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Rising transient population becoming big concern for central Phoenix residents

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A central Phoenix neighborhood noticed an uptick in its homeless population and some are concerned for their safety.

Alex Varunok has watched his street become a home for the homeless.

"Most of the transient traffic we've been getting is drug users," he explained.

Varunok said he often picks up syringes and needles from his yard.

He also noticed a makeshift camp set up near the back of his property, where people were using his irrigation box as a trashcan and toilet.

"SRP says it's not their problem, it's not their property. The city says it's not their problem, not their property," Varunok explained.

Another concern is that a nearby church has allowed the homeless to use its outdoor faucets for water.

"In the middle of the day, there was a woman by one of the faucets completely naked and using the water to clean herself," he said. "It's a tragic situation but what about the neighbors and the children in this neighborhood?"

He is working with authorities to crack down on the issues but said it's been a slow process.