3.28 Ending Homelessness

Summary of Findings:

1. Unduplicated Tempeans Served:
   There has been a notable increase in the number of unduplicated Tempeans served from 1,117 in 2018 to a peak of 1,861 in 2022, followed by a decrease to 1,257 in 2023. This fluctuation suggests changes in demand for services or potential resource constraints.
2. New Unduplicated Tempeans Served:
   The count of new unduplicated Tempeans served increased from 483 in 2018 to 1,031 in 2022, then slightly decreased to 940 in 2023. The overall upward trend indicates growing outreach and engagement with the community, though the decline in 2023 may warrant further investigation.
3. Number of People Diverted:
   The data for diversion shows a significant anomaly in 2021 with a value of 9999, which likely indicates a reporting error. Excluding this year, the numbers fluctuate around 24-75, suggesting variable success in diversion efforts.
4. Number of People Permanently Housed:
   Permanent housing placements increased steadily from 239 in 2018 to 408 in 2022, indicating effective housing strategies. However, a sharp decline to 126 in 2023 raises concerns about the sustainability of these efforts.
5. Number of Chronically Homeless Individuals:
   The number of chronically homeless individuals rose dramatically from 266 in 2018 to 9999 in 2023, suggesting another potential reporting issue. Notably, the year 2021 also shows an increase to 484, highlighting a growing concern within the community that requires immediate attention.

Conclusion:

The data indicates both progress and challenges in serving the Tempe community, particularly regarding homelessness and housing stability. While there have been increases in the number of individuals served and permanently housed, the fluctuations in 2023, especially in the areas of diversion and chronic homelessness, suggest potential issues that need addressing.