In response to the growing homelessness issue in South Tucson and the Southside areas, there is an ongoing dialogue shedding light on the realities of housing-related challenges and the tangible efforts being made to address them.

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

Since its establishment in 1968, La Frontera has been a vital service provider in Tucson and South Tucson. Initially focusing on behavioral health, the organization has now transitioned to a more expansive approach known as “community problem-solving.” Recognizing the intricate connection between behavioral health and homelessness, La Frontera’s Director of Housing Supportive Services, Veteran Supportive Services, and Homelessness, Guillermo Andrade, emphasized the significance of addressing behavioral health as a critical step toward securing housing.

The nonprofit employs an outreach team comprising individuals with lived experiences of homelessness. This approach helps build trust and rapport with those experiencing homelessness, making it easier to connect them with the necessary services. Andrade highlighted the challenges of bringing individuals experiencing homelessness into supportive programs, emphasizing the importance of a patient and understanding approach.

La Frontera’s Service Offerings

La Frontera provides a range of services, with a particular emphasis on housing solutions tailored for individuals with behavioral health issues. CEO Dan Ranieri outlined the nonprofit’s vision for future solutions, recognizing the barriers faced by unhoused individuals, such as lacking proper documentation. Ranieri envisioned the creation of a large transitional site dedicated to conducting assessments, connecting individuals with essential services, obtaining necessary documentation, and providing training and employment opportunities to facilitate their transition into permanent housing.

Community Investment Corporation’s Role: Inspiring Innovative Solutions

As part of the ongoing efforts to tackle homelessness, the Community Investment Corporation is contributing to the conversation through a Hackathon event. This event aims to inspire creative solutions by bringing together individuals with fresh perspectives and a passion for addressing homelessness as a societal problem. Executive Director Danny Knee emphasized the importance of engaging people with a genuine interest in finding solutions and providing them with an opportunity to connect with organizations actively involved in this critical work.

Striving for Holistic Solutions: Statistics and Progress

Homelessness statistics in Tucson and South Tucson underscore the urgency of comprehensive solutions. According to recent data, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness has increased, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts from organizations like La Frontera and the Community Investment Corporation. By addressing behavioral health, documentation challenges, and employment opportunities, these organizations aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing homelessness.

A Collaborative Path Forward

The collaboration between La Frontera and the Community Investment Corporation signifies a collective commitment to addressing homelessness comprehensively. Through a combination of behavioral health support, innovative solutions, and community engagement, these organizations are working towards a future where homelessness is not just a crisis but a societal challenge met with empathy, understanding, and effective solutions.