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Phoenix Plans to Close ‘The Zone’ Homeless Encampment
Phoenix officials have announced plans to close and clean up the city’s largest homeless encampment, known as “The Zone,” offering each person an alternative place to stay and other services. The closure is expected to begin in May, and police may be called upon to enforce the closures.
Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix officials have announced plans to close and clean up the city’s largest homeless encampment, known as “The Zone,” offering each person an alternative place to stay and other services.
The closure is expected to begin in May, and police may be called upon to enforce the closures, though the city plans to offer shelter and other services first. The plan comes after a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ordered the city to remove tents from the encampment, which is located near 12th Avenue and Madison Street.
The city is also examining options for expanding its shelter space to accommodate those affected by the closures. The closure is an extension of enhanced cleanups the city has conducted in the area since December. Almost 70% of the people the city has engaged with during the five cleanups have accepted shelter or other services and have been transported out of The Zone that same day, according to city data.