Local opinion: Poverello House, Prop 414, and Ward 3

This opinion is in response to Jane Evans’ statement made in this publication on 03/28/25.

I have lived in Tucson for 20 years. I have had a four-decade social work career and currently I have been a professional photographer for two decades. I reside in the Keeling Neighborhood just 1/2 block from the day respite home, Poverello House. I am a volunteer at the home and a former member of the neighborhood association leadership team.

Poverello House is a day respite program in the Keeling Neighborhood, not a shelter, that serves up to 10 unhoused people Wednesday through Saturday with Wednesday being reserved for women. Our guests are assigned a given day; it isn’t a random walk-in facility. On their assigned day, people can take a shower, do their laundry, get food, be connected to community resources, and simply have up to eight hours to be out of the outdoor elements. Poverello House was never designated to be a placement agency although three people have been assisted in securing housing since it opened in the Keeling Neighborhood in November of 2024. Poverello House is an intermediate service addressing the much larger housing issue.

On the leadership team, I gave 1-2 monthly updates in our newsletter and at our meetings to keep the neighbors informed of what was happening at Poverello House. We provided ongoing opportunities for the neighbors to express any concerns. We invited the neighbors to tour the house. During the time that I was part of the leadership team, there wasn’t a single neighbor who issued a complaint during our meetings. We had one neighbor who sent an email asking simply for volunteers and guest to not block or park in front of her mailbox and we promptly addressed that matter.

I respectfully disagree with Ms. Evans on numerous points. Poverello House is not a waste of money and we are grateful for the support of Ward 3 and Councilman Kevin Dahl. I do believe he cares about his constituents, both the people who have means and the people who are poverty stricken.

Poverello House of Tucson was upfront with the Keeling Neighborhood Association from the start as to its intentions, purpose and mission. The complaints regarding its existence in the neighborhood has been minimal. Staff and volunteers address every concern that arises on a timely basis. By and large the neighborhood is a compassionate one that supports Poverello House being here. I know this directly because I am actively engaged with the house and the neighborhood.

To use Ms. Evans’ words, Prop 414 “went down in flames” for lots of reasons and her opinions are just that. Like her, I also voted no for Prop 414 but for different reasons. I believe that the monies dedicated to law enforcement were far disproportionate to monies dedicated to addressing the growing homeless crisis. I understand that the entire Tucson City Council was in support of Prop 414. That is the beauty of a government that works for the people: We can communicate our ideas, discuss where we disagree, and attempt to find resolution that serves the greater good. For me, I want to see more services for the marginalized as this population will only grow bigger with the direction our country is going in. I have found Councilman Dahl and the Ward 3 office receptive to listening to my and other peoples’ concerns.

The unhoused people coming into the Keeling Neighborhood and other neighborhoods isn’t because of a support service being placed there. Unhoused people have been in our neighborhood long before Poverello House opened in November of 2024. Rather, in part, it is because unhoused people are being pushed out of parks and other public spaces, away from the modest community resources that are available, and forced to seek support, shelter, food and water wherever they can. The system that creates and sustains houselessness is a much bigger matter than the existence of a day respite program such as Poverello House.

We live in era where community-building, compassion, active listening, respect and mutual aid are essential to move us collectively forward. Thank you for taking the time to read my perspective.