Attachment A_Strategies to Address Homelessness Task Force Status Update 4.2023.pdf

STATUS UPDATE  
TO TASK FORCE  
RECOMMENDATIONS  
TO THE CITY MANAGER 
APRIL 2023
ATTACHMENT A

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 1 
 
 
Background .................................................................................................................. 2 
Outreach and Resources .............................................................................................. 3 
Shelter .......................................................................................................................... 6 
Affordable Housing ...................................................................................................... 9 
Permanent Supportive Housing ................................................................................. 12 
Neighborhoods .......................................................................................................... 13 
Eviction Prevention .................................................................................................... 16 
Encampments ............................................................................................................ 17

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 2 
Background 
Since the implementation of the Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan (Plan) in 
2020, and the subsequent Task Force recommendations to the Plan in 2022, the 
City has made significant strides in its efforts to address homelessness and find 
innovative solutions. The following report details the significant progress the City 
has made towards accomplishing the key goals set forth by the City Council and 
the Task Force in the Plan. The categories of strategies include: 
− Outreach and Resources 
− Shelter 
− Affordable Housing 
− Permanent Supportive Housing 
− Eviction Prevention  
− Neighborhoods 
− Encampments 
To accomplish the goals established within each strategy, City departments have 
undertaken significant coordination, typically with one department taking the lead 
on a particular strategy. The lead and supporting departments are outlined in the 
report and include the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS), Neighborhood Services 
Department (NSD), Human Services Department (HSD), Housing Department (HD), 
Planning and Development Department (PDD), and the Communications Office 
(PIO).

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 3 
 
Outreach and Resources Strategies 
 
Completed or Ongoing 
Develop an enhanced Community Outreach Practice Profile to guide best 
practices and consistency across the community street outreach providers. (OHS) 
− Established an enhanced Community Outreach Profile. 
− City of Phoenix staff participation in the Continuum of Care Outreach 
Collaborative. 
 
Identify hotspots in the Valley to target the delivery of services based on unique 
needs of the community (understand, analyze hotspots to tailor location specific 
intervention). (OHS) 
− Hired Homeless Liaison Team dedicated to specific Police Precincts in the 
city. 
− Homeless Liaisons, together with other departments to establish new 
hotspots, or determine when a hotspot has been sufficiently closed. 
− Established Behavioral Health Engagement Teams specifically to address 
mental health and substance use.  
− Establishing immediate treatment bed referral program for people with 
substance use disorder. 
 
Identify new methods (in addition to public schools) to connect with families on 
the edge of homelessness. (OHS) 
− Allocated $243k to Homelessness Prevention services to be distributed 
through City of Phoenix Human Services Department, Community and Senior 
Services Division.  
− Allocated funding to Salvation Army to provide outreach to families for 
prevention services. 
 
Increase outreach teams and intensive engagement to encampments to 
encourage engagement with services, which hopefully leads to entering available 
shelter. (OHS)

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 4 
− Established City of Phoenix Homeless Liaison Team with three positions, and 
six additional approved positions to be filled in 2023, dedicated to specific 
Police Precincts in the city. 
− Created a new position, Phoenix Homeless Outreach Team Program 
Coordinator to lead the existing Outreach/Case Worker Team. 
− Strive to hire individuals with lived experience for positions that work directly 
for people experiencing homelessness.   
− Funded Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) for PHX C.A.R.E.S. Outreach during 
FY2022-23. 
− Completed RFP for PHX C.A.R.E.S. Outreach provider in 2023, awardee to be 
determined. 
− Piloting a Behavioral Health Engagement Team specifically to address mental 
health and substance use.  
− Establishing immediate treatment bed referral program. 
 
Establish meaningful quantitative and qualitative success metrics and an 
outward facing data dashboard for community outreach. (OHS) 
− Data expert hired by OHS to oversee data, reporting, and outcomes for all 
homelessness projects. 
− Staff completed a detailed review of existing contracts and available 
outcomes. 
− Phoenix Homeless Solutions Dashboard launched April 2023 to provide data 
transparency for emergency shelter, street outreach, and Rapid Re-Housing. 
 
