Phoenix organization AZ Hugs has continued to serve the homeless over the course of several weeks despite not having a permit to do so in Tempe.
The group serves Sunday dinners at a city park.
Austin Davis is the organization’s founder.
“We haven’t stopped. We’ve been continuing to do the picnic every Sunday because, I think, you know, safe spaces need to be preserved," he said.
The city of Tempe previously sent a letter to Davis requesting the organization obtain a permit due to safety concerns and its effects on the neighborhood.
Davis claimed AZ Hugs was cited by the city of Tempe on Sunday, Jan. 14. A city spokesperson said a police officer simply made a report documenting the activity and that no citation was issued.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated to include citation details provided by AZ Hugs. The story was updated again when Tempe spokesperson said Wednesday that no citation was issued.
