CASS is not a high-quality shelter nor do they have accommodations for families. Thievery is also rampant there. It is expected that residents will steal from you given the chance, however, the staff will just as readily steal from residents. I had many items stolen while there, nearly all from security or residents who had been allowed into the "inside" bag & tag room unsupervised, by security. The shelter likes to tout having EMT's on-site, however, these EMT's are ones no other reputable organizations want. These EMT's: smoke constantly, hang out, do little and make fun of what residents wear. In the time I was there a number of residents were sick for one reason or another. In every case on-site "medical personnel" claimed nothing was wrong, two residents nearly died due to EMT incompetence. There was an incident where a resident did die, dropped dead on the campus due to complications from smoking spice. Employee's knew he smoked it, just did nothing to help him stop smoking. So much for accountability for negligence. Respiratory problems are quite common there, many residents smoke, so do staff, only residents develop upper and lower respiratory problems however. These develop after prolonged exposure to the sleeping areas of CASS and originate from the vent systems, which if one inspects them, constantly outputs filth from duct-work that apparently hasn't been cleaned in 20 years. Rules are not enforced uniformly. Security treats some residents better than others, some going as far as to set up parties to attend with residents that are close to moving out. So much for work-related objectivity. Residents' PII (Personally Identifiable Information) is always at risk. Staff are always checking Facebook, on Craigslist or just generally playing games on work computers. The very same computers that client information can be accessed on. This will eventually, if it hasn't already, lead to issues of malware infection and possible compromise of the entire network. Just in the short while I was there staff computer downtime was very common. They treat these machines as if they own them, changing wallpaper, themes, downloading various items. So much for HIPAA compliance. There is one staff too afraid to even use his name so he calls himself "Coach". This guy has an admitted bias against non-blacks. Claims to be a pastor yet has one of the most vulgar mouths I've heard recently. Always ready to physically beat a resident down instead of following the proper procedure of contacting security when there is a problem. He is little more than a company man who takes his issues out on non-black residents, a sycophant that never misses an opportunity to ingratiate himself to his superiors, treat blacks like kings and tolerates all others since he doesn't wish to lose his job. So much for integrity and equality in the workplace. Overall, staff, whether management or not, treat residents as a means to an end. Just commodities meant solely to advance employees. Recent rule changes have done nothing to help residents and in fact hinders them further, while making staff jobs easier. That meaning they do even less work and claim to be doing more to help. One of the most recent changes included disallowing any items stored under bunks. This meant that all soiled or dirty laundry would have to be placed in the same small bin as clean laundry, which is not sanitary at all, under threat of being thrown out for not complying. That rule change was enacted because employees no longer wished to be burdened with walking each dorm and checking bunks. Six Sigma is living large in CASS, and the residents are suffering because of it. That is only a tame example. Plenty of other changes including pitching residents out for the day so employees can sit around doing essentially nothing all day. If you get the impression I have an axe to grind with CASS, you are correct. Organizations that claim they wish to help improve life for those less fortunate should do so. This place merely gives the impression they wish to help. Employee's do so little to help they had to enact rules to keep former residents from coming back constantly as it was looking bad on employee performance reviews. That is not to say all returns are the fault of CASS employees. Most are, however there are some residents that choose to be bums. They are not the focus of my post, I'm speaking for those that are merely down on their luck and need true help, but are not getting it. Addendum: Yelp likes to state they do not remove reviews, that's true, up to a point. The ones they decide "don't make the cut" for any arbitrary reason(s) are hidden behind a "non-recommended" link that has a color that blends into the page so it's difficult to see. I can only think they "removed" my review due to my "lack of activity" on Yelp. Otherwise they themselves must be against factual reporting. Must not let fact get in the way of the bottom line hm?. read more

