The city of Chandler is actively engaging in strategies to both prevent homelessness and manage its consequences in the public sphere. A recent City Council work session highlighted the "housing-first" approach as a core part of Chandler's methodology, outlined in a report by the City of Chandler. This approach prioritizes getting individuals off the streets and into stable housing situations, using a continuum of services tailored to the needs of those experiencing homelessness. One key program, Chandler Connect, helps individuals to not only find housing but also connect to healthcare and behavioral health services while addressing any outstanding criminal justice issues.
The effectiveness of these programs can be seen in the numbers with 86 percent positive outcomes reported from initial outreach efforts to get people into housing last year. In instances where individuals accepted assistance, that number rose to 98 percent positive outcomes, with services like Operation Open Door providing a bridge for unsheltered individuals to non-congregate temporary housing. However, the city is also looking to more strictly enforce public space usage, with city staff directed to "soon prepare drafts" of an urban camping ordinance and transit ordinance, according to the City of Chandler.
Additionally, Chandler is encouraging its residents to help in a different way; through the ChangeUp program. Rather than giving directly to panhandlers, donations to ChangeUp are used to fund the city's homelessness programs. This initiative has been received with moderate support, bringing in about $8,500 annually for these critical services.
The conversation amongst city officials also touched on the complications imposed by homeless-related court decisions and Proposition 312. As a result, comparisons were made with ordinances in other Valley cities that address homelessness in various ways. With the proposed ordinances, Chandler aims to mitigate some of the issues at transit facilities and dissuade urban camping. If adopted, these ordinances will likely shape the lives of many, for better or worse, and alter the cityscape of Chandler in pursuit of fostering a community that its residents can all take pride in—a pursuit that does not come without its own set of profound challenges and moral considerations.
