Human Services Campus today opened a 100-bed overnight shelter named Respiro for individuals experiencing homelessness living on the streets surrounding the campus.

The 6,300 square-foot prefabricated building is located on the southwest corner of 9th Avenue and Jackson Streets in downtown Phoenix, according to a press release.

Respiro operations begin with overnight shelter for 100 pre-screened individuals. Daytime operations will follow as staffing needs are completed. HSC staff will provide program staff and security at the $1.6 million structure funded by the municipality of Phoenix, the release states.

“As the name indicates, Respiro will provide critically important respite for 100 people experiencing homelessness now living on the streets outside the Human Services Campus, a number that has increased significantly since the onset of the pandemic,” said HSC Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender in a prepared statement.

“This much-anticipated resource will, at least in part, address the desperate need for shelter space in the Valley. We are extremely grateful for the support of the City of Phoenix in making this happen.”

Phoenix City Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari explains this is the first step in a long journey to serve those in desperate need within municipal bounds.

“This structure is only [one] step one in a series of efforts our city is launching to address increasing homelessness in our city,” she said in the release. “As we enter another grueling summer, I’m focused on ensuring that every resident has access to temporary shelter and cooling that saves lives. While we work on long-term solutions, we must meet the need right now. This structure will serve as a low-barrier option to many around the HSC campus who are living in tents and need a stepping stone for more services.“