Housing shortages. Rising living costs. Dwindling resources. Increased demand. Homelessness has been on the rise for years in Maricopa County. In January 2022, the annual point-in-time unsheltered street count reported 3,100 people — an increase of more than 50% since 2019.

Community Engagement Reporting journalism students sought out community members facing housing insecurity. These are their stories, their challenges and their solutions.