Phoenix residents will soon have the chance to weigh in on a new shelter poised to provide relief for the city's growing homeless population. According to the City of Phoenix's announcement, a public meeting is set for March 21 to discuss the proposed 300-bed facility planned for West Phoenix. The move is part of a broader initiative to add 790 new shelter beds through partnerships by the Office of Homeless Solutions in 2024 and 2025.
The project, situated at 11 S. 71st Avenue, will boast 200 congregate beds in Sprung Structures divided by gender, and another 80 non-congregate beds in converted shipping containers, called XWing. Running dangerously hot in the summer, the streets of Phoenix are considered unsafe for the homeless, prompting the city to create a critical need for indoor accommodations. Serving as a navigation center, the third Sprung Structure on the site is designed to offer a suite of services to help individuals transition out of homelessness, including case management and medical services.
Not only aimed at providing a safe haven, the shelter will give guests direct access to employment opportunities through St. Vincent de Paul, along with further workforce development programs. Guests will earn an income while leveraging connections to skills training and jobs, presenting an avenue toward financial stability and self-reliance.
The proposed site is receiving a mixed response from the community, with safety being a top concern. The city assures that the shelter, which will cater primarily to the homeless in nearby neighborhoods, will maintain a closed campus with no walk-up services—referrals are necessary to access the site. Around the clock security, a stringent code of conduct, and a curfew are included in the measures designed to ensure that the shelter has a positive impact on the area. The City has been working closely with local residents to establish a 15-member community advisory committee, a six-month stipulation review of the use permit, and a Good Neighbor Agreement to address concerns.
The shelter's history dates to the summer of 2023 when multiple sites were considered. Following due diligence, the Phoenix City Council approved the architectural and engineering contract in December. After initiating outreach in January this year, the zoning adjustment hearing has been postponed twice to allow further dialogue with stakeholders. In a demonstration of its commitment to transparency, the city proactively reached beyond mandated notification requirements to involve the Si Se Puede Neighborhood Association and Fowler Elementary School District officials.
Looking ahead, the Board of Adjustment's approval is pending for the proposed shelter, with a meeting scheduled on April 4. If given the green light, construction would start promptly, providing a safe refuge from the summer heat for Phoenix's homeless individuals. Public participation is encouraged both in-person at the Council Chambers and virtually, with registrations and hard copy submittals being accepted until early April. The Office of Homeless Solutions invites residents to share their questions and concerns via email at [email protected] to foster continued community engagement.
