by Staff Reporter | Dec 21, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The Phoenix City Council approved several ordinances that will hold the homeless accountable for crimes committed in public parks and spaces.
The council approved ordinances prohibiting certain behaviors most often done by the homeless.
One ordinance puts more restrictions on public parks: no more entering areas closed to the public, drinking liquor, smoking, bathing, or obstructing guests or amenities.
Park rangers or police officers will be allowed to issue a trespass notice lasting one year, and the court may impose community restitution, education, or treatment programs.
Council member Anna Hernandez was the sole “no” vote on the ordinance.
Hernandez said she “needed to take [the council] to church” on the issue. She called the ordinance “shameful, racist, ineffective policy.”
“This is a huge step in aligning our city in Trump’s war on homelessness. We need more beds [and support services], not more criminalization,” said Hernandez.
Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar clarified this ordinance was about aligning park code of conduct with city ordinances — not a new effort to criminalize behaviors, or target the homeless specifically.
“The consequences or the penalties that exist already existed prior to this when it comes to the ordinances, but there were clarifications in where that language was placed,” said Aguilar.
The council also approved, unanimously, an ordinance increasing the punishment for remaining on road medians and obstructing traffic. Rather than requiring law enforcement to give a warning for the first violation, law enforcement may issue a civil traffic offense amounting to a class one misdemeanor.
By far the most controversial ordinance passed prohibits the public provision of medical care or treatment, sale or exchange of needles and syringes, and the sale or distribution of harm reduction, or drug usage, kits. First responders, family members, individuals rendering aid during an emergency, and administration or distribution of naloxone are exempt.
Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar cited the need for the ordinance to address “safety, potential harm, and [bio]hazard [concerns]” for park users.
Again, Hernandez was the sole “no” vote on the ordinance.
Opponents to the ordinances said they amounted to “criminalization” of poverty and “fascism.” They argued the city had a duty to address the underlying causes of unlawful behaviors by the homeless and provide alternatives, such as more public showers, rather than holding them accountable for their crimes.
Supporters of the ordinances testified to the dangers posed by the transients, especially to the children: bathing publicly in the nude, open-air drug usage, discarding drug paraphernalia, dealing drugs, blocking traffic, and harboring dogs that roam unleashed in public spaces and roadways.
State Senator Lauren Kuby (D-LD8), speaking on behalf of constituents and “mutual aid groups” claimed the behaviors that would be punished were actually constitutionally protected activities. Kuby also argued that it was “basic human behavior” for the homeless to bathe in public.
“Phoenix parks are not just recreational spaces. Under the Constitution, they are traditional public forums — places where people gather, speak, assemble, pray, protest, and exist in public life,” said Kuby.
State Representative Mariana Sandoval (D-LD23) and Senator Analise Ortiz (R-LD24) issued a joint letter criticizing the ordinances as “criminalizing poverty” that would cost taxpayers more without reducing crime or overdoses.
Council member Betty Guardado implied that families in affected neighborhoods should use their “means” to go elsewhere to enjoy public spaces and have their children play.
Council member Jim Waring criticized the opponents of the ordinances as supportive of preserving currently dangerous environments.
“Some of you are clapping. You think you’re on the side of truth and justice. Well, I’ve got some bad news: you’re not. You’re wrecking it for the rest of these people who are also paying taxes. When do we start thinking about them?” asked Waring.
Waring also criticized the hands-off approach to the homeless. He expressed a desire for the homeless to be made to accept services to get off the street and cease drug usage in public.
“We spend a fortune on the homeless — way more than we used to,” said Waring. “You guys think the homeless should just take over the parks and do whatever they want.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Nov 14, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Supreme Court recently declined to review an Appeals Court ruling holding the City of Tucson liable for a public nuisance caused by homeless encampments, siding with three property owners who suffered property damage and financial losses. The Goldwater Institute highlighted this case as “welcome news for all Arizonans,” following the adoption of voter-approved Proposition 312.
The case, Bradford v. City of Tucson, comes on the heels of a similar court ruling against the City of Phoenix over its “Zone” encampment and is now being highlighted by the Goldwater Institute alongside voter-approved Proposition 312—a 2024 measure that lets property owners seek refunds when cities decline to enforce basic public nuisance laws.
Filed on behalf of three Tucson residents, the lawsuit sought injunctive relief against the City of Tucson, after homeless encampments near their homes and businesses in the Navajo Wash developed with makeshift toilets, dangerous fires, and individuals engaging in violent and criminal behavior.
The appellate court, reversing a trial court ruling against the residents, found that the “record is replete with testimony of specific incidents which proved that camping in the Navajo Wash has caused unsanitary and indecent conditions that invade the rights of the neighboring residents and business owners,” and demonstrated that Tucson was not shielded from liability “because the City knew the activity of homeless camping in this location was being carried on and that it repeatedly and continually caused a nuisance, yet consented to it anyway.”
