By Gov1 Staff
PHOENIX — A majority of Arizona voters support stronger policies to address homelessness, including measures to direct individuals with severe mental illness or addiction into treatment, according to a new survey by the Cicero Institute.
The poll, conducted among 1,938 likely voters in January, found that 83% of respondents favor making it easier for courts to mandate treatment for homeless individuals struggling with addiction or mental illness. Additionally, nearly 75% of voters say they actively avoid areas with homeless encampments, citing concerns about safety and public spaces.
The data also highlights widespread support for public safety measures. About 60% of respondents believe encampments pose risks to nearby residents and businesses, while more than three-quarters support clearing encampments from sidewalks and other shared public spaces. Nearly two-thirds of voters back the creation of drug-free zones around homeless service providers, and a majority favor auditing taxpayer-funded programs to assess their effectiveness.
“Arizonans want compassionate, effective solutions that tackle the underlying causes of homelessness, including addiction and mental illness, while improving public safety and ensuring accountability in program funding,” Stefani Buhajla, communications director and author, said.
Buhajla also pointed to research suggesting that up to one in five homeless individuals in Arizona are on the state’s sex offender registry, making their whereabouts difficult to track. She warned that the growing crisis is particularly dangerous for vulnerable women and children experiencing homelessness.
With strong bipartisan support for policy changes, the survey provides key insights for state and local officials seeking voter-backed solutions. The poll has a margin of error of 2.23%.
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