Friends Of Ward 3 Is Asking For Donations to Help Unsheltered Kids
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.”
United Way Of Tucson And Southern Arizona Now Seeking Volunteers For Free Tax Return Preparation Program Sign Up Now Through December 31
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is now seeking volunteer tax return preparers for its annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offering a free training program, available in-person and online, to equip volunteers with IRS-sponsored tax certification. In addition to volunteer tax return preparers, the VITA program is seeking volunteers to serve as site coordinators, intake specialists, and Spanish-speaking interpreters. VITA services for the public will begin February 4 and continue through filing day, April 15.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit www.unitedwaytucson.org/vita/volunteer or email vita@unitedwaytucson.org
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.
Grant Road And Alvernon Way Intersection Restrictions Beginning December 1.
Beginning Monday, December 1, 2025, as part of the current Grant Road Improvement Project, crews will begin constructing the underground infrastructure in the intersection of Grant Road and Alvernon Way including a new sewer line, water main and storm drain.
For the safety of the traveling public and crews, restrictions will be in place at this intersection throughout the duration of this work. Alvernon Way will allow for one direction of travel in each direction northbound and southbound, and Grant Road will allow for one direction of travel in each direction westbound and eastbound. Left turns in all directions will be prohibited during this work.
This work is scheduled to be complete by Spring 2026. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
The Grant Road Improvement Project from Sparkman Boulevard to Swan Road started in late May 2024. At completion, this improvement project will include six travel lanes, landscaped medians, buffered bike lanes, sidewalks, transit stop upgrades, indirect left turns and protected intersection improvements at Alvernon Way and Grant Road. A 96-inch diameter underground storm drain system will also be constructed throughout the project limits. This project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
The Regional Transportation Authority, a political subdivision of the state and independently governed, has invested more than $1.4 billion in transportation projects and services to improve mobility, safety, economic vitality and quality of life in the region. The RTA collects a half-cent excise (sales) tax from its special taxing district within Pima County to fund its 20-year regional transportation plan. The plan and tax were approved by voters in May 2006. The Grant Road Phase 3&4 Improvement Project is part of the RTA plan and is managed by the City of Tucson. For more information, visit www.RTAmobility.com
 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.
Roger Road Improvements Starting December 5
 
Doolen-Fruitvale Neighborhood Clean-Up December 6 From 10 AM - 12 PM
CGNE Neighborhood Potluck Saturday, December 6 From 4 - 6PM
Parks And Rec Is Looking For Volunteers
  Tucson's Parks and Recreation has an opportunity to spread holiday cheer, and we would love to partner with you! We will be hosting our annual event, Santa's Calling, and are looking for volunteers to join.
What is Santa's Calling?: "Santa's Calling" is a program run by the Tucson Parks and Recreation department that allows children aged 4-8 to receive a phone call from Santa Claus. Parents can sign up their children through an online form, where they share information about their children/what they want for Christmas.
What do volunteers do? Santa and an elf will review the form and give a call to the child to wish them a Merry Christmas!
When: Tuesday, 12/9 - Thursday 12/11; 5:30pm - 8pm
Where: Admin Office 900 S Randolph Way
Dinner and snacks will be provided for volunteers!
To sign up please send an email to Parks and Rec Special Events Coordinator Dani Alkola by clicking on the button below.
S’morry, S’morry Night On Saturday, December 13, 2025, From 5–8 PM At The Drawing Studio
  It’s a cozy winter evening with s’mores, hot chocolate, and live music, plus gifts and merch available on site. We’ll also be featuring our “Tiny Treasures” exhibit, with proceeds from the exhibition benefiting The Drawing Studio. We’re especially excited because The Drawing Studio is partnering with Sigfus Designs for the night; they’ll be hosting a charm bar workshop where guests can design their own charms and bracelets.
Direct Linkages Accessible Hiring Event On December 16 From 9 AM - 12 PM
Southern Arizona Home Share Thursday, December 18 2 - 3:30 PM At the Ward 3 Community Room
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
Tucson 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- 6:00 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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