Prop 312 now gives property owners a reimbursement tool in situations like those described in Bradford v. Tucson, allowing Arizonans to seek relief when a municipality “follows a policy, pattern, or practice of declining to enforce existing nuisance laws prohibiting illegal camping, obstructing public thoroughfares, loitering, panhandling, public urination or defecation, public consumption of alcoholic beverages, or possession or use of illegal substances, or maintains a public nuisance,” according to the Goldwater Institute’s explanation of Prop 312 claims.
Reimbursements are capped at the amount of property taxes paid the prior year, with any excess eligible for reapplication later.
Goldwater explained the law’s necessity on its website:
“Rampant homelessness is overtaking Arizona’s cities, as municipalities refuse to enforce laws against public camping, loitering, intoxication, and other nuisances. The result has been a rise in violent crime, biohazardous pollution, property destruction, and even death. Residents and business owners have had to take matters into their own hands, installing fences, hiring security, and cleaning up garbage, human waste, and other hazardous materials themselves—services the city is supposed to provide with the tax money these residents pay every year.”
Under Prop 312, once the Department of Revenue notifies a municipality of a claim, the city has 30 days to accept or reject it. If rejected, property owners may challenge the decision in superior court; if the city does not respond in time, the refund is deemed approved. Goldwater has offered to assist residents, saying, “If you believe your claim was improperly denied and you would like legal assistance, please contact us! Our lawyers may be able to help you.”
Claims are filed through the Department of Revenue’s online portal at prop312reimbursement.aztaxes.gov, which requires proof of property ownership, tax payment, and mitigation costs. The department notifies cities and issues approved reimbursements by check.
The decision represents a major blow to a large Arizona city’s assertion of immunity and underscores growing frustration with Tucson’s approach to homelessness amid public safety concerns.
In an op-ed Monday, Timothy Sandefur, Goldwater’s vice president for legal affairs, urged city leaders to act:
“Homelessness is a tragic and frustrating issue. But policies that leave people living on the streets aren’t the answer. Instead, they only create a new set of victims: the innocent taxpayers who must pay for police protection that they don’t receive. The time has come for city officials to shoulder their responsibilities—instead of forcing homeowners to shoulder the costs.”
Sandefur also warned that property owners in other states lack similar protections, citing Utah, and encouraged lawmakers elsewhere to “follow Arizona’s lead” by adopting Goldwater’s proposed Safe Neighborhoods Act.
Correction Notice: A previous version of this story incorrectly linked the Bradford v. Tucson case to the Goldwater Institute and cited an unrelated ruling.
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.
by Ethan Faverino | Oct 4, 2025 | News
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.
by Staff Reporter | Jun 1, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Maricopa County’s homeless population has increased since last year.
The county’s recent Point in Time (PIT) homelessness count reflected a three percent increase in the homeless population since the 2024 count. The number of homeless recorded in Maricopa County during the PIT this year amounted to over 9,700; that number was about 9,400 last year.
Over 80 percent of those within the PIT count were adults over the age of 25. 64 percent of the homeless population were male, 35 percent of the homeless population were female, and one percent of the homeless population self-identified as transgender, non-binary, questioning, culturally specific identity, different identity, or more than one gender. This PIT count marked a departure from the past estimates, in which 50 percent of homeless on average were male.
37 percent of the homeless were white; 27 percent were Black, African American, or African; 24 percent were Hispanic; six percent were multi-racial; four percent were American Indian, Alaska Native, or indigenous; one percent were Asian; less than one percent were Middle Eastern or North African; and less than one percent were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
The county described the increase as being “on par with recent years.”
This year’s PIT count was one percent higher than the total for 2023.
The unsheltered count increased by 28 percent, and the number of those marked as sheltered decreased by 16 percent. 47 percent of those sheltered were in emergency shelter, transitional housing, or Safe Haven programs.
The county counts those living within the Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) as unsheltered. SOS is a structured camping ground set aside for homeless individuals. SOS provides restrooms, showers, meal service, property storage, and 24/7 security. The city spent over $13 million from Arizona Department of Housing funds to establish the homeless campground.
53 percent of those marked as unsheltered were recorded as living on the streets “or other place not meant for human habitation.”
In a press release on this latest PIT count, Maricopa County blamed the homelessness increase on the reduction in federal funding and the increased cost of living.
“Between 2024 and 2025, federal funding expired for more than 1,000 shelter beds across the region,” stated the county. “The conditions leading to homelessness locally have not improved since last year. These include high rental costs and limited access to supportive services such as long-term care for older adults and mental health services. The landscape for funding remains challenging in light of proposed federal cuts to rental assistance and social service programs.”
The co-chair of the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care (CoC), Rachel Milne, said more funding would decrease homelessness.
“Communities across our region, including the City of Phoenix, have been working hard to fill the gaps left by the expiration of temporary federal funds this past year,” said Milne. “Those funds did a lot for our community: they helped us design new ways to house and serve our unsheltered neighbors; they provided supportive services for seniors, families, and individuals to help end their homelessness; and they allowed us to increase the number of shelter beds available to provide a safe, indoor space for thousands of people in need. We will continue to seek local, state, and federal funding to ensure that we can help prevent and end homelessness in our community.”
