On my recent birthday, I decided to celebrate by doing something meaningful. I walked through Phoenix with my "Salt and Light Cart," a project I’ve used to distribute food, drinks, toiletries, Bibles, and other essentials to those in need. It’s something I’ve done to embody my belief that we are called to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable among us.
However, my day took a turn for the worse when I reached Indian School Road. The situation in that area has grown significantly worse since I last passed through. Tents and despair line the streets, and the air is heavy with the smell of neglect and suffering. At one point, a mentally ill man, overwhelmed and manic, tipped over my cart. Not only did this ruin my birthday, but it also destroyed the dinner I had prepared for others. It was heartbreaking to see the disappointment in the eyes of those who had hoped for a warm meal that evening.
This moment was a wake-up call—a painful reminder of how broken our system is and how desperately Arizona needs change. Homelessness isn’t just a crisis; it’s a moral failure.
My Vision for Ending Homelessness in Arizona
Homelessness is archaic and unacceptable in a modern society. I believe in equity—not a vague buzzword, but a principle rooted in the idea that while luxuries like jacuzzis belong to those who’ve earned them, no one should live without the basic dignity of shelter. It is an abomination that we allow the mentally ill, the addicted, and the disadvantaged to languish in the elements. If I am entrusted with the responsibility of governing Arizona, I will end this failure of compassion and governance.
1. Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
Substance abuse is a leading cause of homelessness. I propose establishing state-funded rehabilitation centers that offer free, long-term treatment for anyone seeking to break free from addiction. These centers will combine medical care, counseling, and vocational training to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
2. Expanded Mental Health Services
The man who tipped over my cart was a stark reminder of how deeply mental illness is tied to homelessness. We must create a network of accessible mental health clinics, staffed by professionals who can provide ongoing care, medication, and crisis intervention. I propose implementing mental health outreach teams to engage directly with the unhoused population, connecting them to services before crises occur.
3. Government-Run Studio Apartments
In Arizona, “rock bottom” should not mean sleeping under a bridge. My administration will prioritize the construction of affordable, government-run studio apartments to ensure that every person has a place to call home. These units will be simple but dignified, designed to provide a foundation for people to rebuild their lives.
4. Community Partnerships
Ending homelessness isn’t just about shelter—it’s about connection. Partnering with faith-based organizations, non-profits, and local businesses will create a safety net for those transitioning out of homelessness. From job training programs to mentorship opportunities, we will give people the tools they need to succeed.
A Judgment of Governance
I firmly believe that the governance of an area can be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable residents. Homelessness is a visible indicator of systemic neglect—a failure to care for those who cannot care for themselves. Arizona is better than this. We must lead with compassion, equity, and a relentless determination to ensure that no one is left behind.
Homelessness is not an unsolvable problem; it is a challenge that demands bold action and leadership. With the right policies and the will to implement them, we can end this moral abomination and restore dignity to every Arizonan. If given the opportunity to lead this great state, I pledge to make homelessness a relic of the past.
Let us work together to ensure that no one else’s birthday—or any day—is ruined by the preventable suffering of our most vulnerable neighbors.
