When parents seeking backpacks for kids at the public housing high-rise came up empty from its supply of donations, a student worker rallied the community.
Caitlin Schmidt There are more than 400 residents at Tucson House, the city's largest public housing community, but only 20 are school-aged.
These days, kids and teens are no longer an afterthought at Tucson House, but instead a celebrated part of the community, with plans to create a space just for them, as well as programs and activities to amplify their voices. But when parents started coming in seeking back-to-school supplies, Peralta got her chance. She asked Denise Lopez, who oversees operations at Tucson House, where she could find supplies.
"A girl that does eyelashes and has another business had a box full of supplies for me, and I got connected to someone from Pima County," Peralta said. As an unexpected bonus, Peralta continued to receive calls from people wanting to donate, even after the drive was over and school had started. Lopez now keeps a supply of school products and other items for young residents in her office, ready for any youth who comes her way.
The grant-funded program is in its last year, and pays for student employees to spend two to three days a week embedded in an office at Tucson House. Students in the UA's Department of Family and Community Medicine handle physical health assessments, while ASU students cover social service and mental health needs, said program coordinator Bob Purvis.
"That was how they say how we might fill this gap," Purvis said."And to be impactful at Tucson House. You're not going to find a more impactful place. We're bringing things on site and eliminating obstacles to service like transportation and lack of mobility." 'You never know what people go without'Tucson House was acquired by the city in 1979 and converted to public housing for the elderly and people with physical and medical challenges.
"You really have to lean in sometimes and you kind of have to prove yourself and earn that trust to be able to have that conversation," Lopez said. While students were happy with all they received, Lopez said there was a touch of embarrassment, since they were aware of the charity behind the effort.
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