Phoenix, Arizona is unveiling a new tool to aide in the city’s growing homeless population. Phoenix C.A.R.E.S , or the Community Action Response Engagement Services, will now operate a hotline that will allow citizens to report any activity involving the homeless community. The Phoenix C.A.R.E.S hotline will consolidate all calls into once place then help the reported information reach the needed agency.

Previously, all calls placed concerning homeless-related incidents would go to various departments within the city. This hotline offers residents one number where all issues specifically concerning the homeless residents can be handled.

According the Maricopa County records, the homeless population has increased 60 percent in the last two years. The program, in a trail phase since March, has so far been successful in dealing with some of the issues that arise from such fast a growing homeless population.

When a call is placed to the hotline, an outreach team will be sent to the area. This outreach team will provide services such as medical and emergency. They will contact the needed department to help assist in whatever services may be needed for that particular call. While it is unknown if this program will decrease the population of homeless residents in the area. One thing is for sure, it will be giving a lot of residents, both homeless and not, some piece of mind. 

When Phoenix C.A.R.E.S launches in the coming weeks, the city will promote one central phone number that residents can call to report homelessness issues. Residents also can use the “PHX At Your Service” online portal, phoenix.gov/atyourservice, to submit information.