The increase in vacant homes due to foreclosures or abandonment means that some neighborhoods have to deal with additional problems that the vacant properties create. 

The city of Phoenix has several websites and contacts to help residents in dealing with those problems, be it a green pool, abandoned animals, graffiti or crime.

Such activity should not be ignored because it does drive down property values.

Blight Elimination

Report blight to the Neighborhood Services Department to start the code enforcement process. For over height weeds, trash, litter or debris, fences in disrepair, open and vacant buildings, abandoned vehicles, call NSD at 602-262-7844, or report it to Neighborhood Preservation.

Report Graffiti by calling the Reward Hotline at 602-262-7327 or call Graffiti Busters at 602-495-7014 for assistance with removal. To report graffiti in progress, please call 911.

Tool Lending

Schedule a neighborhood cleanup. You can find good tips on tool lending from the city, and a host of good ideas to help organize your cleanup effort in the Neighborhood Toolkit or the Help Put the DiamondBack into Your Neighborhood - Keep It Clean! Web site or call 602-495-0323 to reserve equipment. There you’ll find information on organizing your neighborhood, workshops for neighborhood residents and neighborhood maintenance tips.

Suspicious Activity - Call Police

Keep a close watch on vacant properties and call Phoenix Police to report any suspicious activity at Crime Stop 602-262-6151 or visit the Phoenix Police Department Web site.

Schools Impacted

The foreclosure crisis not only creates vacant homes, it impacts school enrollment. The city's Youth and Education Office tracks this information and works with the schools districts within the city boundaries.

Arizona Humane Society

To request an ambulance for a sick or injured stray animal or an animal in distress, call 602-997-7585 ext. 2073. Services are free and available daily from 6 am - 2am. For more information please check the Arizona Humane Society Animal Rescue Web site.

Maricopa County Animal Control Center (MCACC)

MCACC operates three centers that provide lost, found and adoption services for stray and unwanted dogs and cats. For more information please check the Maricopa Animal Care and Control Web site