It’s now been two years since Phoenix faced a court-ordered deadline to clear out a massive homeless encampment downtown known as "the Zone."
Part of the city’s response was to create a city-run campground for people experiencing homelessness. Guests of the Safe Outdoor Space at 15th Avenue and Jackson Street say it’s been a valuable addition to the city’s homeless services.
Homelessness continues to increase in Phoenix. The Maricopa Association of Governments reports for every 10 homeless people finding housing in the county, 19 people are becoming homeless. Shelters across the metro area are full.
Through KJZZ's Q&AZ project, a listener recently asked: How can I support Phoenix’s Safe Outdoor Space through volunteering or donations?
According to the Office of Homeless Solutions, all potential donors and volunteers are required to fill out an application “to ensure we're meeting the needs of the people at the site.”
The office also encourages people to look for ways to help people experiencing homelessness at the Healthy Giving Council website, givesmartaz.org.
If you are in need of housing help and resources, visit the Office of Homeless Solutions website.
KJZZ's Sky Schaudt contributed to this report.
-
Through our Q&AZ reporting project, we received a question about a small southern Arizona community with a peculiar name. We applied the 5 W’s to try to find out: Why is Why named Why? -
The 1980 Groundwater Management Act established Arizona’s first four AMAs — Phoenix, Prescott, Tucson and Pinal. -
Despite residents’ best intentions, there remains widespread confusion about the do’s and don’ts in metro Phoenix cities. Here's a look at rules of recycling throughout the Valley. -
Did you know The Gorilla was born by accident? It started with a singing telegram that was supposed to be delivered to a fan at a Phoenix Suns game. -
Arizona had a massive flu season last fall and winter, with 75,000 cases — more than double what is typical in the state. Experts recommend getting a flu shot in October, before flu season peaks.
