Old Pueblo Community Services

Supportive Housing Program: This initiative provides long-term supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, removing barriers related to pets, partners, and active addictions. Once housed, clients access healthcare, case management, support groups, and other resources to increase independence and decrease service needs over time. Last fiscal year, the program managed over 500 scattered-site units and expanded to include referrals through AHCCCS to address serious mental illness. Casa Amparo and Casa del Pueblo Shelter: This year, OPCS launched its first low-barrier congregate shelter for men and women, along with a low-barrier shelter for families. Combined, these facilities can serve up to 58 individuals and offer case management, housing navigation, employment coaching, outpatient behavioral health services, food, and transportation.Homeless Work Program: Initiated in December 2016, this program aims to employ individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and connect them with housing, health services, job training, and permanent employment. The program includes casual daily labor with cash compensation for work performed by homeless individuals, both sheltered and unsheltered. To date, over 1,500 participants have collectively removed more than 900,000 pounds of waste and cleaned more than 500 sites and 600 miles of roadway. OPCS Home Fund: This fund covers occupancy costs for clients who do not qualify for government-funded programs until they attain income. It also covers rental application fees, deposits for Section 8 housing, and urgent needs that prevent housing or employment. In the past year, nearly 300 households were assisted. The fund is supported by community grants and donations via the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.Outreach: OPCS provides outreach services to individuals living unsheltered, delivering case management and assistance moving into housing. In the reporting year, 198 people enrolled in the formal outreach program, receiving support toward stable housing. The newly formed QT outreach team, funded by a contract with QT, monitors and supports homeless individuals near QT stores. This represents the first outreach effort fully funded by a local business, with goals of assisting vulnerable populations and enhancing safety and commerce in these areas.