This Week's Cover Story: Summer Months Turn Flagstaff Into Homeless Haven Despite City's Harsh Laws

Categories: This Week

HOBOCATION Postcard_Journal_CVR_550NEW.jpg
Check out our expanded slideshow of hobocation life in Flagstaff here
​During the summer months Flagstaff, Arizona, draws a great many people seeking to escape the blazing heat of the low desert. Some stay in hotels, others have cabins. For the homeless, there's also a lure, as they're able to camp comfortably in the woods outside town, enjoying mild weather in a friendly, progressive college town.

The migration doesn't come without complications, however.

HOBOCATION Postcard_Journal_Trash_550NEW.jpg
Trash heaps left by homeless inhabitants. Check out the story's slideshow here.

This week's New Times cover story looks at the relationship between the hordes of backpacking homeless and the picturesque city that is trying to deal with them.

While Flagstaff provides a nice break from the harsh weather of Phoenix, residents of the small mountain city live in fear of the havoc these long-term visitors can cause -- like wildfires.

Last year's Hardy fire was started by a homeless Californian transient who set up camp in the woods on the outskirts of Flagstaff.

But despite the dangers the mountains continue to provide a sort of welcoming camp ground for homeless, creating the type of "hobo culture" most Arizona residents associate with the blue-skied college town.

Check out our hobocation postcards here


My Voice Nation Help
0 comments

From the Vault

 

General

Auto

Home

©2013 Phoenix New Times, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Phoenix

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city