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Tucson highlights homeless work program, reports thousands helped and operational coordination on opioid response
Summary
Old Pueblo Community Services and city staff reported the Homeless Work Program’s eighth anniversary, FY2024 outputs (1,200+ participants, 322 sites cleaned, 446,000 pounds of trash) and expanded partnerships; police reported 513 deflections and about 4,300 arrests year‑to‑date and ongoing coordination with county partners on booking and medical‑clearance processes.
City staff and community partners updated the mayor and council on Nov. 19 about coordinated efforts to support people experiencing homelessness, the city’s opioid‑response work, and the Homeless Work Program.
Assistant City Manager Liz Morales said the Homeless Work Program, operated in partnership with Old Pueblo Community Services (OPCS), reached its eighth anniversary and has provided temporary work opportunities and employment assistance to more than 3,000 Tucsonans since 2016. In fiscal year 2024 the program assisted over 1,200 participants, cleaned 322 sites and removed more than 446,000 pounds of trash. Program crews include seven participants per crew; participants are paid $15 an hour and receive lunch and transportation.
OPCS CEO Tom Litwicky described how the program provides low‑barrier employment and helps participants rebuild income and stability. He said OPCS hopes to expand crews if additional grant funding is secured and noted a new veteran transitional housing center scheduled to open in July 2025.
Chief Chad Casimir described cross‑agency work on the opioid response and on booking processes with county partners, noting unfair liability and delays when medical clearances constrain bookings. He reported year‑to‑date results that include 513 deflections (officers diverting people to treatment instead of arrest) and roughly 4,300 arrests — nearly 5,000 contacts combined — and said staff are preparing administrative changes to reduce booking delays.
Councilmembers thanked OPCS and staff, encouraged learning from other cities’ safe outdoor space models, and asked for future updates on the opioid settlement task force and the upcoming gap analysis to coordinate services across agencies.
