By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona State Representative Matt Gress (R-LD4) issued a call to action after completing a day-long tour of homeless encampments across Tucson.
The visit revealed an awful situation that Gress described as a “pure and unmitigated human disaster,” highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to address homelessness, public safety, and access to treatment in Arizona’s communities.
During the tour, Gress met with individuals living in the encampments, including a young man in his early 20s who shared his disturbing story. In and out of jail, the man said he had been attacked by other homeless within the encampment, suffering a broken arm from being assaulted with a baseball bat. There were also visible needle marks on his arms, showing his struggle with addiction.
“He needs help. He deserves help,” Gress emphasized, pointing to the spiral of despair that traps many in similar circumstances.
The tour also brought Gress to a Tucson bike path, the site of a recent tragedy where a cyclist was fatally stabbed in an area known for a large homeless congregation.
Reflecting on the visit, Gress noted, “It doesn’t feel like what Tucson is doing is working, so why are we going to invest more into it? We need greater accountability for people living on the streets, for the cities, and for the nonprofits.”
In response to these alarming conditions, Gress announced plans to introduce legislation in January 2026 aimed at addressing the crisis.
The proposed measures will focus on increasing accountability for individuals, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations while expanding access to treatment resources for those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
“Things must change, or more people will die,” Gress warned, underscoring the importance of the situation.
Gress’s visit highlights the challenges facing Tucson and other Arizona communities as they grapple with rising homelessness, public safety concerns, and strained resources.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
