azcentral: Phoenix’s campground now open for people who are experiencing homelessness

As Phoenix officials work to keep the area formerly known as “The Zone” clear of people, construction continues at a nearby structured campground that opened earlier this month.

Phoenix plans to operate the structured campground for three years. The campground, previously used for the state’s surplus property, features tents, indoor facilities and other resources for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Phoenix. The operation has cost roughly $13 million, including the price of the property.

The campground — sometimes called a safe outdoor space or “SOS lot” — is on the corner of 15th Avenue and Jackson Street. Close to 20 people currently live there, according to Rachel Milne, director of Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions, but 300 people will be permitted after renovations are complete.

But Milne said the goal is to direct as many people as possible to indoor shelter options like congregate shelter beds and converted hotel rooms. The hope for the campground is to provide an alternative option to people who may not want to move into a congregate shelter.