In a decisive move to combat homelessness, the city of Tempe has expanded its shelter capacity with the recent purchase of the Apache Inn, a 58-room motel that will be transformed into a refuge for those in need. By tapping into a budget of approximately $10.7 million, with $7.3 million funded by Maricopa County and the remaining balance from city coffers, Tempe plans to offer more than just a temporary roof; it aims to bridge the gap between the streets and sustainable living spaces, according to the City of Tempe announcement last Thursday.
The strategy echoes Tempe's ambition to turn homelessness into a fleeting issue, as underscored by Mayor Corey Woods, "Our goal in Tempe is to make homelessness rare, brief and one-time and that means continually enhancing and expanding our strategies," he shared with the public, noting a significant reduction in homeless rates by more than 30% within the past year, but yet with the new shelter slated to start serving in early 2025 subsequent to the necessary revamps to assure safety and habitability, that's the promise for a brighter horizon, according to the City of Tempe announcement.
As reported by the City of Tempe, the initiative doesn't stop at providing a safe haven; it's paired with essential wrap-around services, ensuring that each resident's personalized needs are met. "Those wrap-around services are really vital for our residents," stated Tim Burch, Community Health and Human Services Director, highlighting the importance of complementing shelter with access to job programs, healthcare, and veteran services.
Reinforcing these efforts, the city has successfully aided nearly 1,600 people off the streets in the past two years and worked to expand the Tempe Works jobs program, in addition to offering a 24/7 CARE & HOPE Line that has received over 10,200 calls, of which more than 5,100 were related to homelessness, showing an active and responsive community support system.
Tempe citizens eager to support these initiatives have various pathways to lend a hand. Opportunities include volunteering with the HOPE team, donating or volunteering at the Tempe Community Action Agency's food pantry and I-Help shelter, engaging in the Real Change, Not Spare Change campaign, or assisting the Tempe Community Council in grant evaluations for nonprofits. More information on how to contribute to Tempe’s homeless solutions can be found at tempe.gov/EndingHomelessness.
