The Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court saw a record number of people resolve cases last August. Twenty-three people cleared 60 cases after performing more than 11,000 hours of community service.
The numbers were shared with Phoenix’s public safety subcommittee, but Municipal Court Judge Christopher McBride said the metrics don’t tell the full story.
“And that’s the restoration of dignity and the return of members that were lost to families, neighborhoods and to our community,” he said.
Last year, more than 200 people resolved 453 cases and performed more than 80,000 community service hours, according to a city report.
“I’m there every month dealing with folks that for the grace of God, go I,” said David Fuller with the Phoenix Public Defender’s Office. “And, these are the people who have risen out of their dilemma.”
Social service providers refer people who are committed to ending their homelessness. The court is designed for low-level cases like traffic, trespassing and loitering.
Warrants, fines and fees can be quashed in exchange for community service. Completing the program can help people get drivers’ licenses reinstated and open up more employment opportunities.
While the homeless court is located at the Human Services Campus in Phoenix, 48 limited jurisdiction courts across the Valley are involved.
