As cities look for solutions to rising rates of homelessness, a growing number have ramped up encampment clearings. But Phoenix and Oakland, California, introduced updated strategic plans last month that prioritize prevention and permanent housing as a way through the crisis.
Both cities have seen increases in homelessness in recent years — Phoenix’s unsheltered homeless population grew by 28% last year, and Oakland’s grew by 9% from 2022 to 2024 — and both recently established dedicated offices for homeless solutions.
In a draft of its homeless action plan, introduced last week, Oakland’s Office of Homeless Solutions outlined goals to reduce homelessness 50% by 2031. The plan noted a 92% success rate for permanent housing efforts and aims to provide an additional 3,630 units or vouchers over the next five years. The overall plan has a funding goal of $406 million annually, with $122 million to potentially come from the city and county.
Phoenix’s updated strategic plan, which the City Council approved in early February, emphasizes calls for developing new housing models “that make it easier for individuals and families experiencing homelessness to find and rent housing.” The plan does not designate any funding for the effort.
Over the past three years, Phoenix has added more than 1,200 shelter beds, but much of its funding for homelessness solutions has come from federal pandemic-era grants set to expire soon, KJZZ reported.
The city said its new plan places “greater emphasis on preventing homelessness and strengthening and accelerating pathways from temporary settings into permanent housing.”
Regarding encampment clearings, Oakland’s new roadmap calls for increasing outreach and trash removals and enforcing priority no-camping zones.
Phoenix’s plan calls for developing a “coordinated, humane enforcement approach” and clarifying rules for public space use.
“This plan is a bold step forward, but the fight against homelessness is far from over. We are at a critical state, and we cannot afford to lose momentum,” Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington said in a statement. “Our commitment must remain unwavering because lives depend on it. Phoenix has undoubtedly made progress and, by continuing to diversify and strengthen our strategies, we must and we will continue to build on that progress.”
