Rising Eviction Rates in Phoenix Raise Alarm

Categories: Breaking NewsEconomyGovernment NewsNews

Rising eviction rates in Phoenix have led to increased community assistance efforts.

News Summary

Phoenix is facing a troubling increase in eviction rates, with over 87,000 filings in 2024, signaling a disturbing trend of homelessness. Nonprofit organizations are struggling to provide support for families at risk, compounded by systemic challenges and inflation. Legislative measures are being proposed to assist tenants, while community efforts aim to tackle homelessness through new initiatives. The situation calls for urgent attention as economic pressures loom over affected families.

Phoenix is experiencing a concerning rise in eviction rates, with landlords in Maricopa County filing over 87,000 evictions in 2024 alone. This marked a record-breaking year and has set the stage for an even more challenging situation in 2025, as eviction filings have increased by 2% in the Phoenix area compared to the same periods in both 2024 and 2023.

According to data from Princeton’s Eviction Lab, the trend of rising evictions aligns with a broader national increase in homelessness, which rose by 18% across the U.S. in 2024 as reported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Arizona is grappling with over 14,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2025, a 3.5% increase from the previous year. The combination of high eviction rates and ongoing inflation in the state has significantly contributed to the growing number of families facing homelessness, with more than 20% of homeless individuals in Arizona being families with children.

Nonprofit organizations, such as Chicanos Por la Causa, are actively engaged in addressing these challenges. They are receiving around 300 phone calls monthly from individuals and families at risk of eviction. The prevalent issues leading to these calls include job loss, reduced working hours, and an acute shortage of affordable housing options. Despite the pressing need, limited funding is available for providing vital wraparound services to these at-risk families, particularly in districts like Glendale, Cartwright, Isaac, and Tempe.

As the situation unfolds, some initiatives are in motion to combat the rising homelessness crisis. A New Leaf is taking proactive steps to assist those in need by developing 30 efficiency units termed bridge housing specifically for men transitioning from shelter programs. The City of Mesa has allocated $9 million toward this bridge housing project, showcasing a community effort to tackle the homelessness dilemma.

Despite these efforts, systemic challenges persist. Unfortunately, pandemic-related relief funds for rental assistance have been exhausted, leaving individuals facing eviction with fewer resources. Current estimates indicate that 55% of tenants in metro Phoenix are considered “cost-burdened,” which means they are spending over 30% of their income on rent. Additionally, 26% of renters in the Valley are spending more than half their income on housing, further exacerbating the risk of homelessness.

To address these circumstances, legislative efforts are also underway. Senate Bill 1178 proposes measures to cap late fees charged by property owners, while House Bill 2921 aims to require landlords to inform tenants facing eviction about available resources, such as online assistance via azcourthelp.org.

Looking ahead, there are alarming predictions regarding the demographic of the homeless population in Arizona, particularly concerning the elderly. The number of homeless individuals over the age of 65 could potentially triple by 2030 if current trends continue.

As the Phoenix area navigates this multifaceted crisis, the intertwining issues of rising evictions, economic pressures, and insufficient support highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to ensure funds and resources reach those most affected. With both community organizations striving for change and legislative actions being pursued, the hope is to mitigate the harsh realities many families face as they seek to avoid homelessness.