Residents can now call a dedicated number, 480-350-8004, to let the city know 24/7 about a person experiencing homelessness. For general concerns, residents can email HOPE@tempe.gov. 

Callers to Tempe 311 after hours will be directed to 480-350-8004 to let the city know about a person experiencing homelessness.

City staff has been using a new reporting form to create data snapshots of encampments using information such as number of people, location, pets present and possible hazards. Now, the reporting form can be used by community members when they see encampments.

The form is available on the Tempe 311 app or by visiting tempe.gov/311. Residents can also call 311 during business hours at 480-350-4311 if they need help completing the form with a customer relations specialist.

Using this tool will help the city address safety and public health concerns faster. Find the encampment reporting form here.

After an encampment is reported by community or staff, the HOPE team visits the people at the encampment, offering resources and assessing needs. The encampment operations team prioritizes these reports based on hazards to safety and public health, location and encampment size.

Residents can now view a new homeless solutions dashboard showing the city’s work engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness and addressing encampments. Find the dashboard at homeless-solutions.tempe.gov.

The dashboard shows:

• Up-to-date information about encampments being reported through the new encampment reporting form.
• Information about our progress verifying and addressing encampments.
• Data collected by staff using a new app that shows how many times we engage with individuals, how many people are helped with housing options, how many require medical care and more.

Tempe is enhancing its protocol for addressing encampments citywide at parks, vacant lots, sidewalks and elsewhere. The priority is helping people at encampments by connecting them to housing options and services. Using a new encampment reporting tool, the city has a more systematic way of identifying, verifying and addressing encampments.

2022 Salt River outreach efforts 

The city is addressing encampments in the Salt River east and west of Tempe Town Lake with an intensive outreach effort.

In July, the city began this enhanced outreach with specially trained teams to connect individuals with housing and social services. This effort continues to include the city’s HOPE homeless outreach specialists and CARE 7 crisis response team, alongside nonprofit partners.

Continual outreach is happening to ensure that individuals are aware of resources and the city’s assistance to find safe and healthy places to live. River bottom restoration and vegetation pruning are planned September through December. The city will oversee the area for safety, public health and trespassing.

The Salt River is a no trespass area and remaining there is not an option due to several public health and safety concerns, including:

• Public health hazards, including but not limited to, used hypodermic needles, human and animal waste, bloodborne pathogens and sharp objects that could cause injury
• Flooding at various times of the year
• Fires that can burn and spread quickly through the dense vegetation
• Heavy mosquito/insect presence, as well as snakes, rats and other rodents
• A lack of public amenities such as restrooms and showers
• A lack of vehicle access for emergency services and difficult terrain for any emergency responders

West Salt River timeline:

West Salt River area map:

The timeline for east Salt River efforts is in the planning stage. Details are forthcoming. 

4.26.23 - Tempe continues pioneering new approaches

11.2.22 - Tempe expands homeless outreach team

9.27.22 - Tempe improves community experience in parks

8.31.22 - Tempe acts to protect health and safety

8.12.22 - Residents, business can help bolster homeless response

8.4.22 - Accelerating Homeless Response

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