Understanding the Homelessness Crisis

Homelessness is one of Tucson’s most visible challenges. Yet service needs, outcomes, and access to housing resources vary across different populations, calling for unique and targeted approaches.

Rising Homelessness

After recording small decreases in the number of people experiencing homelessness on a given night from 2017 to 2019, data from Point in Time (PIT) Counts demonstrated a sharp increase from 2018 to 2023. Between 2019 and 2020, unsheltered homelessness increased 300%. When considering data reported through the unsheltered and sheltered Point in Time counts, the overall number of people experiencing homelessness on a single given night in Pima County rose by 60%, from 2018 to 2023.

Homelessness Response

The goal of an effective homeless response system is to quickly identify persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness and provide housing and services through which they can achieve housing stability. The Mayor and Tucson City Council have emphasized the need for a Housing First approach as this model is proven to be a best practice in reducing homelessness. However, there is a need for shared definitions, community wide planning, and clear expectations among funding providers with respect to the Housing First model and “low-barrier/low-demand” shelters. Without a clearly articulated definition or consistent expectations, projects operate along a continuum of approaches with limited oversight or monitoring.

Vulnerable Populations

Factors related to one’s age, race, or any number of lived experiences such as behavioral health or domestic violence history put populations at increased risk of experiencing homelessness as well as the most dangerous harms related to homelessness, up to and including death.

Contact Us

Contact Information

Location:
310 N Commerce Park Loop
Tucson, AZ 85745

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 27210
Tucson, AZ 85726-7210
Phone: (520) 791-4171
Fax: (520) 791-5407
HCDAdmin@tucsonaz.gov