In Progress 
Cross-train other workforces to serve as Homeless Outreach Teams. (OHS) 
- Coordinate outreach efforts with the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation. 
- Pilot Behavioral Health Engagement Teams with Phoenix Police Department 
and Community Bridges Inc.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 5 
In Planning Phase 
Coordinate criminal justice diversion with specially trained navigators at all 
points of the Sequential Intercept Model. (OHS)

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 6 
Shelter Strategies 
Completed or Ongoing  
Provide guidance on an effective spectrum of supportive services to ensure 
new/existing shelters or sites can create environments that adopt SAMHSA 
Principles for trauma-informed design for their customers and the surrounding 
community. (OHS) 
− Created Shelter Blueprint for all future City-funded shelters, which includes a 
requirement for Trauma Informed Care (TIC) training for all shelter staff. 
− Defining No/Low Barrier Shelter Guidance approved by CCI Subcommittee. 
− Blueprint was used in the development of Washington Relief Center and the 
upcoming Phoenix Shelter Site at 3000 S. 22nd Ave. 
 
Recommend the City Council commit to rapid development of additional 
temporary housing capacity by placing beds and services in every City Council 
district. (OHS) 
− Funded Lutheran Social Services I-HELP program, which includes pocket 
shelters that could operate in all Council Districts. 
− Opened Washington Relief Center in District 8. 
− Created Rio Fresco Healing Center in District 8. 
− CASS The Haven senior shelter is in process in District 5. 
− City of Phoenix Shelter Site at 3000 S. 22nd Ave. is in process in District 7. 
− CBI North Mountain Healing Center shelter in process in District 3. 
− St. Vincent de Paul Ozanam Manor II is planned in District 8. 
− UMOM New Day Center Family Shelter is planned in District 8.  
− Salvation Army Family Shelter is planned in District 8. 
 
Increase new temporary housing beds as soon as possible. (OHS) 
− Phoenix created 592 new shelter beds in 2022, and investments are in 
progress to create 462 new shelter/transitional beds in 2023, and an 
additional 340 new beds in 2024.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 7 
Provide safe storage with a hot box available for personal property available at 
any shelter and clean, safe restrooms. (OHS) 
− Created Shelter Blueprint for all future City-funded shelters, which includes 
emphasis on providing storage at each shelter location. 
− Storage is located at multiple areas on the Human Services Campus and 
Washington Relief Center. 
− A minimum of three shipping containers are planned for Phoenix Shelter Site 
at 3000 S. 22nd Ave.  
− Awarded just under $2 million in federal funding in 2023 to provide 
additional secure storage space for individuals experiencing homelessness to 
safely store their personal items.  
− Piloting Portland Loo restroom at Phoenix Shelter Site to determine if 
scalable for providing clean, safe restrooms in the city. 
 
City commitment to multiple, smaller pocket shelters. (OHS) 
− Funded Lutheran Social Services I-HELP program, which includes pocket 
shelters that could operate in all Council Districts. (12 beds) This program 
could scale in the future based on congregation availability.  
− CBI North Mountain Healing Center shelter planned in District 3. (100 beds) 
− St. Vincent de Paul Ozanam Manor II planned in District 8. (100 beds) 
 
In Progress 
Continuously monitor active shelter beds with the goal of adding new shelter 
beds equal to 35 to 50 percent of new units of the Phoenix unsheltered PIT count 
over the period of three years. (OHS) 
− Phoenix created 592 new shelter beds in 2022, and investments are in 
progress to create 462 new shelter/transitional beds in 2023, and an 
additional 340 new beds in 2024. 
− At the time of the Recommendations, Phoenix had 2,380 unsheltered people 
experiencing homelessness. The goal would be between 833 (35%) - 1,190 
(50%) beds over a period of three years.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 8 
− Phoenix has shelter projects in its pipeline that ensure it is on track to 
significantly exceed this goal with a total of 1,394 beds, or 59 percent, 
created within three years.  
 
