Scottsdale Sees Increase in Homeless Population

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Community organizations in Scottsdale are working to address the rise in homelessness.

News Summary

Scottsdale has reported an increase in its homeless population, with the latest count at 105 individuals, a rise from 89 the previous year. This marks only the second instance in a decade that the number has surpassed 100. Local officials express more concern over potential federal funding cuts that could affect social services than the rise in homelessness. Scottsdale’s Bridge Program, which has an impressive success rate in transitioning homeless individuals into permanent housing, is among the initiatives addressing this issue amidst challenges faced by local organizations.

Scottsdale has reported a rise in its homeless population, with the latest count showing 105 individuals experiencing homelessness, up from 89 in the previous year. This increase breaks a two-year trend of maintaining numbers below 100, marking only the second time in the last decade that Scottsdale’s homeless count has exceeded this threshold. The city’s total homeless count reflects an 18% year-over-year increase, and local officials express more concern over potential federal funding cuts than the uptick itself.

The Maricopa Association of Governments has revealed that while Scottsdale’s homeless figure stands at 105, the neighboring city of Phoenix has been grappling with a far larger issue, recording 3,761 unsheltered individuals. Given Phoenix’s population of approximately 1.67 million—about seven times that of Scottsdale’s 246,170—the disparity is significant. In Phoenix, the rate of unsheltered individuals is estimated at 1 in every 444 people, whereas in Scottsdale, the figure is considerably lower at 1 in 2,344.

In comparison to nearby cities, Scottsdale’s homeless count surpasses that of Gilbert, which has 22 homeless individuals, but remains lower than counts in Chandler (137), Glendale (167), and Tempe (307). Overall, the homeless population across Maricopa County has climbed to a total of 9,734, representing a 3% increase from last year’s figure of 9,435.

Community Response and Initiatives

City officials, including Councilwoman Maryann McAllen, have voiced distinctive approaches to the increase in homelessness. McAllen described the annual homeless counts as “an ebb and flow” and is more troubled by prospective cuts to federal social services than by the rise in numbers itself. Alongside Councilwoman Solange Whitehead, emphasis has been placed on the potential impact that cuts could have on programs designed to prevent homelessness.

Scottsdale’s Bridge Program, which aims to transition homeless individuals into permanent housing, is a vital initiative since its launch in 2020. It has successfully served 168 participants since October 2022, achieving an impressive 86% success rate for those moving into safe living conditions. This program offers temporary accommodations for seniors aged 62 and above, as well as families with minor children, for up to 120 days and has been allocated $190,000 for five hotel rooms to enhance its housing capacity.

In addition to the Bridge Program, the city has distributed over 500 housing choice vouchers to desperate residents. Many of these vouchers specifically benefit seniors who are at risk of homelessness. City officials stress that proactive measures to prevent homelessness are crucial, rather than merely responding to the situation once individuals are on the streets.

Challenges Ahead for Social Services

However, challenges persist. Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, a local organization dedicated to aiding families experiencing homelessness, is currently facing maintenance issues at their family shelter campus and has a waiting list that includes 250 families seeking assistance. Furthermore, alarming statistics indicate that nearly half of the heat-related deaths in Maricopa County last year involved individuals who were homeless, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions.

Amid these challenges, Scottsdale’s Mayor Lisa Borowsky continues to advocate for a balanced approach to city development, maintaining the city’s reputation while addressing the critical need for affordable housing. There are apprehensions about upcoming federal funding sources for affordable housing and social services, which could significantly impact Scottsdale’s efforts to manage and alleviate homelessness.

In sum, while Scottsdale is witnessing a slight increase in its homeless population, both city officials and community programs are focused on proactive measures to address the underlying issues of homelessness, emphasizing prevention and support for vulnerable populations amidst uncertainties surrounding federal funding.