Tucson Introduces STAR Village to Combat Homelessness
A groundbreaking initiative in Tucson aims to address the pressing issue of homelessness with the introduction of a new shelter facility. Known as STAR Village, this innovative project provides a secure, short-term outdoor living space specifically for women and nonbinary individuals.
Tucson’s decision to collaborate with local nonprofit organizations in August paved the way for the STAR Village. This one-year pilot program is designed to offer a safe haven with minimal barriers to entry, unlike traditional shelters.
Tisha Tallman, CEO of the Primavera Foundation, one of the key organizations involved, highlighted the urgency of the situation: “This just recognizes that we have a bed shortage both for emergency shelter and for safe, affordable housing. So while our shelters are low-barrier, this is an even a lower barrier,” she explained.
The primary objective of STAR Village is to reach the unsheltered population directly. Outreach teams engage with individuals in homeless encampments, offering them essential services and supplies. Importantly, the facility does not require identification, which is often a barrier at other shelters. Additional onsite services include security, employment opportunities, ID assistance, and climate-controlled tents.
Tallman elaborated on the outreach strategy: “Our outreach teams are out speaking with individuals on a regular basis and offering services and offering supplies to folks that are currently on the streets. And then through that process, they’re determining people’s eligibility and desire to be placed in a safer place,” she noted.
Currently, the facility has begun accepting new residents, with a capacity to shelter up to 25 individuals. This initiative coincides with Tucson’s broader efforts to tackle community concerns related to crime and homelessness. As reported by the Tucson Sentinel, city leaders are hopeful that STAR Village, alongside new measures like anti-panhandling ordinances, will make significant strides in addressing homelessness.
This development is part of the city’s comprehensive Safe City Initiative, which includes forming a new task force focused on law enforcement and drug recovery, along with expanding social services to tackle issues of drug use, crime, and homelessness.
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