Casa Grande resident Barbara Sundust addressed the city council on November 17, asking officials to help homeless individuals displaced after the urban camping ordinance took effect.
The Casa Grande urban camping ordinance became enforceable on October 1, 2025. Sundust reported that homeless residents have faced citations and arrests for violations since then.
Laundry Love Volunteer Shares Firsthand Accounts
Sundust volunteers with Laundry Love, a program that helps homeless residents wash their clothes. She noted the program served about $1,900 worth of laundry on Wednesday. She told the council about a regular participant who received citations and spent nights in jail after the ordinance took effect.
Referring to the effect of the ordinance, Sundust said, “These homeless and tent people are out of our parks and out of sight, so also out of mind.”
Elderly Woman Living in Car Highlights Housing Crisis
An elderly woman told Sundust she has nowhere to live. Her family doesn’t want her. She works small jobs but sleeps in her car.
“When I say to people that there is not a single shelter for men or women, it makes me feel really sad,” Sundust said.
She emphasized that many homeless residents are not drug addicts or alcoholics. They are people who lost jobs and homes with no family to help them.
Rain and Cold Weather Pose Urgent Threats
Sundust raised concerns about upcoming weather. She said rain was forecast for the next four days and temperatures had dropped to 50 degrees.
“Where are these people supposed to go?” she asked.
Call for Organized Homeless Encampment
Sundust urged the city to establish a homeless camp with basic facilities like portable toilets and water.
At least two people involved in city council business are working on finding a potential site, Sundust noted. However, she urged broader community involvement.
“It’s all of our responsibility, not just one or two people,” she said. “It’s all of our responsibility to help these people.”
She appealed to community members with resources or connections to help.
Mayor Outlines City’s Response to Homelessness
Mayor Lisa Navarro Fitzgibbons responded by describing ongoing community efforts. Two groups meet monthly to address homelessness in Casa Grande.
The CG HELPS Coalition discusses services available in the community. These include food banks, Salvation Army programs, toy drives, and holiday meals. The group meets the second Thursday of each month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
The Unsheltered Person Action Committee meets immediately after. This group focuses specifically on unsheltered residents following the ordinance passage.
Multiple organizations participate in monthly meetings and outreach. These include CARA, Seeds of Hope, St. Vincent de Paul, Casa Grande Alliance, Horizon Health, Community Bridges, CHIP, and city staff.
Deputy City Manager Steven Weaver coordinates these collaborative efforts.
“We’re continuing to look for some type of property, something for our homeless, some type of transition center or transition space, and that is still continuing to move along,” Mayor Fitzgibbons said.
Community Resources Available Online
The mayor noted the city website contains updated resources for residents facing housing insecurity. Pages list organizations addressing meals, food access, employment, transportation, and health services.
“It may not seem like things are going on, but there’s a lot of dedication to address these issues,” Mayor Fitzgibbons said.
