This browser does not support the Video element.
PHOENIX - Officials with the City of Phoenix announce the city's most vulnerable and at-risk residents will be moved into hotel rooms, following a vote on allocating nearly $18 million in federal COVID-19 funding to support the city's vulnerable population.
According to a statement released by the office of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, the money allocation was approved in a unanimous vote.
"While these funds are going to help the city respond to the very real and present danger of COVID-19, Phoenix is looking at these investments in the long term," read a portion of the statement.
The money, according to city officials, will be used to combat homelessness, address housing insecurity, and provide microloans and grants for local small businesses and nonprofits.
"Of the many cruelties inflicted by COVID-19, perhaps none is greater than the fact it’s made the most vulnerable among us even more so," read a portion of the statement.
"With numbers already high, non-profits are bursting at the seams," said Mayor Gallego.
City officials call the vote the largest Community Block Development Grant investment towards combating homelessness in Phoenix's history.
Parts of Phoenix are dealing with a big homeless problem. In February, FOX 10 reported on a sizeable homeless encampment just blocks away from the Arizona State Capitol.
The area, according to the report by John Hook, the encampment is home to some 400 people. Nearby residents and business owners have expressed frustration over the encampment.
"We have to get these people off the streets for their own health and safety because there could be a fire, a disease, anything could happen, and help the businesses so the businesses can function down here," said Joel Coplin, who owns an art gallery in the area.
“I have employees who have worked for me for 30 years, and customers who have been with me for more than three decades who are nervous coming down here in a way they never were before,” said Bill Morlan, who owns an electrical supply company in the area.
FOX 10 is working to keep you up to date with local and national developments on COVID-19. Every weekday on FOX News Now, our live coverage begins at 7 a.m. MST reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.
You can watch live in your FOX 10 News app or on the FOX 10 Facebook page.
Get the latest coronavirus news by downloading the FOX 10 News App. Our promise is that our alerts are there to inform you - not scare you.
You can also get the latest coronavirus news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.
Additional resources
LIVE: Interactive Coronavirus case data and map
FULL COVERAGE: fox10phoenix.com/coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - How it spreads, symptoms, prevention, treatment, FAQ
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html (In Spanish/En Español)
Arizona COVID-19 Response - Public resources, FAQ, webinars
https://www.azdhs.gov/coronavirus
https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/es/covid-19/index.php#novel-coronavirus-home (In Spanish/En Español)
In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.