Just a few days ago, Phoenix, Arizona broke a heat record from 1974, and the city's temperatures consistently soar above 105 Fahrenheit, making it one of the hottest in the U.S. Despite these scorching conditions, many homeless individuals are left with no choice but to endure the heat in tents or on the streets, lacking the means to cool themselves down.
Witnessing the number of people living on the streets in Phoenix was a cultural shock for us. Around a thousand people had gathered with tents between the 7th and 16th avenues in Roosevelt, forming a significant homeless encampment now known as "The Zone."
Due to complaints from citizens and businesses in the area, the City of Phoenix was compelled by the court to address this situation and provide housing for the homeless. Unfortunately, the existing shelters do not have the capacity to accommodate all those in need, leaving the city to seek temporary solutions for these vulnerable individuals. Homeless people constitute an exceptionally vulnerable group, facing a myriad of challenges. Some struggle with mental health issues, others battle addiction, and tragically, some are even dehumanized, overlooked by society.
Curious to understand the extent of this issue in Arizona, we embarked on a research journey. Our investigation led us to interview two remarkable journalists, Jessica Boehm from Axios Phoenix and Juliette Rihl from the Arizona Republic. Through their insights, we gained a glimpse of the broader picture of homelessness in Arizona, shedding light on the struggles and hardships faced by this marginalized community.
Witnessing the number of people living on the streets in Phoenix was a cultural shock for us. Around a thousand people had gathered with tents between the 7th and 16th avenues in Roosevelt, forming a significant homeless encampment now known as "The Zone."
Due to complaints from citizens and businesses in the area, the City of Phoenix was compelled by the court to address this situation and provide housing for the homeless. Unfortunately, the existing shelters do not have the capacity to accommodate all those in need, leaving the city to seek temporary solutions for these vulnerable individuals. Homeless people constitute an exceptionally vulnerable group, facing a myriad of challenges. Some struggle with mental health issues, others battle addiction, and tragically, some are even dehumanized, overlooked by society.
Curious to understand the extent of this issue in Arizona, we embarked on a research journey. Our investigation led us to interview two remarkable journalists, Jessica Boehm from Axios Phoenix and Juliette Rihl from the Arizona Republic. Through their insights, we gained a glimpse of the broader picture of homelessness in Arizona, shedding light on the struggles and hardships faced by this marginalized community.
Agon Rexhepi & Rexhep Kameraj