As an expert in governance and public policy, I have witnessed the complexities of addressing and managing homelessness in Chandler, Arizona. In this article, I will provide insights into the process of addressing and managing homelessness in this city from a governance perspective.
The Extent of Homelessness in Chandler
Before discussing the process of addressing and managing homelessness in Chandler, it is crucial to understand the scope of the issue. According to the latest Point-in-Time Count conducted by the Maricopa Association of Governments, there were 1,371 individuals experiencing homelessness in Chandler on a single night in January 2020. This number has increased by 12% since 2019, highlighting the growing problem of homelessness in the city. Homelessness is not limited to individuals sleeping on the streets.It also includes those living in shelters, transitional housing, or doubled-up with friends or family. The causes of homelessness are complex and varied, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
The Role of Governance in Addressing Homelessness
Governance plays a crucial role in addressing and managing homelessness in Chandler. It involves the coordination and collaboration of various government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders to develop effective policies and programs to address the issue. The City of Chandler has taken a proactive approach to addressing homelessness through its Human Services Division. This division works closely with other city departments, such as Housing and Community Development and Police Department, as well as community partners to provide services and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. One of the key strategies adopted by the city is the Housing First approach.This approach prioritizes providing permanent housing to individuals experiencing homelessness, rather than requiring them to meet certain criteria or complete treatment programs before receiving housing. This has been proven to be an effective strategy in reducing homelessness and improving the overall well-being of individuals.
The Process for Addressing and Managing Homelessness in Chandler
The process for addressing and managing homelessness in Chandler involves several steps, including prevention, outreach, and housing assistance.Prevention
Preventing homelessness is a key component of the city's strategy. This involves providing financial assistance to individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless. The Human Services Division also works with landlords to provide rental assistance and mediation services to prevent evictions.Outreach
Outreach is an essential part of addressing homelessness in Chandler.The city has a dedicated team of outreach workers who engage with individuals experiencing homelessness on the streets, in shelters, and other locations. They provide basic needs such as food, water, and hygiene kits, as well as connect individuals with services and resources to help them get off the streets. The city also partners with non-profit organizations to conduct street outreach events, where individuals can access services such as medical care, mental health counseling, and legal assistance.
Housing Assistance
As mentioned earlier, the Housing First approach is a key strategy in addressing homelessness in Chandler. The city works with landlords to provide affordable housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Human Services Division also provides rental assistance and case management services to help individuals maintain their housing stability. In addition to permanent housing, the city also offers transitional housing for those who need more support before transitioning into permanent housing.This includes programs such as rapid re-housing, which provides short-term rental assistance and case management services to help individuals quickly move into permanent housing.
Challenges and Future Plans
While the city has made significant progress in addressing and managing homelessness, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the lack of affordable housing in Chandler. The city is working to increase the availability of affordable housing through partnerships with developers and non-profit organizations. The COVID-19 pandemic has also presented new challenges in addressing homelessness. The city has implemented measures to protect individuals experiencing homelessness, such as providing temporary shelter options and increasing sanitation efforts in public spaces. In the future, the city plans to continue its collaborative efforts with community partners to address homelessness.This includes expanding outreach efforts, increasing affordable housing options, and providing more resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
