Phoenix (3TV/CBS 5) – Experts say high inflation and skyrocketing housing costs are just some of the things that are driving some Arizona residents into homelessness.
As the Maricopa Association of Governments plans its annual point-in-time homeless numbers for January, new numbers are showing that the homeless community is growing in Arizona. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the state’s homeless population grew 23.4% from 2020 to 2022. Nationally, it increased by about 1%.
It also estimates that 13,553 people will be homeless in Arizona in 2022 and 59.2% will be unprotected.Read the full report here.
This will take place as hundreds of volunteers prepare for the annual homeless count in Maricopa County at 5 am on Tuesday, January 24. According to organizers, it’s a federal requirement to get federal funding to help homeless people.
Volunteers also ask questions that try to figure out who people are, age, demographics, unprotected duration, and more. There is an app for information and it goes paperless counting. Data is collected in real time. Analysis will then take place and the full report will be released in his April.
Kelli Williams, director of human services for the Maricopa Association of Governments, said this happens when new people in our community become homeless for the first time.
“We certainly live in interesting economic times,” Williams told the Arizona family recently. There are many families who are trying to live in the car together, send their children to school, and are trying to continue working while living outside the car or in other unprotected environments. “
Williams says for the first time that many seniors on bonds are being devalued from their homes.
“I think there is a misconception that everyone who is experiencing is using substances or is lazy and unwilling to work. “It’s not that there aren’t individuals who need mental health services, but what we’re seeing are many working poor families and working poor individuals.” , can’t find a place to live with their money.
what is the solution? According to Williams, this includes increased access to affordable housing, better-paying jobs, and increased access to behavioral health services.
About 1,500 people have already signed up to help count. Last year it was about 500 people. Williams believes this shows that there are a lot of people who are now exposed to the problem and want to help. They are always looking for more volunteers.
Click here for details How to contact the coordinator and sign up.
Copyright 2023 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
