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June 21, 2024

Happy Summer Solstice 2024

Photo by Nate Hovee.

The Summer Solstice was at 1:50 pm yesterday (Thursday, June 20th) and it’s officially Summer. We are all hoping for a good monsoon season! I have a short note this week as I am spending some staycation time at home with my wife. Two articles in our newsletter both touch on the issue of homelessness in our community. Jason Thorpe, one of our many compassionate and caring superstars in the City’s Housing and Community Services Department is profiled in our Employee Spotlight and former Ward 3 Council Aide Kristin Woodall gives a glimpse into the life of one of the many individuals she has assisted in her role at the City’s Community Safety Health and Wellness Office. Lastly, a short update on the Cooling Center hosted at Ward 3 by St. Francis shelter. I couldn’t be prouder of the people we work with on a daily basis. There is a huge amount of need out there but the amazing people of Tucson who step up and do the work is one of the reasons I keep hopeful.

City of Tucson Employee Spotlight: Jason Thorpe

By Arnie Bermudez

Jason Thorpe in his office.

Jason’s career has given him perspective on how little can be accomplished without housing. “We have to recognize homelessness is a complex issue for everyone. We have to find solutions where everyone wins.” From a very young age (around 16-17) he has been involved in social services with people who needed shelter and were facing some sort of housing insecurity. Being exposed to that sort of issue at such a formative age has given him as he puts it “a righteous indignation around justice and people and housing security.”

A young Jason.

When asked about his biggest challenge Jason replied “The opioid epidemic has changed the face of homelessness. I have seen a lot of loss of life and loss of care”. Jason has a bit of a personal connection to this issue as he himself struggled with a substance misuse problem earlier in his adulthood, which contributed to him being homeless for a bit. His experience set him on a journey to seek help through treatment to achieve recovery. He came out with a renewed outlook and view of his own life. The man is an inspiration!

The most rewarding thing about his job has been the success of the Housing First program. Many members of the team have experienced homelessness and substance misuse issues themselves. So they too have lived experience in understanding the complex issues facing the people they are trying to help.

Jason having fun during one of his many travels overseas.

In his free time Jason enjoys traveling. His partner is currently on a teaching contract overseas so he gets to be abroad quite often. One of his biggest hobbies is geocaching, he is a self-described “geocaching nerd.” The City of Tucson is very fortunate to have a person like Jason amongst its ranks. The Ward 3 office genuinely appreciates and is in awe of all the people who are working behind the scenes to make life a little better for people on the edges. We hope that Jason continues to prosper and succeed in his position for many more years to come.

Jimmy's Story

By Kristin Woodall

I started doing homeless outreach for the Community Safety, Health and Wellness program just over a year ago when the City created an online reporting tool for homeless encampments. The role has evolved into one that provides case management to homeless folk and getting them connected to services that will help them move forward toward becoming housed.

Kristin Woodall and Jimmy with the new tires on his bike courtesy of the Ward 3 office

When I met Jimmy in a tent behind a QT last summer, he was hunkered down with a fellow camper. It was 100+ degrees outside. I asked for his name and date of birth for my contact list, and if he had done a housing assessment.  He said that he hadn’t done an assessment, he was 65 and had never received social security and had no income.  Apprehensively he told me he didn’t know how to go about doing either of those things and he “needs someone to hold my hand” so he could get the things that would increase his likelihood of getting housed.  Both of those were things that I was able to assist him with. I contacted the coordinator for the Amazon Motel, a City owned low barrier shelter, and she was able to put him under a roof that night along with his sole possession, a bicycle.

To get Social Security you must have an ID. To get an ID in Arizona you need a birth certificate. Because Jimmy had his belongings stolen we had to start at the very beginning. We ordered his birth certificate and while we were waiting for it to arrive from the state he was born in, we had some time to address other things. We got him signed up for food boxes. He was able to get clothes and shoes, and to round out his makeover we made a stop at Hollywood Barber College for a shave and a haircut.

Jimmy before and after his makeover at Hollywood Barber College.

Two weeks later, with birth certificate in hand, we arrived at a DMV for an ID. Then we were able to go to the Social Security office, where he walked out with an income for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating the system and proving his identity, something we take for granted, paid off.

Over the next couple of months, while waiting for a housing voucher and looking for other opportunities for permanent housing, Jimmy learned how to move through the system independently. After a couple of stints in the hospital for pneumonia, he went to the doctor, alone, for follow up now that he had Medicare. He was able to return to the Social Security office to obtain current documentation for housing options. He opened a bank account. This week he beamed when he showed me his voter registration card.  He said that he had never voted before.

Jimmy in front of the brand new affordable senior housing in Ward 3.

