ARIZONA NEWS

Tempe offering new phone number to help people experiencing homelessness

Jun 16, 2023, 8:00 PM | Updated: Jun 19, 2023, 11:02 am

PHOENIX — Anyone who wants to help people sleeping on neighborhood sidewalks or private property can call a new phone number to access Tempe homeless solutions.

“We set up a line this last summer called the HOPE and CARE Line,” Tempe Director of Community Health and Human Services Tim Burch told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Evening News. “We’ve already had on average about 100, 150 calls a week and about half of those are around and dealing with folks who are homeless.”

Call 480-350-8004 to reach the Homeless Outreach Prevention Effort (HOPE), a city-run volunteer group that helps people get back on their feet — and out of residents’ front yards or carports.

Many of the calls come directly from people experiencing homelessness who want to get off the streets. “This phone number is for everyone to be able to use,” Burch said. “We also set up an innovative reporting app.”

Best Tempe homeless solutions

Residents can download the 311 app on iPhone or Android. It’s part of the city’s “One Call to City Hall” service at 480-350-4311, which addresses various city-related problems from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. It’s not meant for emergencies; it’s more for reporting encampments.

“It really helps us track and clean all the debris and keep people safe and offer housing to anyone in our community who needs it,” Burch said.

On the other hand, the HOPE line is for people who need help. “We have more people who are calling, saying, ‘Hey, we just want to make sure that folks have water occasionally. Can you come out and do a welfare check on them?'” Burch said. “We’re really appreciative to all of our Tempe residents for keeping an eye out for their neighbors.”

Burch emphasized that the HOPE line is for both housed and unhoused people.

“If someone you know or love or lives with you is in a mental health crisis, you can call that line as well,” Burch said.

“We also know those types of things preempt or lead up to someone becoming homeless. So we’d like to work with folks before they find themselves in that situation.”

It’s not an emergency line, though. That would be the 2-1-1 Arizona service at (877) 211-8661. “The 2-1-1 actually routes calls to our crisis response team,” Burch said.

Those in search of more homeless assistance should check out KTAR News’ resource roundup here.

We want to hear from you.

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

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

The five Maricopa County Board of Supervisors seats were up for grabs during the 2024 election....

KTAR.com

1 Maricopa County supervisor race could be headed to a recount

The contest to fill Republican Bill Gates’ seat on the powerful Maricopa County Board of Supervisors could be heading to a recount.

1 hour ago

Arizona congressional races...

KTAR.com

Arizona’s 9 congressional seats are up for grabs; who is winning each race?

All but one of the nine Arizona congressional races in the 2024 general election have been settled.

2 hours ago

Arizona's 6th Congressional District 2024 election updates...

KTAR.com

Juan Ciscomani nursing lead over Kirsten Engel in race for Arizona CD6

The race between Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel in Arizona's 6th Congressional District remains too close to call.

2 hours ago

The Coors Light Birds Nest just added another big-name stage act with Swedish House Mafia at next y...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Powerhouse EDM group Swedish House Mafia added to 2025 Birds Nest Phoenix Open lineup

The Coors Light Birds Nest just added another big-name stage act with Swedish House Mafia at next year's 2025 WM Phoenix Open concert lineup, making it their first time performing at the popular event. 

2 hours ago

Tex Industrial to bring 2 new large buildings to Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

2 buildings under construction at West Valley industrial park

The Tex Industrial Project is officially underway, according to an announcement Merit Partners Inc., the developers, made last week.

4 hours ago

Metro Phoenix concerts calendar...

KTAR.com

Here are the shows set for Phoenix area’s biggest concert stages in 2024, 2025

Here are all the headline acts set to perform at the Phoenix area's large-scale concert venues in the coming months.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

DISC Desert Institute for Spine Care

The best methods to make your back pain disappear for good

Are you struggling with back pain that will not go away?

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

Tempe offering new phone number to help people experiencing homelessness