Mental illness, substance use and homelessness impact people from all walks of life. The effects of these issues extend far beyond the individual — negatively affecting loved ones and threatening public health and safety. In Arizona in 2020, there were at least 11,000 people experiencing homelessness. Of those individuals, roughly 1,700 had a serious mental illness, and about 1,900 chronically used substances like drugs and alcohol. 

Perhaps you have personally experienced mental illness, substance use or homelessness. Maybe you have a friend, family member or acquaintance who has struggled with one or more of these issues. Or possibly you are someone who wants to find effective and cost-efficient methods for addressing housing, treatment and rehabilitation so that we can reallocate public funds to other needs. In one way or another, mental illness, substance use and homelessness touch the lives of most Arizonans.