The Phoenix answer to poverty Throw them in cages! Is poverty intended to be embarrassing? Belittling? Unnecessarily difficult?  Due to the fact that I am not originally from Maricopa County and have seen other states approaches to solving homelessness, I can definitely say the CASS approach is essentially prison by another name. Quietly nestled but a stone's throw away from the Arizona Attorney General's Office, Phoenix Police Department Headquarters, and Phoenix Court House, and surrounded by Beruit-esque slums, this cozy complex is complete with armed guards, gates, walls, and barbed wire. It'll be like you never left The Yard! What I began to discover when dealing with community outreach in any city is that alleged "non-profits" work hand in hand with law enforcement. You really think the government or state is going to give multimillion-dollar grants to actual felons? Let's come back to reality for just a moment. There really is no escaping the fact that if you're asking for help from a community-run program, you're more than likely asking for help from The Police. This is important to keep in mind when visiting CASS, as I get the feeling the majority of the inmates are unaware that the majority of the staff as well as some residents are in fact cops of some sort. This comes with the territory you see. You put a large number of addicts and convicts in one area, then do not expect Johnny Law to insert themselves "in the mix"? Although what someone may or may not be moonlighting as is more than likely lost on most inmates due to the overly prevalent crustacean mentality at this facility, Panic! May has set in for most inmates, and some have begun to think there won't be enough resources to go around, ergo "they" will definitely tell on you. Whether you break the rules or not, expect many eyes to be on you, waiting for a chance to bring you down or get you kicked out of the property. In terms of resources available to those who choose to remain at this debtor Prison long term, the staff makes obtaining them as difficult as possible while looking for any reason to take them away. Alas, the all-too-common abuse of power. I'm not sure what kind of psychological games are socially acceptable here but pretty much everywhere I go people try & upsell me on getting naked (taking showers) one cooling center I went to gave me women's underwear as the provided attire. CASS staff is a joke one woman staffer was attempting to steal one of my items then the majority of the staff teamed up to create rules on the spot to further antagoinze me. To put this into perspective after the CASS fiasco I spent the rest of the day sleeping at a bus stop which of course upon laying down individuals with zero spacial awareness entered "my bubble". Same with sleeping at night. Now every night a person will Bogarde the bench I used to sleep on and make themselves comfortable despite the spot itself being out of the way. I would think a city that has future billionaires throwing an inflated piece of rubber through a metal cylinder would be better to it's citizens. But then again why would they? Poverty is bad for business. Throw them in cages or let the desert deal with them. Whenever you're dealing with any facet of The System less is always more. Please know that the vast majority of the people that come to this location be they either staff or inmates are not your friends they only crave the information that you bring. Plain & simple the predatory behavior of the staff & some of the inmates is the worst kind. The type that is protected by the government & the title of "essential worker". read more

I was born and resided in the Holy Catholic - Republic of Ireland, where I resided for the first 34-years of my life. I subsequently residing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for eight years; from where I moved to the United States in 1994. For what it is worth, I am a journalist by training. I have frequently visited France, India, Ireland, Mexico, England and Spain. I, too, have had reason to stay in CASS from: Friday, 6th April - Friday 13th April 2018. Sadly, I have never, ever encountered such a profound breach of fundamental rights as I have experienced at: Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) located in Phoenix, Arizona. Paranoia within the organization has caused CASS to post notices within its campus, warning against taking photos of both clients and/or members of the staff. I was stolen from by security guards; others, too, have have reported that the security outfit habitually steals from homeless clients. Besides, this place is nothing short of a prison operated under the guise of "Jesus Loves"! I am a profound Atheist -- more and more of us are opting to become free of thumping Biblical nonsense and the lies that "Jesus died on the cross to save our sins...! One has to consistently endure morons from: Church On The Street - Phoenix; (COTS) mafia thugs is how I regard them -- roaring the spreading of the word into microphones every weekend while lining up for donated food! -- These clowns impart sexual guilt about male and female relationships. Political correctness has caused them to drop the discussion surrounding homosexuality in the aftermath of marriage equality. Case managers push their ego -- such a three hour endurance test as I was forced to undergo in order to obtain Greyhound Bus Ticket to Northern Arizona. -- The habitual lies that they are low in funds with their status of been: "CASS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization and relies on the generosity of our supporters. Your financial contributions and volunteerism are invaluable investments in the success of CASS' mission, shelters and support programs. I would never, ever donate, or volunteer my services to these profound COMBINED non profit crooks...! Anyhow, I would hate to think that if I were a drug addict that I would ever depend on these narcissistic thugs to help me find my path to serenity and sobriety. -- These clowns know absolutely nothing about effectively rehabilitating alcoholics and/or drug addicts...! CASS, St Vincent de Paul and Church On The Street is a combined revolving door outfit. -- Collectively, they are simply wiping their feet on the people they pretend to serve, the downtrodden. read more

