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Tucson’s first safe sleep space – a harm-reduction, trauma-informed refuge for women experiencing homelessness – has been an early success. Some nearby residents and businesses expressed concerns when Star Village’s Ward 3 location near Stone and Grant was first announced. But Primavera Foundation’s skillful management, flexibility, and attention to detail have prevented the outside problems they had feared.
Of course there are start-up internal challenges. The existing electricity capacity has meant occasional outages. Unexpected cold weather and strong rains were met with more tarps, blankets, and sleeping bags. A resident council has been formed so staff and women staying there can discuss service, daily experiences, and ideas for improvement.
Mayor Regina Romero announced at this week’s Council meeting that she was “happy to report that the facility is now full” and “is working out great.” In three months, more than 400 have been served through living there and outreach. I am happy that 45% of the people served have come from Ward 3 outreach. This unique tent-living facility fills a gap in the other housing and service options available.
 Tents at Star Village. Photo courtesy of Mia Kortright/TucsonSentinel.com
Part of Tucson’s commitment to this one-year pilot project was to do a monthly clean- up of the streets surrounding Star Village. At the October clean-up I met Primavera staff and other volunteers picking the typical trash that gathers on city streets. A woman who was living in the Village paused to tell me her story. She had made some wrong economic decisions trying to help a family member, which resulted in her being unable to pay rent and she was evicted. The first night sleeping on the street was cold and terrifying. The next day she sought help and fortunately learned about the opportunity to stay at Star Village and receive help with finding more permanent housing. In addition to appreciating the services provided, she told me the other women living there were a great support and resource for her. She had come to think of them as family.
Information about referring women to Star Village, volunteering (including preparing meals), and donating (there are specific items requested) is available on the Primavera Foundation website: https://primavera.org/star-village/.
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Due to the increased I.C.E. activity in our nation we will be including a section in our newsletter dedicated to shining a light on the abuses of power and blatant disregard for human rights that are happening in Minnesota and across the country. The unethical and unconstitutional tactics used by this current administration to persecute and target not just immigrants, but vulnerable groups in our community is horrendous. These abuses in our country come with the protection of a badge and the veil of a mask. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes (who watches the watchmen)?
This month in Minnesota, I.C.E. shot and killed American citizen Renee Good, they also detained a 5-year-old child and used him to lure his family out of their home. Upon arriving home from school, Liam Conejo Ramos, was used as bait to target his family and get any of his relatives to exit their home so masked federal agents could apprehend them. Liam and his father were then sent to a facility in Texas, over 1000 miles away from their home.
 5 Year old Liam Conejo Ramos getting detained by ICE agents. Courtesy of Columbia Heights Public Schools
Then there is the case of Ramon Menera, a U.S. Citizen with an accent, who was apprehended by a Border Patrol Agent outside of his home, due to... having an accent. That’s right, apparently, you can now be detained for having an accent.
Ramon Menera getting apprehended by Border Patrol due to his accent. Source: Ramon Menera via CNN.
In an anticipatory effort to protect Tucsonans from the brutal abuse of federal power by the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, Mayor Romero and Council directed City Attorney Roi Lusk to draft an ordinance that would effectively ban I.C.E. from staging enforcement operations on any City-owned land. The draft is expected to be in front of the Council, ready for a vote next month.
There is also a Tucson Rapid Response Team in case you witness any activity involving I.C.E. and Border Patrol in our community, to 520-221-4077.
 We have more resources under our "Announcements" section towards the bottom of our newsletter. Stay vigilant, Tucson.
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On Wednesday, residents in Dodge Flower came together to clean up an area of the neighborhood, joined by staff from Ward 3, the Mayor’s Office, and other City departments. The effort was spearheaded by the Dodge Flower Neighborhood Association and members of the VIVA (Violence Interruption and Vitalization Action) project and hosted by the City Environmental Services Department.
 Dodge Flower Neighborhood Association Officers Larry Straka, Jessica Rahier, and Bob Bortner waving.
