The Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court, like other courts, has a room where judges hear cases and wait to hear what's next in the process for people to follow the law and make things right.
Organizers describe homeless court as an opportunity to see people thrive in their communities. The Maricopa County program has existed for nearly 20 years to help transform obstacles into community assets.
“What we can do, which is really unique about homeless courts, is turn fines and fees into restitution to the community,” said Karen Sadler, program manager.
Sadler has been working with the homeless court since 2017.
“This is an opportunity to see people grow in our community and an opportunity for community members to recover,” Sadler said.
When the Homeless Tribunal began in 2006, Judge Patricia George sat in the courtroom.
“So the evolution is quite remarkable,” Prince George said.
Initially starting only in Phoenix, Tempe and Glendale, the courthouse expanded countywide in 2012.
“The importance of these courts is to help people understand that it's okay to ask for help and that there are ways to get it,” the judge added.
David White is one of those who started the court program in January after experiencing homelessness for eight months.
“(I've) made mistakes all my life that seemed almost insurmountable,” White said.
Looking back over the past six months, ABC15 found that 84 people have participated in homeless court. Of those participants, 62% received assistance with obtaining a driver's license, 32% received assistance with warrant processing, and 24% gained the ability to pass a background check, according to the court.
“People have warrants for things like not having bike lights on or sleeping in a car, so you see there are a lot of barriers that we don't even think of as barriers. ” said Sheila Zias.
At the end of the day, people experiencing homelessness who complete the program are satisfied.
“Honestly, it's one of those things that gives us a light at the end of the tunnel,” White added.
