PHOENIX — The city of Tempe announced that 18 emergency shelter beds will be available for members of the homeless population in an effort to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Mark Mitchell signed a agreement with Maricopa County and the Salvation Army on Friday.

“It is critical that we take care of all members of our community but especially the most vulnerable who have fewer resources to stay safe and healthy,” he said in a statement.

The Salvation Army in Tempe will provide 10 of the beds.

The other eight will come through an agreement with an East Valley hotel that is providing 25 total beds to Tempe, Chandler and Mesa.

Tempe received $500,000 from Emergency Solutions Grants through the coronavirus relief bill which will help provide housing and basic needs for the homeless.

A “portion of those funds are earmarked for the Salvation Army beds,” the announcement stated.

The hotel beds will be funded “largely” by the county, though the announcement stated some city funds and ESG funds may be used as well.

HOPE, Tempe’s homeless outreach group, will work to process housing applications that can move people from these temporary measures into permanent housing.

The statement said that in addition to beds, the city is working to provide additional resources including safer outdoor space and medical care.

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