PHOENIX, Ariz.—Shelby Ord of Phoenix, Arizona, has big plans for himself at 18.
First, he plans to get his high-school equivalency diploma, a good job, an apartment, and “maybe a cat, of course.” Then go to college and major in chemistry or teaching.
All attainable and worthwhile goals were seemingly out of reach on April 3 as Ord, wrapped in a dirty blanket, strolled down the sidewalk in the homeless encampment known as “the Zone” near Phoenix’s capital district.
“I sleep over there,” said Ord, pointing to a tent sandwiched in between other tents and piles of debris. “I pretty much do my thing. I’m a good kid. I don’t smoke or do alcohol or drugs.”…