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Three Thoughts of What Life is Like for Someone Experiencing Homelessness

  • Not all homeless people are lazy. I work for everything. I have to eat. If I don't do anything, I'm going to starve. If I don't do anything, I'm not going to be able to take a shower at night or potentially get a hotel. I wash windows. - Devin J., 23 year
  • The first thing I learned about being homeless is, sleep on your shoes, sleep on your wallet, because otherwise you're walking around downtown barefoot with no money. It happens to everybody. I was born and raised here. - Ronald R.
  • What has been the biggest obstacle to finding a job? I don't have the means to shower and get ready for interviews, so how do they expect me to be prepared? - Tony M., 35 Years Old

The DES Homeless Coordination Office and other agency volunteers participated in the annual Point-in-Time count to determine how many individuals are currently experiencing homelessness. The count determines the amount of funding needed for the next fiscal year.

Although the count is to determine the population of people experiencing homelessness, it's important to acknowledge their individual stories and why they may be living on the streets.

The DES Homeless Coordination Office collaborates with community homeless organizations statewide to provide rapid rehousing, temporary emergency shelter, homeless prevention and outreach services. To learn more about available services for individuals experiencing homelessness, please visit: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/shelter-housing/homeless-services.

By Isabella Neal

January 30, 2020
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