Primavera Foundation is partnering with OPCS and the City of Tucson on the STAR Village, which will address the needs of unsheltered individuals
TUCSON — A pilot program will provide refuge, social service support, and on-site medical assistance to 25 unsheltered homeless individuals at a safe sleeping space.
The Serving Together and Rebuilding (STAR) Village will open as early as this fall in Tucson. It will be staffed 24/7 and help guide participants to more stable living circumstances.
“Primavera is honored to be a part of this innovative solution to provide safe outdoor sleeping space to our struggling neighbors experiencing homelessness,” CEO Tisha Tallman said. “This much-needed soltion will provide safe space, care, and community for our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Primavera Foundation and Old Pueblo Community Services (OPCS) are partners with the City of Tucson on the project, which is funded by city and council offices, local nonprofits, and private donations. The village will need the support of the local community with volunteers, meals, and monetary donations. A list of needs is found at primavera.org/star-village.
To volunteer, contact AJ O’Reilly at aoreilly@primavera.org. To give, visit https://primavera.org/give/
“This solution is a proven one that has, among positive outcomes for participants, shown decreased crime in other places. For example, in Denver, safe outdoor spaces in six neighborhoods resulted in a nearly 3% decrease in crime compared to the city, which experienced a 14% increase in crime. In addition, unsheltered individuals will have a safe space to sleep away from potential predators.”
“We are so thankful to Mayor Regina Romero, City Manager Tim Thomure, City Council, and community members for coming together to co-create and implement this solution to our affordable housing crisis,” Tallman said.
Tucson Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz championed the pilot program alongside Ward 6 council member Karin Uhlich, securing support and ensuring the initiative is grounded in best practices and is responsive to community needs. Primavera Foundation and OPCS are providing operational support.
City staff are working to finalize the site location in Ward 3 and conduct outreach to neighboring residents and businesses.
The site is planning to use the City’s Homeless Work Program and voluntary participation from STAR Village users to provide cleaning services for the site and the surrounding area.
Additional information regarding the location and how community members can support the program will be shared this fall.