fails to provide a solution that sufficiently addresses the underlying causes of homelessness in Tempe – the lack of low-income housing and the need for a steady income.The reality that homelessness has a tremendous negative impact on the neighborhoods and businesses of Tempe cannot be ignored; however, is the placement of spiked fences on the Salvation Army’s property in an effort to deter urban camping, really a reasonable approach to solving the problem? No. The unavoidable fact is the DTC has done nothing to address the problem of homelessness in Tempe with their latest project. Tempe still lacks the needed services, such as shelters, resource centers, and transitional housing, to fully address this problem.In October, community advocacy groups began taking the first steps toward addressing the issue of homelessness in Tempe. The Tempe Community Council made recommendations to the City Council that included asking the city to hire a full-time employee to oversee programs dealing with homelessness, the creation of a day resource center for homeless individuals, and the construction of emergency and transitional housing (Navarro). These community groups recognize that it is imperative to address the underlying causes of homelessness to enact permanent solutions. Thus, the goal for social services, police, businesses, and neighborhoods in Tempe should be to continue to work together to get homeless individuals the necessary support services that will help them transition from the streets into permanent housing. This approach must make the homeless people themselves part of the solution rather than part of the problem. With new policies that address the underlying causes of homelessness and prevention policies to stem the rising tide of homelessness, it is feasible for Tempe to regain control of its city streets and diminish the existing homeless population. Works CitedBaxter, Tim. “Tempe City Council Members Defend H...
