Pima County reports early results for 1 Pima homelessness initiative, SAFER sobering pilot shows short stays

Pima County’s Office of Housing Opportunities and Homeless Solutions presented the first of two required progress reports on the 1 Pima initiative on Feb. 4, covering five strategic priorities including encampment cleanup, public‑health access, treatment and diversion expansion, housing stabilization, and neighborhood support.

Staff reported 27 cleanup sites to date with 54 tons of debris collected at a running cost exceeding $89,000 and discussed finalizing wayfinding and signage for the Chuck Huckleberry Loop. The presentation highlighted the SAFER Center, a voluntary low‑barrier sobering alternative operated in partnership with Community Bridges Incorporated (CBI). Early operational data indicate the average stay in the SAFER Center has been roughly 26 hours; most participants do not remain for the full four‑day (96‑hour) maximum. Staff cautioned it is early to judge long‑term efficacy and said they are still iterating program design, accountability metrics and options for transitions to housing or treatment (including coordination with Desert Cove and other partners).

Board members asked for clearer, public‑facing data and faster timelines for staffing the transition center; administration estimated hiring for additional positions could take four to six weeks with a potentially early‑April earliest operational date. Staff also described plans for a regional dashboard that would show shelter availability and cleanup metrics in near‑real time. The board encouraged low‑barrier shelter standards (allowing pets, storage) and requested additional coordination with TPCH and community providers on outreach to shelter‑resistant populations.

Next steps: staff will refine data collection and accountability metrics for SAFER, finalize the regional dashboard target (aiming for a March 1 soft launch or placeholders), continue outreach to shelter providers and report back in April with a second progress update.