New Survey Reveals Arizonans’ Deep Concern over Rising Homelessness

Significant majorities of likely Arizona voters spanning political parties and racial demographics are concerned about rising homelessness in the state and view the issue as a threat to public safety, according to a statewide poll commissioned by the Cicero Institute June 28 – July 3, 2023.

On the policy front, Arizonans overwhelmingly – 80% of likely voters – support efforts to move homeless individuals off the street and into shelters, as well as funding for in-patient mental illness and addiction treatment. And with record state and federal funds being invested into this issue, 71% of Arizonans support state audits of cities and counties regarding how they utilize taxpayer dollars to address homelessness.

Additionally, Arizonans consider homelessness to be a multi-faceted problem requiring long-term solutions that address mental illness and addiction.

The poll, conducted by Seminal Strategies, a leading research and strategic consulting firm, reveals Arizona voters’ mounting concerns regarding the escalating homelessness crisis. The survey captures perspectives from a broad demographic spectrum, transcending party lines and ethnicity. An overwhelming majority of respondents from all political affiliations (78%) perceive homelessness as an increasing problem.

“This is an emerging issue where Arizonans are looking for solutions, and the data shows there is bipartisan agreement on the path forward,” said Cicero Action Executive Director Bryan Sunderland. “This is both a public safety and a humanitarian issue. Together, we can transform this challenge into an opportunity for lasting change.”

Key findings include:

• When addressing the increasing trend of homelessness in Arizona, a shared concern is evident among Hispanics, Democrats, and Republicans. A significant majority of Hispanic and Democratic voters (74%), as well as a substantial proportion of Republicans and Independents (80% and 79%), see homelessness as an escalating issue.
• Looking towards legislative solutions, respondents voiced their approval for a series of initiatives. These include the increase in government funding for emergency housing shelters (68%) and in-patient mental illness and addiction treatment (76%). Furthermore, a substantial 71% support state audits of cities and counties regarding how they utilize taxpayer dollars to address homelessness.
• Nearly 80% of all groups express support for moving homeless individuals into available shelters as opposed to letting them camp indiscriminately, emphasizing the shared value of providing safe and dignified housing options.
• 81% of voters feel it is more compassionate to move homeless individuals into available shelters rather than let them camp wherever they choose. Simultaneously, 71% oppose the right to camp on streets or in public places when shelter options are available.
• 60% of Arizonans support a statewide ban on panhandling in public areas, including 58% of Independents and a majority of Hispanic voters.
• A majority – 56% – believe that local funding for homelessness should be tied to the enforcement of bans on street camping. This includes a majority of Hispanic and nearly two-thirds of Black voters.
• Regarding the threat posed by homeless encampments to public safety, the data reveals noteworthy differences among the groups. While a strong plurality of Democrats express concern, a significantly higher proportion of Hispanic voters (60%) and an overwhelming majority of Republicans (85%) share this viewpoint. Independents’ opinions closely mirror those of Hispanics on this issue.
• In addressing severe mental illness, a striking consensus emerges among all political parties and racial subgroups, with a substantial majority of all voters (63%) advocating for legally compelling individuals with a severe mental illness to enter healthcare settings for treatment and stabilization.
• When asked about the root causes of homelessness, a split consensus emerged, with addiction, mental illness, and lack of affordable housing each amassing 25% of the vote, highlighting the complex and multi-dimensional nature of the problem.

The poll was conducted June 28 – July 3, 2023 of 1,509 likely Arizona voters. It has a margin of error of 2.5%.