PHOENIX — The City of Phoenix has unveiled plans for a new 280-bed shelter near 67th Avenue and Van Buren Street.
The shelter would consist of 200 beds in two structures, one for men and the other for women. Another 80 beds would be located in X-shaped structures that have been converted from shipping containers.
The site would also include a navigation center where visitors can receive help in obtaining access to medical and behavioral health services. The shelter would operate as a closed campus, meaning individuals would need to be referred to the shelter by a service provider.
The city said this proposed site would be under security 24/7 and residents would have to follow a strict code of conduct.
Phoenix is hoping to have the site in operation by this summer so residents will have a safe place of refuge as temperatures start to rise.
The issues of housing and homelessness in the Valley have become increasingly prevalent in recent years as the city has grappled with figuring out how to service people living on the streets.
In 2022, the city was sued by downtown residents and businesses for not addressing the issue as a large homelessness encampment known as "The Zone" cropped up just blocks away from the State Capitol.
A judge ordered the city to clear out the encampment, finding that city officials were allowing The Zone to become a public nuisance.
Since then, the city's Office of Homeless Solutions has made plans to add 790 new shelter beds by 2025.
The proposed project will be brought before the Phoenix Board of Adjustment for approval on April 4 at 12 p.m. in the Phoenix City Council Chambers, 200 West Jefferson Street. If approved, the city plans to immediately start working on opening the site.
*Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast.*
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