Cleaning up 'The Zone': Tents in downtown Phoenix are gone but homelessness persists
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: The transformation of 'The Zone' in Phoenix from its previous state during the summer is unmistakable. Yet, despite the absence of tents, the persistent return of homeless individuals to the area poses an ongoing challenge for the city.
The clearing of the downtown area comes in the wake of a lawsuit against the city, Brown v City of Phoenix, wherein neighboring businesses and residents claimed the camp is a public nuisance.
Though the clearing process began in May, on September 20, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that Phoenix must clear The Zone of people by November 4.
What is 'The Zone' in Phoenix?
Once a bustling site occupied by tents and the homeless, The Zone in Phoenix underwent a significant cleanup by the city, but the homeless population persists, according to abc15.com
In the lawsuit, the encampment referred to as The Zone is defined as roughly taking up the downtown city blocks between Seventh and 15th Avenues and between Van Buren and Grant streets. The urban encampment has been home to a fluctuating group of people, sometimes going as large as 1,000 residents.
When was cleanup in 'The Zone' initiated?
It has been two weeks since the city of Phoenix completed its final cleanup of The Zone. The landscape has notably changed, with a stark contrast from its previous appearance during the summer months.
Despite previous plans by Phoenix officials to shut down the encampment by April 2024, the court's ruling accelerated the process, necessitating immediate removal of about 500 individuals from The Zone.
This ruling might set a precedent for other cities dealing with similar homeless encampment issues, potentially leading to further lawsuits against governments facing homelessness crises.
Where were the homeless from 'The Zone' sent?
Despite the efforts to address homelessness, the removal of tents didn't signify the end of the issue. Individuals who were moved from The Zone into shelters have gradually returned to the streets.
The director of the City of Phoenix Office of Homeless Solutions, Rachel Milne, acknowledged that some shelter placements didn't suit everyone, resulting in a few individuals choosing to return to homelessness.
She said, “Certainly we have had individuals returning to homelessness, who felt the shelter placement was not the right placement for them. Right now our focus is really those areas just outside of downtown, just outside of the Human Services Campus area."
Why are people coming back to The Zone?
The sentiment among some homeless individuals, like Kimberly Brazil, is that they feel safer outside than within the shelters. For them, the streets provide a sense of security that shelters cannot match.
Brazil's poignant story exemplifies the struggles faced by many - a life previously dedicated to a 30-year-long career in the medical field was interrupted due to health issues.
Now, amidst the complexities of fighting for social security and lacking familial support, the streets seem a more viable option than the uncertainty of the shelter system.
Ongoing challenges
Despite the city's efforts to address the situation, the sight of people outside shelters, especially near downtown areas, persists. The harsh reality is that many of these individuals face nights filled with hardships, battling circumstances that they never anticipated.
The struggle for survival in The Zone continues, with dreams of better days remaining the only solace for those grappling with homelessness.
Looking ahead
With plans to introduce nearly 800 new permanent shelter beds in the coming year, the city aims to start opening them as early as February or March.
These efforts signify a commitment to addressing homelessness and providing more secure and supportive spaces for those in need.
As Phoenix grapples with the ongoing challenge of The Zone and homelessness, the hope remains that these future initiatives will offer a more sustainable solution, providing a glimmer of hope for a community facing adversity on the streets.