Polling of Arizona voters say they favor public efforts to pull unhoused residents from their public thoroughfares but indicated they're seeking root-cause solutions and more accountability in spending their tax dollars.
Polling firm Seminal Strategies conducted the survey on behalf of the Cicero Institute from June 28 to July 3. The nonprofit advocates for more temporary housing programs and accountability for spending on programs that do so, stressing that long-term housing of those formerly on the street is ineffective and leads to cronyism.
The poll showed 78% of 1,509 likely voters said homelessness in Arizona is getting progressively worse. The sentiment was bipartisan, with 74% of Hispanic and Democratic voters agreeing; 70% of Independents did too, with 80% of self-identified Republicans also in support.
Moreso, 80% of all likely voters supported removing the people from the streets and moving them into shelters where they could receive treatment for mental illness and addiction.
"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."
