Phoenix is clearing out 'The Zone', but is there enough shelter space for its residents?
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On Monday, we heard about the start of a lawsuit over the homeless encampment, known as “The Zone.”
Phoenix is creating what it’s calling a “safe outdoor space,” which will provide a place for people experiencing homelessness to camp. It comes as the city is clearing out “The Zone.” The new space will be near 15th Avenue and Jackson Street, and it will be able to accommodate a couple hundred people.
But officials say the goal is to get as many people into indoor locations as quickly as possible. Phoenix recently got a grant for efforts around its Human Services Campus — and while most of that will go towards finding indoor housing, some money will be used for the purchase of this location. The city will be responsible for paying to operate it moving forward.
Rachel Milne is director of the Office of Homeless Solutions for the City of Phoenix. The Show spoke with her earlier and asked what was the impetus for putting this space together.