Jimmy’s journey is far from over. In fact, it is just beginning. He signed a lease for an apartment in a brand-new income-based senior housing complex in Ward 3.

While my work with Jimmy has drawn to a close and he is much more independent than when I first met him last year, I have secured Housing First staff to check in on him occasionally while he acclimates to his new normal. Jimmy is a success story.

The Summer Cooling Center Is Open

The St Francis Shelter cooling center in our community room is now open to the public. It is hosted by the St. Francis Shelter and run by Director of Operations Shawn Milligan and volunteers.  Everyone is welcome including pets. There are restrooms, snacks, water, clothing, basic first aid supplies, and cots to nap in. With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees on a daily basis please refer anyone that needs shelter from the heat to the center located in our community room at 1510 e. Grant Rd.

St. Francis Shelter volunteers Liam Wallace, Angela Murphy and Shawn Milligan at the cooling center in the Ward 3 Community Room.

Thank you to St. Francis Shelter for hosting it, staffing it, and running this endeavor, it would not be possible without them. The cooling center is open 1-5 pm Monday- Friday. Please stay out of the heat.

Summary of June 18, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting

June 18, 2024 Study Session and Regular Agenda

Study Session included an update on Vacant and Neglected Structures (VANS). An update on The Housing First Resource Center. An update related to City Wide Municipal Zoning.

Regular Agenda included a public hearing on zoning to approve the Amphi Housing First Planned Area Development on east 250 w. King Road.

For the complete Study Session and Regular Agenda please click on the buttons below.

For the full coverage of the Mayor and Council meeting on June 18, 2024, please click on the button below.

Pet of the week

LUMBER / ID# A831443
Age: 4 years

Qualities:
Lumber is a sweet boy who's looking for a chance to "lumber" away from the shelter and into a home! Lumber's volunteer friends describe him as a "darling, friendly guy" who is well-behaved and mellow. Lumber is friendly with other dogs, although he's a bit partial to the ladies! Lumber has valley fever but is doing very well on a simple medication.

Fee:
Lumber has a $0 adoption fee. A $20 license fee applies to adult dogs. Adoption includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet visit.

Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm. 

Next Mayor & Council Meeting

The next Mayor and Council Meeting will be on 
Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
The agenda, when available, will be posted here:
Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas.

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association /Coalition Meetings

Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 6/26, 6 - 7 pm
Cornerstone Fellowship Social Hall
1510 E. Grant Rd.

The Ward 3 office is open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 am -1 pm, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at 520-791-4711 or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.

Ward 3 & City-wide Events

Cans of Food Become Works of Art in Canstruction at Park Place Mall

Colossal, artistic Cansculptures will rise at Park Place Mall starting this Saturday, June 22nd on Build Day as Canstruction begins to take shape. Four teams will compete in building sculptures of mythical creatures. Stacked cans of food will become a solar dragon, the legendary sea monster Kraken, a Nessie built of 3800 cans of tuna, and a jackelope. The creations will be on display in center court at Park Place through July 10th for the public to enjoy. Build Day begins on the morning of June 22nd and the public is welcome to watch the work and design that goes into the Cansculptures. You can donate to vote for your favorite at www.communityfoodbank.org/canstruction.
The sculpture winning the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award. Judges will award other prizes including Best Meal, Best Use of Labels, Most Cans, and other categories.

BICAS Youth-Earn-a-Bike Summer Camps June 24-28

Youth Earn-A-Bike is a bicycle repair course in which youth ages 8 to 18 learn bicycle mechanics, practice problem-solving skills, gain self confidence, leadership skills, environmental awareness, and community appreciation — all while earning a bike! Over the course of the program participants will overhaul a bicycle earning credit for their attendance and participation.  At the end of the course students will demonstrate safe riding skills and take home their newly refurbished bike with a helmet and lock. Youth Earn-A-Bike is offered on a sliding scale from $25 – $200 per student.

Equity Priority Survey For The City Of Tucson

The Office of Equity has identified 12 demographic indicators of vulnerability, which together form the Tucson Equity Priority Index (TEPI). While all these indicators contribute to social vulnerability, they may not do so equally. This survey asks the community to determine which variables most significantly impact vulnerability in Tucson.

Steve Kozachik In Concert

Former Ward 6 City Councilman Steve Kozachik is a talented musician in his own right. You can catch him in concert on the following dates at the corresponding venues in bold.

• July 6th from 6 til 9 at Tohono Chul. 

Help The Homing Project By Line Dancing And Eating Some BBQ Sunday July 14 from Noon to 4 PM

The Homing Project is having a fundraiser for the village that’s planned for The Keeling Neighborhood. Come kick up your heels, enjoy BBQ, and line dance to Mama Cole for a good local cause.