The VIVA project centers community leadership as a tool for safety, health, and neighborhood vitality, and emphasizes relationship-building, resident presence, and shared responsibility. Cleanups like this one are about neighbors working together to care for shared spaces, strengthen trust, and invest in the places where they live. When residents are visible, connected, and supported, communities become safer through cohesion.
 Dodge Flower residents cleaning alley.
The Dodge Flower cleanup shows what’s possible when resident leadership is paired with City support and community-based initiatives like VIVA. These efforts build momentum one block at a time and create opportunities for connection beyond the cleanup itself. If you’re interested in organizing a cleanup in your own neighborhood, contact the Team Up to Clean Up program to get started.
 Community Services Project Facilitator Steven La Turco with cleanup gear.
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 ID# A888655
Age: 2 years
Qualities:
Sweet Mary Ann has been at the shelter since December 20, 2025. She is ready to go home to her furr-ever family. She is a red Rhodesian Ridgeback mix and a bundle of joy. Come by PACC and meet her today, she is pretty pawsome!
Fee:
Mary Ann 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.
 ID# A890692
Age: 5 years
Qualities:
Just look at those eyes! Coca Dunes is the purr-fect feline companion. Come get to know her and take her home today.
Fee:
Coca Dunes 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.
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Dodge Flower Neighborhood Association
Saturday 1/24, 10 - 11:30 am
Lighthouse Church,
2568 N. Palo Verde Blvd.
Keeling Neighborhood Association
Monday 1/26, 7-8:30 pm
CODAC Behavioral Health Services
380 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 1/28, 5:30-7 pm
1510 E Grant Rd.
Mountain View Neighborhood Association
Saturday 1/31, 3-4 pm
3501 Mountain Ave.
The Ward 3 office is open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 am - 1 pm for walk-ins or later by appointment, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails, and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
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January 24:
Saturday
Garden Story Time From 11:30 am-12:30 pm
January 27:
Tuesday
TDS | Bright Nights: Queer Art & Story from 5-8 pm
 A free monthly gathering for LGBTQIA+ artists, youth, and young adults (ages 15+), centered on storytelling, art practice, and community connection.
January 31:
Saturday
Vegetarian feast at Southside Presbyterian Church at 6 pm.
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Preparedness Resources For Immigrant Families
Community Rapid Response Team https://rapidresponsetucson.com, 520-221-4077
A handy bilingual Know Your Rights card for your wallet (pictured with this article) is available free, in quantities, from Ward 3 or at the Gloo Factory.
Family Preparedness Plan for Immigrant Families, in English and Spanish. Click the buttons below to download a PDF file of the plans.
Other resources:
Centenarians Wanted:
Submit a centenarian's name to SeniorServices@tmcaz.com or call 520-324-1960 by February 27, 2026.
Dodge Flower Neighborhood Yard Sale
Saturday, February 28th 9am-1pm
Parking lot of the Tucson Lighthouse Church.
Sell items
Clean out your closet while making extra money.
Booths are free of charge for Dodge-Flower neighborhood residents. Others are $10 for a 10' x 10' . Be sure to reserve today because space is first come, first serve. To reserve your booth, please either email : Dodgeflower85716@gmail.com or text or call (520) 261-2715
Donate items
Not planning to host your own booth? You can still help out by donating your gently used items to the neighborhood association! Proceeds from donations will fund neighborhood improvement projects. Please email Dodgeflower85716@gmail.com for pickup or drop off.
Attend the Event
Winter Warming Center in Ward 3 From 5 - 9 AM
Where: Inside the Ward 3 Community Room at 1510 E. Grant Road.
When: Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., through March 13.
What: Guests are provided a simple breakfast, coffee, a warm indoor space, and on-site resource navigation.
Pets are welcome.
St. Francis Community Services Food Pantry Has Moved
Find Food Access Resources In Tucson
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.
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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