City of Tempe introduces tools to aid response to homelessness

PHOENIX — The city of Tempe has developed new tools for those experiencing homelessness and other community members, according to a press release.

The city announced the new tools on Thursday, as Tempe has continued to invest heavily in services and housing the last two years.

Among the new tools the community is invited to use are a public dashboard with Tempe’s homeless outreach, an online aid to directly report encampments and the “CARE & HOPE Line.”

“Tempe is a leader among cities in establishing a comprehensive response to homelessness,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods in a statement. “The call now is to leverage innovation to be even more effective.”

“The CARE & HOPE Line” will be a 24/7 operating line that allows anyone to call the city about a person who may need help or is experiencing homelessness.

The number is 480-350-8004 or can be reached via email at HOPE@tempe.gov.

Tempe’s online tool to report encampments can be found here, with the public dashboard being found here.

After an encampment is reported, a team will assess the needs of the people present and offer resources, according to the release.

“Tempe is leading again by adding new tools and data critical to the strategies that promote continued health, safety and quality of life in our entire community,” Woods said. “Homelessness is an incredibly complex issue. We are continually evaluating results and pivoting strategies to meet needs.”

The new strategies to enhance Tempe’s homeless response were put into place Thursday.

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