By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
The Mesa City Council will be briefed on the rise in homelessness across the Phoenix region and plans to address the issue.
Officials from the Maricopa Association of Governments will talk to the Mesa council during a study session on Thursday morning.
MAG estimates there were 7,419 homeless persons counted regionally in 2020. MAG officials say the Valley’s homeless population grew by 12% from 2019 and 2020 and the unsheltered homeless population grew by 18%.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in lost jobs, adverse mental and behavioral health situations and evictions. All of those have contributed to rises in homelessness and other challenges across the country.
MAG and municipalities such as Mesa are looking at regional and community approaches to help homeless persons — including how and where to spend federal COVID aid. The effort also includes looking at affordable housing and transitional housing programs.