An investigative report released last year revealed the city of Phoenix spent at least $250 million on homelessness since 2021.
Since 1999, CoC has received over $550 million in funding. The county also supports around 32 homeless assistance programs with 11 agencies.
The county conducts PIT homelessness counts on one day every year using volunteers, staff, and outreach workers who carry out interview and observation survey responses.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 17, 2024 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
A new report from the Center for American Institutions (CAI) at Arizona State University (ASU) has revealed that faith-based organizations are playing an “integral role” in addressing housing and food insecurity, addiction, at-risk youth, and more.
The report on “Religion, Charity and American Life,” is entitled A Thousand Points of Light Still Shine and was compiled with survey and research data from the CAI with feedback from faith leaders Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., and Rabbi Pinchas Allouche.
In a press release, CAI wrote, “While often overlooked, volunteers from congregations of many faiths feed, clothe, and support our communities, according to the report. They collect and distribute food. They help with rent and utilities and point people to additional organizations that can assist. The authors of the study said it can be seen as a call to action and a reminder of the necessity to affirm the religious liberty necessary to make way for these institutions to do this life-sustaining support and outreach.”
The report noted that in the metro Phoenix area, Jewish Family and Children’s Services is known for providing treatment for illnesses, mental health problems, and drug abuse. It also assists people with food insecurity, offering nutritional assistance and even dental referrals. The Living Streams Church’s food pantry of Central Phoenix feeds approximately 5,000 people per year working Mondays through Thursdays. The Catholic St. Vincent de Paul conferences, small groups of volunteers within local parishes, conduct food deliveries to needy people within their parish boundaries.
A Jewish temple located in Phoenix doesn’t operate a food pantry but rather its members contribute their time and money to two nearby pre-existing food pantries. The CAI observed that other congregations, such as a Disciples of Christ Church in Phoenix, also contributed to nearby pantries.
Looking further, the report found that 86% of food pantries in Detroit, Michigan, that are found on findhelp.org are faith-based with many housed-on church property and run by volunteer staff. CAI also found that four of the seven “best” drug addiction treatment centers in the Detroit metro area, as reported by Addiction Resource, are also faith-based.
The report notes that the role played by faith-based groups in combating food insecurity is crucial.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of Americans are caught in a squeeze. As food prices skyrocketed, along with other basic needs like transportation, housing, and energy, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps) did not keep up. In a 2023 survey conducted by Feeding America, the largest American charity focused on food insecurity, 65 percent of food banks reported increasing demand. Food pantries, meanwhile, found that food inflation meant their contributions did not go as far as they did pre-pandemic, even as lines at their doors grew longer.”
The study also drew attention to the dangers of the heat to the homeless during Arizona summer finding, “Summer in Phoenix can be deadly without access to water and cooling. Alongside public hydration and cooling stations, faith-based groups go to homeless camps and distribute water and necessities. For example, St. Vincent de Paul has trucks that make the rounds to places where homeless people congregate to hand out water, food, and supplies. On a smaller scale, Sunnyslope Ministries of Hope distributes water in central Phoenix most every summer evening, along with personal care items and shoes. Also, in Phoenix, Young Single Adult groups from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) congregations take part in distributing aid to the homeless.”
Rabbi Pinchas Allouche, Founding Rabbi of Congregation Beth Tefillah, also contributed to the report writing, “Faith-based organizations are the lifeblood of America’s moral fabric, calling each of us to fulfill our God-given responsibility to heal the world. Through acts of goodness and kindness, we can restore faith in humanity and remind the world that light can dispel even the thickest darkness. This call to action can propel readers to reflect on how they, too, can contribute to making the world more divine through small yet powerful acts of goodness and kindness. It will also highlight the importance of treating each other with respect, as God’s children who are all part of God’s human family.”
The commission made four key recommendations based upon the collected data:
- Faith-based organizations need to do a better job of informing the general public of these programs. On a community level, faith-based organizations should consider creating a collective website to report on their activities.
- Greater media attention needs to be driven by individual churches, synagogues, temples, and faith-based charities to newspapers, the media, and social media about the stories of individuals who have benefited from their programs. Americans love success stories.
- Media itself should give more attention to the importance of faith-based charities and programs in their communities.
- Americans need a better understanding of religious liberty, as embodied in the First Amendment. This should begin in the classroom. State legislators and school boards should require that time be given in the classroom to the foundational concept of religious liberty in American life.
Professor Donald Critchlow, Director of the Center for American Institutions at ASU, explained, “Religion is under unprecedented attack on multiple fronts, with growing secularization, declining attendance, and hate-filled attacks on people of faith. And yet, as this report illustrates in vivid detail, volunteers from various religious congregations are still showing up for those most in need in their local communities.”
He added, “The irony is that while faith-based organizations are more active in our communities today than at any time in modern American history, these good works coincide with a rise in hate crimes.”
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.
