This year, Tucson Homeless Connect became more than a valuable resource for homeless people. With the addition of Pima Animal Care Center and P.A.W.S., it became a place of healing for their animal companions, too.
On Friday, more than 200 homeless people turned out for the biannual event, organized by the Tucson Planning Council for the Homeless. There, they had access to medical care, shelter and employment opportunities, supplies and, for the first time, veterinary care.
Jesse Desens, who has been homeless for three years, walked away with a new harness and leash for his dog, Luna. Kim Boehler, who spent the last four months at the Salvation Army shelter, received care for her 8-year-old Chihuahua, Pooka Lou.
"She is my baby. I wouldn't be able to live without her," Boehler said as she watched veterinarian Geren Thurston of P.A.W.S. examine her pup.
People are also reading…
P.A.W.S., which stands for Partners in Animal Welfare Services, and the Pima Animal Care Center joined a lineup of more than 30 service providers offering everything from haircuts to bus passes. Held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd., the event is part of the council's plan to end homelessness.
Last month, a street count conducted by the organization reported 1,561 people living on the streets of Tucson, a 14 percent increase from 2009. Officials at local homeless organizations also have reported an increase in clientele as the recession continues.
Don Blascak, chairman of Tucson Homeless Connect, said the goal of the one-stop shop is to help members of the growing homeless population get on track to permanent shelter.
"What we try to do is take people from chronic homelessness and get them on the road to recovery," he said.
Through the event, attendees were able to get state identification cards from the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles, which Blascak said is the first step toward obtaining shelter.
Members of P.A.W.S. and Pima Animal Care saw at least 15 animals, including two cats. Thurston said they hope to see greater numbers at the next Tucson Homeless Connect event, which will be held in July.
Bethany Conway is a University of Arizona journalism student who is apprenticing at the Star. Contact her at 573-4198 or at starapprentice@azstarnet.com
