Before the pandemic, Arizona had high rates of poverty. Now, with hundreds of thousands of Arizonans out of a job, things could get much worse — and fast.
On the July 29 episode of The Show, we heard from KJZZ’s Katherine Davis-Young about a new study estimating that homelessness in our state could jump nearly 30% as a result of the pandemic.
The University of Arizona’s report describes the situation as "dire" and describes the state’s existing aid programs as "stingy and difficult to access."
One impending crisis researchers pointed out? Evictions.
While the state has an eviction moratorium right now due to the pandemic, some say much more could be done to help people stay in their homes.
Joe Ferguson is the constable in Pima County, and since his appointment, he’s been working to reduce evictions in his community. The Show spoke with him for more about his work.
