Statements on encampment in ADOT right of way in Mesa

While continuing efforts to connect occupants with services, the state is assisting organizers of an encampment on Arizona Department of Transportation land in Mesa with plans to relocate.

Out of concern for the health, safety and well-being of those at the site, ADOT began discussions last week with camp organizers about plans to relocate and notified them Friday that they would need to move on. At the request of organizers, the state will allow the encampment near the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway and McKellips Road to remain until March 20.

In the meantime, ADOT is arranging for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and the Arizona Department of Economic Security to return to offer assistance to veterans and others in the encampment.

December 20, 2016

The State of Arizona’s goal is assisting the veterans and other individuals in this area, located near Loop 202 and McKellips, by helping them find shelter and other community-based services. No one has been removed, and there are no plans to do so.

On Monday, the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services visited the site to meet veterans and offer to connect them with services. DES was also on site to help civilians. Ryan Peters, the governor’s director of Constituent Services and a Marine Corps veteran, also visited to thank the vets and offer assistance. The visits were all described as positive.

ADOT is happy to partner with these other state agencies. No one should be homeless, especially during the holidays, and our goal is to help all these individuals find shelter and other community-based services.

December 16, 2016

The State of Arizona is committed to protecting veterans. The desire is to assist the individuals in this area, located near Loop 202 and McKellips, by helping to find them shelter and assistance. No one has been removed, and there are no plans to do so. With assistance from the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services and the Arizona Department of Economic Security will be on site Monday to help connect these individuals with shelter and services. No one should be homeless, especially during the holidays, and our goal to help all these individuals find shelter and other community-based services.

December 15, 2016

ADOT continues working with local social service organizations and other state agencies, including the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, to provide services for those who need them at this camp, which moved onto ADOT right of way on Dec. 6. While ADOT did post “no trespassing” signs, no action has been taken to force relocation of the camp. We will continue to work in partnership with the organizers to appropriately support their efforts while encouraging them to relocate outside of state right of way.