West Phoenix residents voice concerns over proposed homeless shelter

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — The City of Phoenix is proposing a new homeless shelter on its southwest side before the summer brings dangerously hot temperatures to the Valley. On Wednesday night, the City will once again meet with residents at Fowler Elementary School to quell concerns.

The city owns the proposed site near 71st Avenue and Van Buren Road. Right now, It’s awaiting permit approval to start sheltering people who live on the streets.

The Office of Homeless Solutions has said the shelter and navigation center will expand around 300 new beds out of the 790 that the Office wants to add in 2024 and again in 2025. The proposal puts it in between two distribution centers but is not far from homes and schools.

Residents nearby have reportedly voiced their concerns regarding safety, especially with a school less than a mile away. “Are we going to see the same problem as downtown with CASS?,” asked Sarai Trejo.

“It’s not that we don’t care about them but they have to care about us too, cant just put more unsafety with us for our kids and our schools,” said Chevelle Ortega.

While many have concerns the shelter will bring encampments and crime, Rachel Milne, the director of the city’s Office of Homeless Solutions said they have regulations in place to make sure its a safe experience.

“We are doing a completely different model, the fact that it is limited to 300 people, a closed campus, no walk up services and a very strong code of conduct,” said Milne.

She is urging residents to see the similar shelters they have set up around town and the success that they have had.

After Wednesday night’s meeting, the City of Phoenix will attempt to obtain a permit on Apr. 4. If approved, they plan to break ground immediately to supply those beds before the summer months.

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