Building a Resilient Neighborhood

Are Our Tucson Water Supplies Resilient?
You are warmly invited to attend an online conversation with Scott Schladweiler, deputy director of Tucson Water. Scott has 14 years’ experience at the utility, starting as a senior engineering associate, progressing through engineering manager and chief engineering positions before taking his current role last year.

He is deeply familiar with the structures and processes comprising our water delivery system. After a brief introduction, he will take our questions on how the utility ensures reliable service, the risks of increasing intensity and duration of heat waves, and how we can best prepare for an extended power outage.

Date: Wed June 26

Time: 7-8 pm

Venue: Zoom REGISTER HERE

Building a Resilient Neighborhood (BaRN) is a coalition of Tucson residents from diverse neighborhoods. Inspired by Physicians for Social Responsibility, we have come together to spread the word among neighbors about extreme weather and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. In the last minutes of our meeting, volunteers in the program will report on their outreach, emergency planning by neighborhoods, and other elements of the project. For more info, write to rbolza@me.com or stuartfieldmoody@hotmail.com

Resilience in our neighborhoods – mini-training July 2 at 4 pm

In a city with over 500,000 residents, connecting with our neighbors is as important as ever for the quality of life. One issue which touches us all is our changing climate. How are we going to be prepared for an extreme heat crisis?

You are invited to a 1-hr informational Zoom session on building a resilient community by making connections between neighbors and preparing for climate-related emergencies. These sessions are once or twice monthly via Zoom. The next one will be:

Tuesday, July 2nd, 4-5 pm

Register here

At the orientation, you will learn how to become a Block Connector – a volunteer who reaches out to neighbors in their own block of households – whether the block is your own street, your apartment complex, or your section of a trailer park. The job is simple and straightforward, and takes only a few hours to accomplish on your own schedule.

Who we are

Building a Resilient Neighborhood (BaRN) is a coalition of Tucson residents from diverse neighborhoods. Inspired by Physicians for Social Responsibility, we came together to spread the word among neighbors on extreme weather and ways that we can build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. For more info, write to rbolza@me.com or stuartfieldmoody@hotmail.com

Reading Seed is Looking for Volunteers

City of Tucson Housing First - MDOT Care Packet Assembly

Join us in making a positive impact in our community by assembling care packets for the Housing First initiative.

To register for the upcoming care packet assembly event, please click on the link below:

https://forms.office.com/g/N7Qc8R98Ni

If you have any questions or need further information, reach out to thelma.magallanes@tucsonaz.gov or call at (520) 651-8017.

**Please note that the maximum capacity per event is 20 people, and the session will be closed once this limit is reached.

Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Survey

Pima Association of Governments (PAG), the greater Tucson region's metropolitan planning organization, has launched the “Shape Your Transportation Future” survey, which allows community members to share your transportation priorities and experiences, and where you believe PAG should apply its transportation funding resources for the next 30 years. Results will inform development of the 2055 Regional Mobility and Accessibility Plan, or RMAP. As the federally required metropolitan planning organization, PAG must update this long-range transportation plan every four years to annually secure millions of dollars in federal funding for essential transportation improvements in the region. Your input matters!

You can learn more and take the brief survey at www.PAGregion.com/2055. The survey, which is less than 10 minutes, is available in English and Spanish.

Living Streets Alliance Is Offering A Bike Valet Program And Racks For Special Events

Living Streets Alliance is seeking an Open Streets Manager

Living Streets Alliance is seeking a passionate, creative, and thoughtful individual to join our team of advocates working to bring Tucson’s streets to life.

If you love connecting with people from all walks of life and building relationships, leading projects and event production, and thrive in a collaborative environment with a small and mighty team of co-creators, you'll love this position!

This position will remain open until filled. We’ll be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply as soon as possible. All applicants will be contacted regarding next steps. Feel free to contact LSA with any questions.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Is Looking For Volunteers

Community Garden Plots Available

Ready, Set, REC! in June

Go Electric AZ is Looking For Individuals Interested in Electrification of Their Homes and Their Transportation

Sustainable Tucson's Energy Transformation Working Group (ETWG) provides a volunteer-based service dedicated to helping homeowners transition to electrified and energy-efficient homes. The website is goelectricaz.org. That program has completed its first training for coaches and is accepting clients on a limited basis. If you would like to receive assistance on electrifying your home, sign up at goelectricaz.org/client.

Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave. 

Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30- 6:00 pm,
Thursdays 6:00 - 7:30 pm,  and Saturdays from 8am-9:30am. 
https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery. 

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We welcome your feedback !

Please feel free to email us at Ward3@tucsonaz.gov

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