Tucson and South Tucson have recently witnessed a surge in homelessness, particularly in the Southside areas. This rise in homelessness has spurred ongoing discussions about housing-related challenges and the tangible efforts being made to address them.

La Frontera’s Evolution: From Behavioral Health to Community Problem-Solving

La Frontera, a longstanding nonprofit organization, has been serving the Tucson and South Tucson communities since 1968. Initially focusing on behavioral health, the organization has broadened its approach to encompass a more extensive framework of “community problem-solving.” Recognizing the profound impact of behavioral health issues on housing accessibility, La Frontera has prioritized addressing these challenges.

The organization’s outreach team, comprised of individuals with lived experience, actively engages with the homeless community to establish rapport and build trust. Guillermo Andrade, the Director of Housing Supportive Services, Veteran Supportive Services, and Homelessness, highlights the difficulty in bringing individuals experiencing homelessness into supportive programs. La Frontera’s multifaceted services include housing tailored specifically for people with behavioral issues.

Vision for Future Solutions

CEO Dan Ranieri emphasizes La Frontera’s visionary approach to tackling homelessness. Recognizing the obstacles faced by unhoused individuals, such as the lack of proper documentation, Ranieri envisions a transitional site with a comprehensive assessment process. This envisioned site aims to connect individuals with necessary services, assist in obtaining documentation, provide employment training, and ultimately transition them into permanent housing.

Community Investment Corporation’s Role: A Hackathon for Innovative Solutions

In tandem with La Frontera’s efforts, the Community Investment Corporation is actively contributing to the dialogue surrounding homelessness. They are organizing a Hackathon event to encourage the generation of innovative solutions. The event aims to leverage the perspectives of individuals with fresh eyes and a passion for addressing homelessness. Executive Director Danny Knee emphasizes the importance of connecting participants with organizations already engaged in this crucial work.

Exploring Collaborative Solutions

The collaboration between La Frontera and the Community Investment Corporation showcases a collective commitment to finding comprehensive solutions for homelessness in Tucson. By combining established strategies with innovative thinking, these organizations aim to address not only the immediate housing crisis but also the root causes contributing to homelessness.

A Unified Effort Towards Sustainable Change

In conclusion, the increasing homelessness in Tucson demands a unified effort from both established nonprofits like La Frontera and proactive entities like the Community Investment Corporation. By fostering collaboration, envisioning future solutions, and actively involving the community in problem-solving, these organizations are working towards sustainable change in addressing homelessness and its underlying complexities.