Our Impact
Andrew Christiansen, KGUN9
Homelessness in Pima County
There has been a 60% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Pima County between 2018 and 2023.
Source: 2023 Point in Time Count Report of Persons Experiencing Homelessness and Shelter/ Supportive Housing Utilization in Pima County, AZ from Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness
Persons experiencing homelessness on a given night in Pima County:
2,209
total people
627
women
348
unsheltered women
515
adults with serious mental illness
495
adults with substance abuse disorder
228
adult survivors of domestic violence
Serving Up the Numbers
20,443
Guest Visits
We had 20,443 guest visits in 2022. There has been a 42% increase of guest visits in 2023.
12,153
Overnight Visits
We had 12,153 overnight visits in 2022 and there has been a 69% increase this year.
25,026
Breakfasts Served
In 2022, we served 25,026 breakfasts and there has been a 116% increase this year.
12,254
Dinners Served
We served 12,254 dinners in 2022. This year, there has been a 71% increase of dinners served.
Center Services
Meals
Six days a week, our facilities offer breakfast, lunch, and a home cooked dinner for women experiencing homelessness. With the help of our volunteers, we are able to provide nutritious meals keeping our guests healthy, happy, and comfortable.
Laundry
Our laundry room allows guests to clean their clothes and personal belongings. Because of your generosity, we are in the process of adding commercial washers and dryers to ensure each guest has clean clothes.
Clothing
Through generous donations, we are able to provide clean, warm clothes for our guests. We offer clothing, shoes, new underwear, and socks. Many of our guests don’t have access to the basic necessities we provide.
Safe Spaces
Sister José’s is a low barrier center without requirements, referrals, or fees. The center meets guests where they are and supports a journey to a more sustainable future. All guests and their beloved pets are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve and long for.
Showers
Our facilities are housed with four showers and four restrooms stocked with personal hygiene products. In addition, we have one shower and one bathroom that are wheelchair accessible. Throughout the day, our guests have access to our shower amenities.
Caseworkers
Caseworkers provide our guests with mentorship and the necessary resources to begin their transition out of homelessness. The safety and support provided by our case navigators helps our guests establish and achieve goals that prepare them to overcome barriers, navigate social services, and enter the rental or job market.
Our Programs
The Overnight Program
Our Center offers forty-two women beds and space to sleep soundly. When our neighbors live on the street, they often do not sleep at night because of the dangers they encounter. The Center provides women the gift of peace and safety in a community environment. The sense of community provides the structure they need to begin to build trust and become empowered to achieve a level of stability and find secure housing.
In 2023, we will expand our sleeping area by 30% so we no longer turn away any person who finds their way to us. Our community is experiencing limited access to affordable housing which compounds the issue of finding more permanent, sustainable housing.
Our Approach
- Collaborate with partners engaged in equity and justice work to bridge organizational gaps and work for systemic change.
- Intensive case management where a guest-centered approach is co-designed with them to overcome obstacles and make steady progress towards stable housing and improved health and well-being.
- Embed IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) practices in staffing, training, programming to improve guest services, create positive outcomes, and create an equity-centered culture.
- Empower women to take steps to become self-sustaining and improve their quality of life.
- End social isolation and build community.
The Day Program
Sister José’s provides a low-barrier daytime space for all guests. We serve those who are often excluded and unwelcome in traditional settings. When guests enter our doors, they are welcomed with open arms from staff and volunteers. Breakfast and lunch are available for women who would otherwise have no access to nutritious meals. The Center offers vital services that are the basic necessities of life. We are often told this is the last stop for guests who have no other option.
Our Approach
- Ensure a robust cross-section of providers is available to offer services.
- Provide integrated action plans that enhance access and engagement and promote health and housing stability.
- Access to information and resources to empower women to take back control and begin to make decisions about their future. We ensure guests feel seen and heard.
- Provide document replacement, transportation, and benefit enrollment; explain processes with plain language and bi-lingual staff/forms; and offer supportive services to complete tasks.
- Ability for support animals to remain with guests in shelter.
- Onsite access to showers, clothing, personal hygiene products, and laundry facilities.
- Free Wi-fi, access to computers, and electricity to charge personal phones.