Neighborhoods in Ward Two tackle rise in unsheltered population and debris [Video]

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — In recent months, communities across Tucson have seen a surge in unsheltered individuals and debris in their washes, prompting local authorities and residents to take action.

Ward Two City Council Member Paul Cunningham has been at the forefront of efforts to address the issue. For over a year, Ward 2 has been making this effort every Wednesday for three hours with all of their volunteers.

“My staff gets out of the office and gets their hands dirty. Folks are pretty familiar with it on the east side at this point. We try to be as vigilant as we can in addressing some of the concerns the neighbors have. The bottom line is that it’s important for us to connect with our neighbors in the community,” Cunningham said.

One of the main focuses of the cleanup efforts is the washes, where undergrowth and makeshift residences have become common. Cunningham …