Identify additional non-government funding to fund ongoing shelter operations. 
(OHS) 
− Convening with Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and other 
public and private entities to create a plan to address the upcoming 2024 
funding cliff due to the end of ARPA funding. 
− OHS staff member dedicated to researching and applying for grant 
opportunities hired. 
− Applied for funding for operation funding for the Phoenix Shelter Site from 
Gila River Indian Community in 2023. 
 
In Planning Phase 
Develop at least one structured campground to provide temporary and rapid 
relief to people who cannot, or will not, enter a traditional shelter. (OHS) 
− The City is committed to providing indoor shelter locations that are meant 
for human habitation. 
− The Phoenix Shelter Site at 3000 S. 22nd Ave. will have 15 RV parking spaces 
at the site.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 9 
Affordable Housing Strategies 
Completed or Ongoing  
Identify a list of City-owned parcels in each Council district to use for affordable 
housing ensuring citywide equity (Housing Phoenix Plan Initiative 3). (HD) 
− Staff evaluated City-owned property suitable for affordable housing 
throughout all City Council districts. 
− City Council approved a list of City-owned parcels for affordable housing 
development in December 2020 and an updated list in August 2022 (Districts 
3, 4, 5, 7, and 8). 
 
Prioritize and equitably distribute City-owned vacant land for affordable and 
workforce housing. (HD) 
− City Council approved a list of City-owned parcels that are set aside for future 
affordable housing or mixed-income housing development. 
 
Support the Landlord Incentive Program with additional funding (Housing 
Phoenix Plan Initiative 7). (HD) 
− Landlord Incentive Program was authorized by City Council in 2020 with 
$500,000 in CARES funding. 
− An additional $1 million in ARPA funding was approved in October 2021. 
− City Council allocated an additional $4 million in ARPA funds for the second 
tranche of funds in June 2022. 
 
Implement a tracking tool to analyze affordable housing preservation (Housing 
Phoenix Plan Initiative 7). (HD) 
− Staff tracks preserved affordable housing units on a quarterly basis through 
the following City programs: Landlord Incentive, Rental Rehabilitation, Rental 
Assistance Demonstration, Community Land Trust, and HOME gap financing. 
 
Education for Village Planning Committees (VPCs) on how affordable housing 
benefits communities (Housing Phoenix Plan Initiative 9). (HD, PDD)

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 10 
− Staff plans to provide annual updates to VPCs on the Housing Phoenix Plan 
and the benefits of affordable housing. 
− A Housing Phoenix Plan update was provided to Planning Commission in May 
2022. 
 
Tracking tool outlining how affordable housing initiatives benefit the 
community, measures such as home value, crime rates, etc., (Housing Phoenix 
Plan Initiative 9). (HD) 
− Progress updates on the initiatives included in the Housing Phoenix Plan are 
published quarterly. 
− Staff will continue to research and communicate the value and importance of 
affordable housing as outreach is conducted. 
 
Advocate for more housing representation on the VPCs (Housing Phoenix Plan 
Initiative 9). (HD) 
− Staff is working with the Mayor's Office to update the Boards and 
Commissions application to highlight the affordable housing experience. 
 
Increased education and outreach to communities (Housing Phoenix Plan 
Initiative 9). (HD) 
− Staff provides updates to community groups on a regular basis. 
− Recent updates include Phoenix Realtors, Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods 
Coalition, Human Services Advisory Committee, Arizona Department of 
Housing's Arizona Housing Forum, Phoenix Community Alliance, and Greater 
Phoenix Economic Council. 
 
