By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Republican Party Chairman Sergio Arellano joined 550 KFYI’s Conservative Circus host James T. Harris during a visit to downtown Phoenix’s homeless encampment area known as “The Zone.” The pair highlighted faith-based outreach efforts and criticized local leadership over homelessness and public safety conditions.
For years, “The Zone” drew public attention over homelessness, drug activity, and crime concerns. The Arizona Republican Party said Harris and members of a faith-based group that “receives NO taxpayer dollars” were serving homeless residents in the area.
The party also characterized “The Zone” as “where the Democrats in charge keep their homeless community drugged and dangerous.”
“Good morning, I’m Sergio Arellano, and I am here today with the conservative radio talk show host James T. Harris,” Arellano began in a video. “We’re in this place called The Zone in a blue area of what is Phoenix.”
Arellano linked conditions in the area to Democratic governance and urged voter participation ahead of the upcoming 2026 elections.
“We cannot allow what is happening here to happen to the rest of the state in Democrat-controlled communities,” Arellano said. “This is what you get. You get lack of response, lack of resources.”
Arellano also praised the faith-based nonprofit operating in the area and alleged that Phoenix officials under Mayor Kate Gallego had moved to restrict its activities.“People that are making a difference here — this non-profit — are getting kicked out by the liberal city and mayor,” Arellano said.
“That’s why it is very important that you get involved in November. You talk with your neighbors, you register people to vote, and have them turn out this election.”
The chairman warned that Arizona could face worsening homelessness conditions without political change.
“Because if not, you’re going to get amplified times 10,” Arellano said. “Skid Row, exactly like Los Angeles, is coming here to Arizona. We need to stop that. Register to vote. Get up. Make a difference.”
Harris has regularly participated in Sunday outreach efforts in downtown Phoenix and has previously described the work as a Christian ministry serving homeless residents in the area.
The Zone, located near downtown Phoenix, became nationally known in recent years as one of the country’s largest homeless encampments. The area was the subject of litigation and enforcement disputes involving the City of Phoenix, nearby businesses, and residents. In 2023, a court ordered Phoenix to clear portions of the encampment following allegations involving crime, sanitation problems, and unsafe conditions.
According to an April 30 report by 12News, after three years, hundreds of homeless people are living in the area again, with outreach teams counting more than 300 living there at the time.
The Arizona Republican Party’s did not identify the nonprofit involved in the outreach effort, though Harris has previously documented recurring faith-based outreach activities in the area through social media posts.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
