that. Even if there was more housing and lower prices, it wouldn't matter because 90% of these people are unemployable. If you're making $0, it doesn't matter what prices are because you can't afford anything. No business owner in this right mind is going to pay $12 or $15 to one of these people because they would lose money... These people are unemployable at today's minimum wages and do not have the skills to compete in the workforce, nor the hygiene. Half of them can't even speak proper English. This is a breakdown of the American education system and the family unit. Unstable, unsupportive family units in America allow people to get like this, and people grow up thinking they wills survive without getting properly educated. Well, here is what happens when you have no skills that are worth minimum wage and no family members who care enough to bail you out. Stop blaming it on housing--- yyou know its not the truth

[@molly5262]

Well said!!

[@buckleywilson165]

Has anyone ever wondered why the colder climate states have less homeless people. The cold is magic it makes you smarter less lazy.

[@xScooterAZx]

Sadly,we dont have cold here in Phoenix which is why so many homeless people gravitate here.

[@MariaGonzalez-le3fx]

No homeless shelters in Arizona.....tooooooooooooo many homeless in the streets......

[@michaelciccone2194]

What about the Mormon church ? The Mormon church has a big presence in Arizona. Mormon churches have tremendous resources to assist these unfortunates.

[@aquicktake]

Homelessness is a business. Plain and simple. You should of investigated how much the directors and executive level employees make at organizations servicing the homeless. Frontline indicated that many of them make in excess of 500K annually. It's big business, and just like any business they want/need customers (ie homeless people).

[@madmikemadmike2175]

excellent reporting!!!! great research

[@judithgrace9850]

Stop stealing our money.

[@jeanetteharris7000]

There are hard working ppl losing everything they have. Our country has a serious greed problem. Housing is not affordable. Car insurance is not affordable. Healthcare is absolutely OUT OF REACH for MANY. This is a greed problem from the top down.

[@expromanticart6491]

My home! It is so sad to see these folks out there! The contrast is so clear when you drive up to north Phoenix and towards the east, especially in northern Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

[@twiggyfromphoenix602]

dont tell em that then theyl come to my hood damnit! lol

[@motleyassortment5512]

When people are violent, anybody that wants to approach to help won't help the homeless because everybody scared they will be attacked. You want help, don't act like a wild animal! Act civilized. Don't cause property damage and interrupt nearby business, don't scare emoyees and staff away. Man your manners and don't trash the property.

[@marjanvanleer]

I don’t blame the business for doing it

[@warrenpeece1726]

Phoenix needs to look no farther than SF and LA to solve their homeless crisis. Each city spends over $500 MILLION - ANNUALLY! - on the homeless and it has solved the crisis completely. Clearly all it takes is cash. Right?

[@jasontomica8938]

I hope you're being very sarcastic. Are you saying the homeless problem has been solved in Los Angeles and San Francisco? It's absolutely horrible where I live in San Francisco and I used to live in Los Angeles one year ago it's the worst it's ever been. And it's not improving

[@GabrielAlcala956]

@@jasontomica8938San Fran & Portland has been completely resolved. Zero homelessness now! Learn something sweetheart.

[@jasontomica8938]

@@GabrielAlcala956 Are you kidding what are you talking about? Are you on drugs? You're the only one in. Here? Talking crazy. Like? That. San Francisco? And los angeles have a horrible homeless problem and nothing's been fixed are you crazy

[@diannadima7082]

Arizona needs Rent Control. So this doesn't happen. There is too much greed in this state.

[@kineticmeow9242]

OMG YES!!! Rent has been going up like crazy and I keep seeing more and more luxury apartments being built…

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Rent control doesnt work first of all.We need to get Wall Street out of the housing market

[@mollymcvey569]

is a housing crisis so expensive for people to rent. corporations are buying it up.

[@ellenlandowski1659]

Derilict grocery stores would make good shelters that gave bathrooms which could be expanded to add showers and washing machines/ driers .

[@princessmarlena1359]

Or failing/closed down shopping malls.

[@pickinforalivin]

they need permanent housing, not shelter beds. i saw a few empty lots in that report. put up an building full of studio apartments, put social workers and psychiatrists on duty. get people off the streets permanently.

[@dhowto3005]

This story is really tough to watch. It's sad.

[@EmpoweredPursuits87]

I should also add, the ones who are trying their hardest to get out of homeless are overshadowed by being grouped in with “drug use, lazy, choosing to be homeless”. The majority who want to be homeless make it so much harder for those trying to get out of it.

[@thimothycollier8464]

*UNTIL HOMES CAN BE PROVIDED, THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME TYPE OF AUTHORITY SET OVER THE ENCAMPMENT. THAT WILL MAKE SURE THAT THE INHABITANTS OF THE ENCAMPMENT, ARE FOLLOWING CERTAIN RULES (SUCH AS PROPERLY GETTING RID OF WASTE, AND FOLLOWING CERTAIN GUIDELINES WHEN COOKING), THEN THE TROUBLE SHALL BE LESSENED, UNTIL HOMES ARE FOUND*

[@pedalingprospector2007]

Many will just move out and set up their tarps someplace else the moment you impose rules.