On Jan. 26th, 2026, at app 10:45am, I was in the LDRC building, following up on documents I submitted, that regarded the delivery of critical documents via US mail. At app. 11:00am, I advised a friend that was following up on some of the same documents I had been working on, that I needed to use the Men's restroom, and would be back in a few minutes, to wrap up the tasks that we started that morning & we'd be on our way. I needed to use the Men's room with urgency. I rushed into the Men's room, to urinate, but security stopped me before I could relieve myself. Security pulled my jacket & shirt over my head, then called his colleagues, who then proceeded to beat and pepper spray me, because, I was unable to make it to the next building to use the Men's room. Security didn't like the fact that I returned to the LDRC Men's room against their orders, and proceeded to tackle, beat, kick and then pepper spray me, simply because I attempted to avoid the indignity of soiling my clothing, against their orders, they, under the Color Of Law, Committed Aggrivated Assault, by Pepper Spraying me, physically assaulted me, by putting their hands on me. Security Guards, here in Arizona, are NOT to put their hands on a civilian, unless it's to protect protect that individual or the guard from imminant danger, or the commission of a crime. The security guards at CASS, are simply bullies, who have a history of beating, exploiting, harassing, and allegedly beating a homeless resident to death on 1/24/2026. My case will proceed shortly. I am seeking legal representation, that would include the Americans With Disability Act, the ACLU, and the Attorney General. I was hospitalized due to CASS's uniformed security officers. My intent is to file Civil, and Criminal complaints against CASS's management, and the security company, contracted by CASS. They're known for using excessive force on defenseless homeless people in a homeless. What's worse, is that management, appears to condone the reprehensible behavior, of these uniformed thugs. Because I like many homeless residents, that get abused, harassed, beaten, or killed, get suspended from the property for no real articuable reason. I also intend to see to it that CASS looses it's 501(c) tax exemption status, due to the fact again it turns a blind eye to security Personel, continually harassing, and beating the homeless people that reside at the CASS. As I said, I was suspended for having the unmitigated temerity to suspend me for having to use the bathroom. read more

It stinks - they are allowing their male staff to go past the womens showers etc so that they could see the women in the shower in other words, the women staff will just agree with staff or guards. They say if you don't like it you can file a grievance. That will do nothing. Many of the women do not even know this. They can go past and sneak in by the window anyway even if that were not true. - staff rude, guards rude male guards go on the floor staring around and being rude and females also rude. the guards are very unprofessional. That is the state paying for it. It is people's money. It shouldn't be used that way to waste it on kids standing around like that. you should have to stay there the food is also lousy at their places near there it is like garbage Christian they are not and these rude horrible snotty kids the staff is terrible. of course the staff likes it. I saw that kid standing there giggling near the shower. I also found out there is a bed count. Someone might have gotten away. So they can also the male staff if they are on sneak around as if they are counting beds. I saw one standing there. He wouldn't leave me alone and then asked if it was my bed. Also later in the middle of the nite I noticed by the door I guess it was an electrician smirking to go out the door. That does not go on in other places because they know women need to be protected. someone was raped in the other shelter. The FBI was in. It is not a big joke. That happens all the time. They can get sued. I have noticed it says AZ is on the list of worst place to be homeless. I guess so. I was stupid to come back here. read more

I use to think their was other homeless just like myself, just lost a job. Every one who stays at this shelter in particular are generally repeat felons, have mental issues, on drugs or all three. It is a literally hot bed for drugs and violence I see it EVERYDAY. Yes I stay at Cass now. Arizona needs to do better. It's not a safe place to sleep at night and it literally does NOTHING to help you get back to normal life. If you want to help the homeless, give them money, give them food or a buss pass and even if you have a project that needs to be done give them a job.. don't donate to this place. The staff seem to hate their job and act unprofessionally, security is no help. I reported a guy next to me for selling METH from his bunk and was told to FILL OUT A GRIEVANCE FORM. SERIOUSLY, WTF!!! If our tax dollars fund this place they really need to launch an investigation, this is terrible. Arizona can do a better job at getting people the help they need and off the streets. read more

