Tempe city leaders launched an emergency resource fair on Monday at University Presbyterian Church, near Alameda Drive and College Avenue, to help families who have lost their homes find lasting solutions. The event, open to anyone experiencing homelessness, brought together a coalition of nonprofit agencies, faith‑based volunteers and city staff to provide direct access to housing case managers, free school meals, enrollment assistance, health coverage, career counseling and job placement.
Local families share their struggles
Among the attendees was Angelica Reyes, a mother of two who recently was forced to leave a hotel after a Valley nonprofit, AZHugs, could no longer cover the room costs. “I don’t want this for my kids. I feel like a failure almost,” Reyes said, tears in her voice. “But I’m pushing through. I have to get through for myself and my kids.” Her story underscores the growing pressure on families who migrate to Tempe and neighboring Mesa seeking affordable shelter.
City officials cite federal cuts and rising costs
Tempe Councilmember Bobby Nichols warned that “the cumulative effect of federal cuts to programs for affordable housing and SNAP and skyrocketing costs for housing and groceries is crushing our communities.” He praised the volunteers and service providers who helped organize the fair, adding that the city remains hopeful that coordinated effort will “make a real difference in the lives of these families.”
Community partners on the ground
Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), a 60‑year‑old nonprofit that offers a range of assistance to those in need, staffed a booth to connect families with emergency housing, food assistance and employment resources. “Throwing our arms around our community in its time of need is exactly why TCAA was founded 60 years ago and why we continue to persist today,” said Phillip Scharf, TCAA CEO.
Councilmember Brooke St. George calls for broader support
Councilmember St. George highlighted additional pressures: “Cuts to federal safety nets, AI taking over jobs, stagnant wages and soaring prices—especially housing—are pushing more families out of their homes.” She expressed optimism that the recent election results give the city leverage to work with state and federal leaders to secure needed funding for qualified organizations.
What families can expect at the fair
- One‑on‑one meetings with housing case managers to explore rapid‑re‑housing options.
- Assistance with school enrollment and free lunch program registration for children.
- Guidance on obtaining Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) coverage.
- Career counseling and job placement services from local employers.
- Information on additional welfare programs and community resources.
The fair opened at 9 a.m. and remained open throughout the morning, allowing families to receive immediate referrals and begin the process of securing stable housing. City staff emphasized that this event is part of a broader, faith‑and‑family‑centered approach to address homelessness, reinforcing Tempe’s commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.
Looking ahead
Officials said the resource fair is a pilot that could be replicated in other neighborhoods if demand remains high. They urged residents to volunteer, donate or partner with local nonprofits to sustain the momentum. As Tempe continues to grapple with the fallout from federal program reductions, the city’s collaborative response aims to uphold the values of family, faith and individual liberty that define the community.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