[@chairman76]

Good luck imposing "rules" on cr@ckheads.

[@raymonddon8875]

im chinese & a medical doctor... thank God life is good!

[@diannadima7082]

I am sorry but there is no excuse for this problem. There are so many buildings are standing empty, they could be restored for these people. We have to fix this. We have more room in these abandoned buildings. Even in Payson AZ we have old homes that could be restored and used for housing. This is majore. Phoneix, can't you see the problem. Why didn't our former Governor take care of this?

[@taylorsmith9629]

Blame investors they don’t do low income housing

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Cost and those empty commercial buikdings are owned by investors

[@richardhenry5961]

Social economic exclusion with discriminating factors. Profit over basic human needs is the rule. Educated or not, it doesn't matter. And the Republican Party wants to cut the social safety net, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. When people state; to take responsibility for ones self, laughable! Working poor wages, look for a better job, you don't qualify. Job training, your not poor enough. Food stamps, you make to much. Mental illness isn't even really being addressed (ban-aide politics). Americans are not looking for hand outs, there looking for social economic justice with equality. The deck of cards in life are stacked against "YOU" by the Wealthy that controls it with perverted power.

[@Ie420juggalo]

That's because of crazy background checks and high rent cost.

[@van6278]

If you were renting to someone, wouldn't you want to know beforehand if they were going to pay you rent? Or have the cops there at your house every other night? And they had 2 years without being able to collect rent from the Democrat COIVID.. that's why rent is so high now .. they're just trying to catch up. And I can't blame them ...

[@slconley]

Are the background checks crazy though? I think the background checks are needed.

[@van6278]

@@slconley If you don't do a background check and someone shady gets into your property you have to sue them to get them out. It can become a nightmare financially. They could potentially live there for another 6 months and end up leaving your place destroyed.

[@van6278]

@@slconley If you don't do a background check and you get some shady people you would have to sue them to get them out. It could be a nightmare financially. They could potentially drag it out in court for another 6 months of free rent and leave your property destroyed which you will have to pay for yourself.

[@van6278]

@@slconley If you don't do a background check and you get some shady people you would have to sue them to get them out. It could be a nightmare financially. They could potentially drag it out in court for another 6 months of free rent and leave your property destroyed which you will have to pay for yourself.

[@ecast1500]

how many are homeless because of drug use, I would think most, but yet this government promotes the legalization of drugs, makes sense

[@talkingonline821]

Cali transplants forever messed up PHX. Cost of living jumped 15-20% during COVID, with rent and housing doubling from the transplants moving in. Ship em back to Cali

[@deaudradonald6360]

It’s up to the Thousands 😢It been passed the Hundreds years ago

[@jasontomica8938]

This is nothing Phoenix is peaceful. You guys need to come to where I live in Oakland California or go to Los Angeles. It's horrible

[@chrisk7626]

What really pisses me off about this is these police officers are told not to arrest these people for minor possession or being high in public that is a crime they would all be gone if the law was enforced except we have no place to put them what happened to Sheriff Joe Pia and his Tent City in the desert/prison

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Out of control. Unacceptable for everyone involved

[@georgeromey4971]

The new Governor will ensure PHX becomes SFO

[@mteevie1609]

So they want to dismiss the lawsuit because the citizens are not allow tell the city what to do? Maybe the citizen should stop paying the tax.

[@jackjohnsen8506]

I plan to write a Book and it will talk about all the problems That we now face, and I will call it..."The rise and fall of the Untied States of America"

[@CO-kh5bg]

Due to Biden and the administration. Politicians period. They are all very wealthy!

[@printingwithlue4310]

I'd care if this wasn't what Arizona just got done voting for. This is what you wanted. This is what you tolerate. Tell someone who cares.

[@greedog47]

Shelters are not successfull unfortunately. As they are voluntary and have limits on what they can bring, and sometimes segregated based on se, so couples and their dogs may not come together. Also, the homeless services unfortunately are pivotated to leverage taxpayer money to fund projects like shelters and housing at ridiculous prices to be build. In case of example, California.

[@MyHebrews]

The answers not more shelters. The answer is quit feeding them. Then like any other stray animal they’ll move on or change their situation.

[@lindaknight-archer414]

With the number of billionaires and millionaires in Arizona, they could certainly make a huge dent in homeless seniors and families. How many millions do they need to live on??? Quite a few tiny homes could be developed!

[@Aikynbreusov]

The Zone is what makes America "GREAT"......

[@TLC26]

Let's have the city officials pack their bag and live there for one week and let's see how quickly they turn things around and I guarantee it won't be two years

[@janebaxter5835]

No never it’s a big job And mental illness and people with no h. Of working Sad sad situation God help to hem And us

[@christopherbrooks6355]

So punishing folks who made good decisions to berate them into accommodating folks qho made bad decisions is ur anwser. I made a series of bad decisions that led me to being homeless for over a year then I decided to make good decisions and now own my home and make great money. Giving people things makes them dependent and makes what u give them worthless. This is not compassion. These people first gotta want to get out and second work for it

[@jamieday6602]

Give it another year and this homelessness will double across our country! Truly sad to see our government not able to help me people! Very sad

[@starphase1623]

Why do I get the feeling that in the near future there will not be homeless individuals anymore. That the Government will move them all to a camp . Surrounded by razor wire .Out of sight out of mind . 😠

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

The famous FEMA camps Coming to a city near you no doubt

[@stephenmichaels6682]

Your thinking positive, it will be guillotines ,the tribulation is coming.