The mailing system is horrible. people inside can be OK if you keep to yourself. inside staff do not follow their own rules therefore if you break a rule you'll get in trouble for a non existent rule. They are design to help you but it is a long process there's a long process to get out if you are above the age of 25. Management of facility GlEN is in a position of power who miss uses his power greatly and acts like a big bad ass cause he can say and do as he pleases without any Reprocautions and he is quick to kick you out of CASS for challenginghis authority. Example someobe was assulted on campus and sent to hospital and all they did was remove her off campus for 1 day and let her back on and still continues to Harass her and staff and upper management will not do anything about it properly other than make you fill out of grieve form and this lady didn't not do anything wrong. A halfway house would be a step up over cass. read more

This place is the worst! The staff and security think they work at a prison. They are pimple faced ASU rejects. These shallow people enjoy pushing around homeless people who are at thier lowest point in life. The staff strip what little dignity you have left, then they break your spirit. You have to beg for whatever you need, and usually never get it. Mel (big butt) is a jealous woman and uses her position to bully a client, and her buddy security terry (dike) lies to enforce it. Rick James and Brad have no control of their staff. I question the authority and discipline. There is no respect level, and no honor. I double dog dare a superior supervisor to go undercover dress down like a homeless person and go thru CASS themselves for a week. I guarantee they will be huge disappointed, and embarrassed to be affiliated with such a nasty facility, and a crew of the worst personalities and bad mannered people ever!! read more

Staff-person Amber, who is illiterate, kept telling me that my current pay stubs from my full-time job (a job that pays more than her job) were not in the shelter's computer system. When I told Amber that I sent them twice and staff-person Jason told me they were on the computer a day before, she looked at the screen and denied seeing them. I understand it might not be Amber's fault that she is unable to read. Her mother was most likely fat, lazy and stupid like she is, but what confuses me is why staff-person Jason or the fat woman with the glasses or the two Lindas (both idiots) did not tell her that my pay stubs were uploaded into the shelter's computer. read more

My cousin Chris was in there when his house burned down. Staff members Maria and Amy who work in the Welcome Center called him names on a daily basis. So did the guards in the Welcome Center. The worker James in the intake room showed up to work drunk and and moved my cousins bed to the floor twice and took his belongings. Staff members Amber and Ashlynn threw things at my cousin and called him names. So did staff member Linda. Staff memberJason kept telling people to pick fights with my cousin. My cousin's human rights were violated by these workers. It wasn't his fault he was in there either. He left and slept outside. He said it was a lot safer. read more

just to get started i would like to say that c.a.s.s. shelter can go straight to mutha fucking hell and everyone that works there can too as well. you all ought to be ashamed of what ya'll do there. berate the people that stay there because they are not like you all. i wish and hope you all read this because i could care less what ever happens to ya'll in the near future and hope comes to a tragic end for you all soon.so all of you that work there can kiss my ass and suck it dry because that is what you all are worth these days. read more

Cass is a real crap hole. The staff alone are nothing but social rejects with a power trip. If not for the low employment standards of cass, staff would also be homeless. This program is a farce to say the least. Its basicly jail with a few amminities that you pay dearly for. The local news should report the truth about hiw moraly wrong this place really is. Everything cass stands for is just a smoke screen for the public to make the program sound glorious. The city needs to do a complete refirm based on truth and reality. read more

CASS is a cesspool of disease and a violation of every health code in Arizona. Not to mention the abusive staff and allowing a witnessed assault with a skateboard by a non cass person against a cass resident to not be arrested but released to walk away after a violent assault with a deadly weapon. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shut-Down-CASS/343194025879420 read more

https://youtube.com/shorts/MQSCn0Q21q0?si=XNr7sY8n2M-9fgVB This is a link showing Cass homeless shelter security harassing homeless I got kicked out not even on full property for recording this I was out front .. Cass allows this This is legal Violation of my constitutional rights!! read more

Had to rush my wife to the hospital and they took my bed from and wouldnt give it back paula the manager is very rude security inside is very rude and havs no respect unless your female then you can get away with alot of stuff do not stay at cass for your own good they are the worst read more

The people that work here treat it like a prison and have no respect for the people here. If they see you trying to do good for yourself they are more disrespectful towards you. read more

This CASS SHELTER is the worst ever and everybody is talking about it. I got sick from this place because the AC is too damn high.