Policy to preserve affordable housing units. (HD) 
− Staff developed and expanded programs to preserve existing or naturally 
occurring affordable housing like the Landlord Incentive and Rental 
Rehabilitation programs. 
− Staff evaluated the use of ARPA funds for continued preservation of 
affordable housing units; preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing 
units were included as eligible project uses for the ARPA Gap Financing Call 
for Interest released in February 2023.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 11 
In Progress 
Recommend City Council and staff to pursue Voluntary Inclusionary Zoning and 
adopt accessory dwelling unit housing options (Housing Phoenix Plan Initiative 
2). (PDD) 
− Staff is pursuing zoning ordinance text amendments to address an affordable 
housing incentive framework and accessory dwelling units. 
 
Convene a panel of affordable housing experts to evaluate the current housing 
landscape to determine specific recommendations on affordable and workforce 
housing. (HD, PDD) 
− Staff is working with departments, including the Community & Economic 
Development Department, to compile a list of experts and develop an 
agenda for a forthcoming forum that will include affordable and workforce 
housing topics.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 12 
Permanent Supportive Housing Strategies 
Completed or Ongoing  
Research best practices/models for exit strategies from Permanent Supportive 
Housing. (OHS) 
− Phoenix participated in the Maricopa Association of Government’s (MAG) 
Move On Strategies Workgroup to explore strategies in the region for people 
who may no longer need or want intensive services from Permanent 
Supportive Housing (PSH). 
In Progress 
Increase project-based vouchers by 50% with the City of Phoenix responsible for 
150 additional project-based vouchers. (HD) 
− City Council approved 100 project-based vouchers on 6/15/22.  
− Several awardees included supportive services as part of their proposal. 
In Planning Phase 
Provide supplemental funding to ensure multi-disciplinary supportive services 
for individuals in PSH to ensure retention and positive outcomes. (OHS) 
Partner with community agencies to provide PSH services in alignment with 
national best practices and other local community/culturally sensitive models. 
(OHS) 
Research supportive service methods/models to assist vulnerable clients in PSH 
who are struggling in housing or are not receiving or accepting supportive 
services. (OHS)

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 13 
Neighborhoods Strategies 
Completed or Ongoing  
Targeted resources to surrounding neighborhoods where shelters and services 
are provided. (NSD) 
− CASS’s The Haven   
o Working with Street Transportation Department to identify 
opportunities related to streets/alleys to the north of the facility. 
− Washington Relief Center  
o City Council approved Turf Replacement Project at Wilson Elementary. 
On April 10, 2023, the Wilson Elementary School District and NSD held 
a ribbon cutting at the project site. The ribbon cutting was attended by 
staff from both organizations, members of the school board, and 
students from the school. 
o Working with Street Transportation Department and the community on 
possible streetlights and street humps - work continues with the Sky 
Harbor Association on identifying speed hump locations.  The area is 
not eligible for additional streetlights. 
o Gated Alley Program - four Sky Harbor alley segments are to be gated 
and funded this Fiscal Year.     
− Human Services Campus 
o Working with Street Transportation Department to add streetlights. 12 
new Street Lights are being installed as of April 2023 around the Human 
Services Campus. 
o Street Transportation Department continues regular cleaning of the 
area around the Campus (reviewing additional security and services to 
better address area with tents). 
o FY2022-23 budget includes funding for Private Property Cleanup 
Program. NSD working with OHS to identify a method for private 
property cleanup in conjunction with regular cleanups of the area.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 14 
Expand the Gated Alley Program throughout the city. (NSD) 
− FY 22-23 budget includes funding for Gated Alley Program; this Fiscal Year, 43 
alley segments will be gated using the allocated budget; and an additional 32 
segments will be gated with additional funding this Fiscal Year. 
− 75 alley segment leaders have been notified. 
− Project Manager position filled. 
− Dedicated webpage includes request form. 
− NSD is briefing City Council about the permanent program. 
− Council approved the use of CDBG funds to gate segments in priority areas.  
− As of the end of Feb. 2023, 23 alley segments are funded in this FY; 16 
additional requests are being reviewed for future funding. 
 
