SE Valley Times

Tempe Mayor Corey Woods expressed the city's commitment to addressing homelessness by stating, “Our goal in Tempe is to make homelessness rare, brief and one-time and that means continually enhancing and expanding our strategies.” The recent purchase of the 58-room Apache Inn, funded by Maricopa County and the city, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

The new shelter, located near Apache Boulevard and McClintock Drive, is expected to open in early 2025 and will provide crucial resources for individuals experiencing homelessness in Tempe. Mayor Woods highlighted the city's progress in reducing homelessness, stating, “We have decreased homelessness by more than 30% in the past year and this new shelter will significantly bolster our efforts.”

Congressman Greg Stanton's office also contributed to the funding of the motel purchase, with $500,000 in federal funds allocated towards the project. This investment aligns with the city's strategy of providing safe and secure shelter options for the unsheltered population.

Tim Burch, Community Health and Human Services Director, emphasized the importance of wrap-around services for shelter residents, stating, “Providing a safe haven is our first priority but then we need to tailor resources to their individual needs as they plan for the future.”

The city's efforts to combat homelessness have yielded positive results, with a reduction of homelessness by more than 30% and chronic homelessness by approximately 39%. Additionally, nearly 1,600 individuals have been assisted off the streets and into more permanent housing solutions over the past two years.

Residents of Tempe have shown support for homeless solutions, with investments and innovations in this area being a top priority according to the city's latest Community Survey. The expansion of programs like the Tempe Works jobs program and the establishment of the 24/7 CARE & HOPE Line have further enhanced resources for those in need.

Community members are encouraged to get involved in assisting the unsheltered population through various avenues such as volunteering with the HOPE team, supporting organizations like the Tempe Community Action Agency, and participating in initiatives like the Real Change, Not Spare Change campaign.

With the purchase of the Apache Inn and ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive support for individuals experiencing homelessness, the City of Tempe is taking proactive steps to address this critical issue and make a positive impact on the community.