ARIZONA NEWS

Mayor Kate Gallego seeks solutions for downtown homeless encampment

Apr 4, 2023, 4:35 AM | Updated: Apr 27, 2023, 12:05 pm

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)...

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — The homeless encampment known as “the Zone” in downtown Phoenix has become a growing issue and Mayor Kate Gallego is actively seeking solutions.

Gallego joined KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Gaydos & Chad Show to discuss what can be done for an issue that has seemingly only gotten worse.

“We, at the city of Phoenix, want to partner with every level of government to find solutions and get people housed,” Gallego said.

“We’ve been working with my colleagues to bring seven new investments online that will help take people out of the zone and put them into a better housing situation. These include partnerships with nonprofits like the Salvation Army, UMom and CBI that are in every part of Phoenix.”

Gallego added that part of the goal in relocating people is working on a solution that will bring them closer to their last place of residence prior to homelessness.

Last week, an Arizona federal judge ordered the city of Phoenix to find a solution for the Zone, highlighting several issues, including that the city was not enforcing numerous criminal statutes, it was allowing drug use, prostitution and violence and that the effect on business and property owners in the area was tremendous.

Gallego said that everyone in the Zone is treated the same, and that drug use and prostitution are illegal, but being homeless is not.

She mentioned that Phoenix was one of the only cities in the Valley to make investments toward the issue, including buying a hotel for veterans in need.

The mayor said that many people are coming over from other cities because Phoenix is the most well-equipped for help, but the demand is too high.

“I have asked the county and my fellow mayors, ‘Can you provide services for people who need shelter in your community so that they can have better healthier outcomes,'” Gallego said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Phoenix fire crews work to put out large pallet fire in the area of 35th Avenue and Lower Buckeye R...

Brandon Gray

Fire crews battling large pallet fire in south Phoenix

Phoenix firefighters are currently working a second-alarm pallet fire in the area of Thursday night at 35th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. 

22 hours ago

(Pixabay photo)...

KTAR.com

4 Valley residents sentenced to prison for COVID aid fraud

Four Valley residents have been sentenced for their roles in a COVID aid fraud scheme, authorities announced Thursday.

22 hours ago

(Getty Images Photos)...

KTAR.com

Arizona’s Sinema says she was happy to play liaison role on debt ceiling negotiations

U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona said Thursday her role in helping push forward negotiations on lifting the nation's debt ceiling was to be a liaison, a position she was happy to fill.

22 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/Phoenix Police Department)...

Taylor Kinnerup and Kate Ourada

Arizona’s News Roundup: Canal killer death sentence, Phoenix PD rolls out crime reduction plan

Arizona's News Roundup this week covered the canal killer's death sentence and Phoenix Police's new crime reduction plan.

22 hours ago

(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)...

KTAR.com

MCSO’s Penzone expects scanner program at jails to be implemented within weeks

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said a scanner program that will detect for drugs and other contraband going in and out of jails will be up and running within weeks.

22 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/Axis for Autism)...

SuElen Rivera

Autism evaluation, therapy clinic opens first East Valley location

A clinic offering autism diagnostic services and ABA therapy is expanding its presence in the Valley with the opening of a new clinic in Gilbert.

22 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Here are the biggest tips to keep your AC bill low this summer

PHOENIX — In Arizona during the summer, having a working air conditioning unit is not just a pleasure, but a necessity. No one wants to walk from their sweltering car just to continue to be hot in their home. As the triple digits hit around the Valley and are here to stay, your AC bill […]

...

Desert Institute for Spine Care

Spinal fusion surgery has come a long way, despite misconceptions

As Dr. Justin Field of the Desert Institute for Spine Care explained, “we've come a long way over the last couple of decades.”

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

Mayor Kate Gallego seeks solutions for downtown homeless encampment