Phoenix Arizona The Zone
Phoenix, Arizona, has been experiencing a growing issue with homelessness, particularly in the area between Seventh and 15th Avenues and between Van Buren and Grant Streets, where a large encampment has been established. The encampment is home to over 1,000 people living in rows of tents. While there are social organizations providing shelter beds and food in the area, the existing beds are insufficient to accommodate everyone, leading to the necessity of tent living. However, there has been increasing tension between restaurant and business owners and the homeless population. Joseph Faillace, the owner of a sub-shop near the Human Services Camp, has spoken about the challenges faced by businesses in the area due to the presence of homeless individuals.
Failace has had to deal with outdoor defecation, police masturbation, sex, fires that incinerated trees, and methamphetamine use around his establishment. In an interview with an AZ news station, Failace said, “Many homeless people on the streets have severe problems with drugs, alcohol, and mental illness, as everyone knows. Leaving such impaired people on the street almost guarantees that they will end up dead or in jail.” Failace also has to deal with cleaning human waste off the sidewalk outside his shop. The business has suffered because many customers don’t feel safe walking in or leaving their cars. Failace has to spend over $100 weekly to…
