Combat Homelessness

Combatting homelessness in Scottsdale requires a multifaceted approach that balances both assistance and compassion with fiscal responsibility.

​

The council majority has pushed the "Housing First" policy, which is a program that uses your tax dollars to house homeless people in hotels commingled with paying guests. Moreover, the council majority pushing these risky programs won't pass sobriety requirements. Without these bare-minimum requirements, there's a risk of perpetuating cycles of dependency that ultimately hinder long-term solutions.

​

Arizona State Representative Matt Gress (LD-4) noted in a November Arizona Republic op-ed that “Housing First falls short. There’s no accountability. Participation in treatment is optional, and sobriety is voluntary. This is not true compassion; it’s enablement that fails to address the root causes of homelessness.” Rep. Gress also described how “Regrettably, the Housing First playbook persists in Arizona. In May, Scottsdale sought (state) funding to continue a program renting out hotel rooms for a year, alongside paying guests, blurring the lines between shelter and accommodation.”

​

It's crucial that we practice fiscal responsibility to ensure that your tax dollars are used sensibly and effectively.

​

I believe that we can integrate comprehensive support services, including addiction treatment, mental health counseling, and job training programs. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as substance abuse and mental illness, the city can empower individuals to regain stability and independence.

​

Moreover, by collaborating with local nonprofits and community organizations that have the power to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts, we can tap into existing resources and expertise. By only investing in affordable housing initiatives, we weaken the social safety nets that can prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place.

​

Ultimately, combatting homelessness requires a holistic approach that prioritizes both immediate needs and long-term solutions.