Phoenix (3TV/CBS 5) — New data shows that the number of people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County has doubled over the past decade.Figures released Monday by the federal government point-in-time countthere are currently 9,642 people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County, representing an increase of 7%, or 616 people, from 2022.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) adjusted its tally in January and found that the unprotected population had fallen by 2%, with 4,908 people living in places such as streets, desert washouts, or cars. rice field. However, the number of guardians living in temporary housing increased by 18% to 4,734.

Yearly point-in-time homeless counts require the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for each metropolitan area in the US MAG to adjust the Maricopa area counts to provide a daily snapshot of homelessness. “These new figures highlight the ongoing challenges we face in addressing homelessness, which continues to be a major concern for the region and a priority for MAG,” he said. said Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise, who also serves as MAG Chair.

The increase in homelessness in Maricopa County is consistent with national trends. Officials say a variety of environmental and financial conditions contributed to the decade-long increase.

“The pandemic has exacerbated challenges in the region, putting more people at risk of experiencing homelessness. Temporary housing, rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing have led to an overall increase in homelessness. I keep doing.”

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