31% reduction in homelessness after efforts launched by Councilmember Garlid

January 12, 2024

Data gathered during Tempe’s two most recent Point In Time homeless counts shows the number of people experiencing homelessness in Tempe has dropped significantly, due in large part to proactive solutions launched by Councilmember Doreen Garlid. Doreen is a true servant leader with a lifelong passion for helping the less fortunate. Long before she was on Council, she participated in the annual Point in Time homeless count to gather data and interact face-to-face with the people living on the streets of Tempe. Since taking office, she has spearheaded Tempe’s Accelerated Homeless Response, prompting effective, substantial investments in housing and services over the past two years. This includes establishing the CARE and HOPE call lines, online reporting tools, and a Homeless Solutions dashboard to keep residents informed of progress being made. Thanks to these efforts, the city’s two most recent Point In Time homeless counts show a 31% decrease in homelessness. Other data points corroborate this, showing a 32% decrease in unsheltered people and 39% decrease in chronically homeless people being served by the city. The city of Tempe can count on Councilmember Garlid to care for our city’s most vulnerable residents and find solutions that work.