Winter Warming Center Soft-Opens in Ward 3; Full Opening Set for November 24 From 5 - 9 AM
A new Winter Warming Center has begun a soft opening this week in Tucson’s Ward 3, providing early-morning warmth, coffee, and support for residents experiencing homelessness. The center will officially open to the public on November 24 inside the Ward 3 Community Room at 1510 E. Grant Road.
The Warming Center will run Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., through March 13. Guests will have access to a simple breakfast, coffee, a warm indoor space, and on-site resource navigation. Pets are welcome.
The project builds on three successful seasons of the Cooling Center run from Ward 3, extending the same community-driven model into the winter months. It is made possible through the generosity of Ward 3 and Council Member Kevin Dahl, along with collaboration from local volunteers and organizations.
“This is a community effort at every level,” said organizer Angela Murphy. “People are stepping up because they believe everyone deserves a warm place to be in the morning.”
Help Tucson Food Share Buy a Commercial Freezer
Help Tucson Food Share purchase a commercial freezer, an essential piece of equipment needed to meet the rising demand for food assistance following recent SNAP benefit cuts.
As one of the few local projects that provides groceries with no questions asked, Tucson Food Share supports community members who often fall through the gaps in formal aid systems. Demand is growing, and this freezer will allow them to safely store more food and serve more families.
Tucson Food Share is entirely volunteer-run and donation-supported. If you’re able, please help them secure this critical equipment so they can continue nourishing our community.
The Friends of Ward 3 have already contributed $850!!!
Help us raise the rest!"
Ambassadors of Sustainability
 Do you want to better understand the environmental issues in Tucson – and the progress being made? Join interested citizens to learn from experts in diverse realms with Sustainable Tucson’s Ambassadors of Sustainability program. The group meets online Saturday mornings, January 3 through March 28, 10 am - noon. There is a token fee, with scholarships available. Details at sustainabletucson.org/ambassadors.
Doolen-Fruitvale Neighborhood Clean-Up December 6 From 10 AM - 12 PM
CGNE Neighborhood Potluck Saturday, December 6 From 4 - 6PM
Watershed Management Group RainWater On Tap Tuesday, December 2 From 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Enjoy an evening at WMG's Living Lab & Learning Center, where we harvest and drink our rainwater all year long. Taste the rain in our rainwater cocktails with Suncliffe Gin and Whiskey del Bac, rainwater mocktails, beer from Dragoon, and of course rainwater ice teas,
WMG staff, docents, and apprentices will be on hand to share more about ways you can go hydro-local at home, harvest rainwater, filter and drink rainwater, and grow a cooling native rain garden.
Time - 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Price - $25 in advance/$35 at door (included two drink tickets)
Location - Living Lab Campus or 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Direct Linkages Accessible Hiring Event On December 16 From 9 AM - 12 PM
WeCare Winter Tech Camp For Kids December 22 & 23 From 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Cost Is Only $5 Per Day
Community Health and Wellness Holiday Food Drive
 Come drop off some much needed food donations at our office and help a good cause!
Ornamental Turf Removal Rebate Program Ends March 1, 2026
ucson Water is encouraging commercial, multifamily, and homeowners association (HOA) customers to take advantage of its Ornamental Turf Removal Rebate Program before it ends on March 1, 2026.
The program, launched in 2024 with funding from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA), offers rebates of $5 per square foot to replace ornamental turfgrass with low-water-use landscaping. The limited-time rebate helps reduce outdoor water use that cannot be recycled, supporting long-term water conservation and lower maintenance costs.
Since its launch, the program has replaced more than 105,000 square feet of turfgrass—about 2.4 acres—saving nearly 4 million gallons of water each year.
Eligible properties can also earn bonus rebates of $100 per new tree and $1 per gallon of rainwater harvesting basin capacity, encouraging shade coverage and sustainable irrigation for desert-adapted landscapes.
For more information about the Ornamental Turf Removal Rebate Program and other Tucson Water conservation incentives, visit tucsonaz.gov/water/rebate or contact conservation@tucsonaz.gov
Adobe Repair Class
 Do you live in an old adobe home? Is it cracking and crumbling? The Vista del Monte Neighborhood Association wants to teach you how to repair it and care for it properly. We’ve recruited an experienced adobe-making teacher for a hands-on class at one of our local 1930s adobe bungalows. We’re still working on the timing and syllabus, but we’re aiming for early 2026.
Right now, we’re just trying to gauge interest. Please take a quick survey to let us know what you want out of adobe classes.
https://bit.ly/adobe-repair-class
Please share the survey link with anyone you know who lives in an old adobe house, too! Or anyone who just wants to learn about adobe for the fun of it.
Solar United Neighbors Tucson Co-op
Find Food Access Resources In Tucson
As the federal government shutdown continues, Tucson food assistance providers are seeing a sharp rise in demand from families affected by delayed federal benefits, such as SNAP and WIC. At the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, there is an increase in first-time visitors, many of whom had never sought food assistance before. Volunteers are working overtime to assemble emergency food boxes for those suddenly without access to those benefits. The Community Food Bank offers help multiple times a week during varying hours continues to distribute food at its main location, 3003 S. Country Club Road, and through partner agencies across Southern Arizona. Officials urge residents in need to reach out early, as local inventories may fluctuate if the shutdown continues. You can also find a list of food resources by following the This is Tucson link below.
Tucson Water Suspends Water Shutoffs During Federal Government Shutdown
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Tucson Water recently announced that the water utility will not conduct any residential water shutoffs due to nonpayment during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The temporary moratorium ensures that no household will lose access to essential water service while federal employees and other community members face delays in pay or economic hardship tied to the shutdown. The City of Tucson | Tucson Water maintain that water security is foundational for community resilience. Tucson Water will continue to support customers through flexible payment plans, bill assistance programs, and water conservation tools.
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.
Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30 - 6 pm, Thursdays 6 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8 - 9:30 am.
https://tucsonfoodshare.org has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
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