[@danieldaniels7571]

I think it’s time to feed the homeless to the hungry and solve both problems.

[@sirpops847]

That lady’s house burned down probably because she was using a torch in it. It’s called common sense. Apparently she didn’t have any look what she’s doing to her new apartment. I’m proud that she’s painting, but she should be using a torch in the house.

[@eckankar7756]

I was a homeless single mother living in a broken car decades ago, now a self made millionaire thanks to Dave Ramsey. though the three of us lived in a car we kept it clean, picked up all our trash around us, kept ourselves clean, clothing spotless. You can be down on your luck but also clean. These people are just trashing the area. I'm in Phoenix, too. This is beyond financial issues, this is mental status and life style choices. So many choose to do nothing with their lives.

[@TodayJunior-p8b]

you're speaking like a wise fool.

[@JamesU-gm7pe]

Need to build some campgrounds! A place where someone can pitch a tent and it is not a trespass. South mountain park could be used as a massive campground! Rents are too high! There might be some affordable rents in Mississippi.

[@miket7184]

Move them out to Quartzsite on free BLM land.

[@sirpops847]

You can get rid of your homeless by arresting them for littering, throwing in jail, keeps them off the street if they’re mentally challenged, throw them in a psychiatric ward, simple as that nobody should be living on the street no matter if you’re homeless or poor or what not

[@dantemagliari1073]

Wow. That’s one take. Maybe the most ignorant thing I’ve ever heard but everyone has their own opinion. God bless hopefully you or a truly loved one if yours will never feel this pain or have to fight out of this position. I hope someone would see them for the human being they are. Judge their hearts not anything else.. someday it’s better I hope.

[@jnaranjo7891]

How about using the left over funds states were given during the pandemic.

[@lamarnewton157]

Put them on a piece of land outside the city

[@stevetaterus8303]

Do drugs, make poor irresponsible decisions, pure laziness wind up homeless Not one person on this post addressing the truth

[@melissastreeter22]

Whee! Let's move to Phoenix!

[@aliiscott1346]

the criminals are the administation who refuse the house their own citizens. Shame on them.

[@mikesame8321]

I lived in Phoenix for about 25 years. Left about ten years ago. It wasn't like this at all. Same with Denver now. All democrate run cities are like this, all of them

[@marjanvanleer]

Arizona is red state

[@mikesame8321]

@@marjanvanleer the mayor and majority of the city council members in Phoenix are dems. I specifically said CITIES this, likie every major American city that now have sections where thousands live in third world conditions, is run by democrats.This a first and foremost the cities responsibility. That the STATE is republican us no more relevant that the feds being Dem.

[@azcatlover]

@@marjanvanleer No it's not. The latest mid term election should tell you that.

[@marjanvanleer]

@@mikesame8321 I do believe it’s a problem but I also know that section 8 is totally full and that there is a lot of veterans who are homeless which is a federal issue and problem. They all have to solve it because I don’t go to downtown unless my husband is with me and we shouldn’t have that in the United States. I have been to California and that whole state is democratic so I really don’t think that they have any excuse at all especially since California had a extra budget last year. We should all work on it and I more mad about the veterans being homeless. My husband is a veteran and right now the rent is 1600 for a 1 bedroom

[@mikesame8321]

@@marjanvanleer the veterans are only a small percent. The s crap us the result of how Dems are running major cities

[@bigfoot-id8bv]

Katie’s doing a great job, she should call Karen Bass in LA she’s another truly inspirational individual………..buah, ha,ha,ha,ha, no really…….buah, ha,ha,ha,ha……

[@michaelhopkins2221]

I'll tell you how to get this solved. Pack all the people, tents etc and move them in front of city hall

[@AtomicB-zq2cw]

The only way to fix homelessness is to criminalize it. These people are by far the most expensive cost to the public . As a matter of fact, the more money they put into it, the more it grows and costs even more. Liberals enjoy this issue as it is how they get much of their funding.

[@crazedgoldminner7384]

On Social Security Disability which I earned 39 years on my hands and knees as a C15 license contractor I've been homeless for several years I'm pissed off because the only way I can get into an apartment complex is to go on to subsidize housing because I do not make enough money on Social Security Disability which is probably level income then the government I would be able to rent at a reasonable rate if they had to compete but the the landlords don't have to compete all they have to do is get somebody in there and collect anywhere from 7:00 to $1,000 from the federal government and then another $500 from those people when they fail to make their $500 payment they just replace them with another subsidized person money's flowing to those apartment complex and to be honest with you the conditions were horrible in those apartments and the people you had to deal with some of those apartments were mentally ill and not being taken care of and made life a living hell for everybody else just like the shelters

[@masonmainpage4105]

We all know what the solution is but will not openly admit it.