Thousands of Arizonans are experiencing homelessness, and many are children and young adults. One organization in Tucson is working to help kids on the street.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Thousands of Arizonans are experiencing homelessness, and many are children and young adults.“I’ve been on my own for a long time… I took care of my mom for years and years. And when she passed, my family had to split and find places to live,” said Mercedez Marquez, who tells KGUN she’s been homeless “over 10 times” in her life.
Kim Sisson is the executive director of the ‘Stand Up’ Tucson chapter, which dropped to only 5 volunteers during the pandemic. Now, there’s nearly 30 of them. “They’re hard to find,” said Sisson. “They don’t want to be found. They haven’t been treated very well. We’re patient. We just keep showing up. We stay consistent and, if we can help, we will help.Marquez believes other forms of outreach are too focused on getting information through questions about sensitive topics, like trauma or family issues.
“Food, clothes, socks, even a bike and a tent,” said Marquez. “I think that receiving something while experiencing homelessness gives me like an inch of dignity back.”It has food, clothes and other essentials along with spaces for music, art and talking with a mentor.
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