Support in identifying shelter locations with wrap around services that are 
equitably distributed in all parts of the City with the best opportunity for 
success. (OHS, NSD) 
− Funded Lutheran Social Services I-HELP program, which includes pocket 
shelters that could operate in all Council Districts. 
− Opened Washington Relief Center in District 8. 
− Created Rio Fresco Shelter in District 8. 
− CASS The Haven shelter is in process in District 5. 
− City of Phoenix Shelter Site at 3000 S. 22nd Ave. is in process in District 7. 
− CBI North Mountain Healing Center shelter is in process in District 3. 
− St. Vincent de Paul Ozanam Manor II is planned in District 8. 
− UMOM New Day Center Family Shelter is planned in District 8. 
− Salvation Army Family Shelter is planned in District 8. 
 
Public safety plans, within and surrounding neighborhoods where shelters are 
located, with measurable commitment. (OHS, NSD, PD, HSD) 
− Implemented public safety plans in neighborhoods surrounding shelter 
locations. 
− Utilizing Good Neighbor agreements at all new shelters, including 
Washington Relief Center, North Mountain Healing Center and Rio Fresco 
Healing Center.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 15 
 
In Progress 
Public education campaign with the Healthy Giving Council. (PIO) 
− Partnered with Healthy Giving Council to post 12 billboards running Dec 2022 
– Feb 2023. 
− Respond to relevant media inquiries with information on the Healthy Giving 
Council to encourage people to get involved or make donations to groups 
that help connect individuals with resources year-round.  
− OHS presentation to Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee on 
4/5/23 included information on the Healthy Giving Council related to 
summer heat relief.  
 
Identify sources of funding to support and grow the work of the Healthy Giving 
Council. (OHS) 
− Assigned an OHS staff person to be more heavily involved in the Healthy 
Giving Council.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 16 
Eviction Prevention Strategies 
Completed or Ongoing  
Gather data from Eviction Prevention to advocate for more rental/mortgage 
funding. (HSD) 
− Phoenix has received approximately $140 million in Eviction Prevention 
funds for direct services to prevent evictions and stabilize households. 
Partner with community-based organizations and businesses (schools, landlords, 
etc.) to target those at risk of eviction. (HSD) 
− The City of Phoenix Community Action Program has ongoing partnerships 
with local schools, Head Start, non-profit and landlord associations, as well as 
partnerships with local constables to provide wraparound services to help 
address ongoing barriers to eviction. 
 
In Progress 
Designate funds for more flexible financial assistance to prevent evictions, 
specifically for financial needs that remain unmet by current City of Phoenix 
programs (HSD). 
− Allocated $243k to Homelessness Prevention services to be distributed 
through City of Phoenix Human Services Department, Community and Senior 
Services Division. The program began in Feb 2023.

STATUS UPDATE TO TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 
 
Page | 17 
Encampments Strategies 
Completed or Ongoing  
Provide private property cleanups program. (NSD) 
− FY2022-23 budget includes funding for Private Property Cleanup Program. 
− NSD presented to the CCI Subcommittee on 12/7/22 on the roll-out of the 
program. 
− Community listening sessions for feedback completed. 
− CCI Subcommittee approved the revised framework on 3/6/23. 
− City Council approved the framework on 3/22/23. 
− Informational website is live; priority areas identified. 
 
Support the implementation of a Phoenix Works program. (OHS, NSD) 
− Started Phoenix Works program in partnership with Phoenix Rescue Mission 
in Nov. 2022. 
 
Define Encampments in the Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan. (OHS) 
− Encampments were defined in the Task Force Recommendations. 
 
In Planning Phase 
Commitment that encampments located near the Human Services Campus are 
treated the same as encampments located in other areas of the city. (OHS)