Local opinion: Too many Tucsonans are on the verge of homelessness

Why is it that someone who gets up every morning and goes to work for eight hours is on the verge of becoming homeless? A person who is doing “what they’re supposed to do” still hasn’t been able to capture the American Dream. Housing affordability has become an issue for everyone and homelessness is the result. Having stable and affordable housing is the foundation for a stable life; if one has stable housing, they worry less about paying for food, healthcare, childcare, and overall have good well-being.

Anything in the realm of necessities can trigger the domino effect that is living in poverty. In this case, unstable housing can lead to an inconsistent work life, food insecurity, neglecting other necessities, mental health problems, etc. These factors piled on each other is poverty and it can easily lead to homelessness if the cost of housing itself hadn’t already directly caused homelessness. Consider the state of the homelessness crisis right now in the United States, then think about how many people are on the verge of it.

Between 2023 and 2024, homelessness increased by 18 percent and the underlying reason has to do with housing affordability. Vulnerable populations such as disabled people, elderly people, people with children, and many more are more at risk because of having to neglect necessities that come with their place in society.

The Housing Affordability in Arizona Quarter 2 2025 Update reported that Arizona is facing a 6.9% decline of housing units compared to 2024. For most people, the idea of homeownership is out of reach; at the current housing rates in Arizona, households would need to be working over 64 hours to afford a monthly mortgage. Although there are housing, utility, and homeless services available for those who struggle to find or afford a place to live, it doesn’t mean these services are easy to access by those who need them the most. In the Tucson Well-Being Survey for the Poverty in Tucson Field Workshop, half of our respondents felt that it is challenging to access services because they don’t know what is available or what they qualify for. 44% felt that it is challenging to access services because they’re not offered at a convenient time or place. Even if everyone was able to easily access these services, they don’t meet the demand; they don’t offer permanent housing for everyone who is homeless, nor do they provide permanent solutions.

The gap between rent and mortgage prices, and how much money a person makes can be traced back to lack of rising minimum wage — although this is true, some of the blame belongs to private developers and landlords continuing to raise their prices. One step toward permanence is the Pima Community Land Trust which allows the money from rent to go toward the community rather than landlords and ensures that those with low income can find permanent affordability. Simplifying access to services is necessary. One respondent suggested having one website or one number to call for everything, and then being directed from there. Many people don’t have the time or they are overwhelmed by the idea of trying to look in the right places for what they need – it is flat-out confusing. Strengthening tenant protections would allow more people to find housing, and prevent many from losing their housing. A true solution would be systematic, but if the small steps aren’t taken, too many people who do everything “right” will be one missed payment away from homelessness.