Tucson, Arizona in Crises
Homelessness and Substance Abuse
Tucson, AZ - The city of Tucson is confronting a significant and beyond visible increase in its homeless population, a challenge compounded by a severe drug crisis. Recent data from the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) count reveals the extent of the issue, with 2,102 individuals experiencing homelessness in Pima County. Of those, 1,281 were unsheltered, living in conditions that expose them to extreme weather and other dangers.
We all know the data doesn't come remotely close to the real number. I've heard the numbers reported are around 30%. I believe it because I can see it!
The challenges faced by this vulnerable population are totally exacerbated by substance abuse. According to the 2023 PIT count, 42% of the unsheltered population in Tucson and Pima County were dealing with a substance use disorder. It's only gotten worse. This intersection of homelessness and addiction creates a complex public health issue, manifesting in scenes of individuals struggling with the physical and psychological effects of drug dependency in public spaces. It's everywhere. No escaping it. The Pima County Health Department has reported a concerning number of overdose deaths, with fentanyl being the obvious major contributor, highlighting the lethal nature of the current drug epidemic. Let's be real, it's an epidemic.
Concerns have been raised by residents, myself included, regarding the allocation of public resources to address these issues. For instance, questions have emerged about a City of Tucson property acquisition. The city purchased the former Amazon Motel for $6.1 million as part of its "Hotels to Housing" initiative, which aims to create permanent supportive housing for very low-income individuals and those transitioning out of homelessness. This program is a key component of the city's "Housing First" strategy, which prioritizes providing stable housing as a foundation for addressing other challenges such as unemployment and health issues.
It is important to note that this initiative is distinct from the efforts to shelter asylum seekers, which are primarily managed by Pima County with federal funding. Pima County has utilized federal grants to provide temporary shelter and services to asylum seekers, a measure intended to prevent street releases and a further increase in the unsheltered population.
The City of Tucson's official response to the homelessness crisis is centered on its Housing and Community Development department and its partnership with the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness. This collaboration coordinates the efforts of various non-profit and government agencies to provide a spectrum of services, from street outreach and emergency shelter to long-term housing solutions.
However, some residents express frustration with the pace and effectiveness of these responses, perceiving a lack of urgency from city leadership as the crisis continues to impact the community. They advocate for more immediate and comprehensive solutions to support all vulnerable populations within the city, including those who are sober and seeking to escape the cycle of poverty in Trump's America, but are hindered by the lack of affordable housing and safe shelter options. The growing crisis underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the immediate needs of those on the streets and the root causes of why thousands of Americans are homeless, addicted and living outside on street corners and bus stops on 100+ degree days, all day, everyday. And we're just getting started with the heat. 115 degree days are coming up fast.
What the actual fuck is going on in this country.
