Homelessness is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes, particularly in a rapidly growing city like Phoenix, where rising housing prices and widening economic disparities exacerbate the problem.
For individuals on the financial brink, losing a job or facing personal trauma can lead to homelessness almost overnight. As someone who has experienced the challenges of being unhoused, I understand how critical a steady job can be in rebuilding lives.
At St. Joseph the Worker, we believe that tackling homelessness requires more than just temporary shelter. To create lasting change, we must address the root causes and provide individuals with the tools needed to rebuild their lives. One of the most powerful tools for achieving this? Stable employment.
The unique challenges in Phoenix
Phoenix’s unhoused population faces numerous barriers to regaining stability. Affordable housing is scarce, and access to resources like transportation and job opportunities can be challenging. Many people are caught in a cycle of underemployment or long-term unemployment, where the lack of stable income makes securing housing, food and other necessities nearly impossible. The city’s harsh desert climate only compounds these challenges, making day-to-day survival that much harder.