but the law makes it illegal to sleep in any public place which includes, parks, public property, bus stops, and streets. its even illegal to sleep in your car.
of course i suspect tempe selectivelly enforces the law against homeless and poor people.
here is the main quote from the law.
No person shall camp in any public park, street or place; except in areas specifically for such use, or specifically authorized by permit. (Ord. No. 97.25, 8-21-97)
here is a copy of the rest of the law.
Chapter 23
PARKS AND RECREATION
Art. IV. Urban Camping, SectionSection 23-90-23-92
ARTICLE IV. URBAN CAMPING
Sec. 23-90. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Camp means resident in or using a public park, street or other public place for living accommodation purposes; including, but not limited to, activities such as erecting tents or any structure providing shelter, laying down bedding for the purpose of sleeping, storing personal belongings, starting a fire, regularly cooking or preparing meals, or living in a parked vehicle.
Public park includes all city parks and playgrounds.
Public street includes all public streets and highways, public sidewalks, public benches and public parking lots.
Public place includes public plazas, transportation facilities, schools, attractions, monuments, and any improved or unimproved public area. (Ord. No. 97.25, 8-21-97)
Sec. 23-91. Prohibited acts.
No person shall camp in any public park, street or place; except in areas specifically for such use, or specifically authorized by permit. (Ord. No. 97.25, 8-21-97)
Sec. 23-92. Penalty.
Any person convicted of a violation of any provision of this article shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor punishable as set forth in Section 1-7 of this code. (Ord. No. 97.25, 8-21-97)