Allen Crawford
The Sr. Jose Women’s Center of Tucson (srjosewomensshelter.org), 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is currently in the process of acquiring new, larger property to better serve the homeless women in the area. To complete the sale and furnish it, an additional $500,000 will need to be raised. To support this effort, churches in the northwest area, including many Saddlebrooke residents, are sponsoring a special fundraising event at the Westward Look Resort on Sunday, January 31. The event begins with a reception from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with lunch to follow. A silent auction will be held throughout the luncheon with many interesting items for the attendees to bid on.
Sr. Jose Women’s Center currently provides services for 35-40 homeless during their daily program and for 10-12 overnight guests during the coldest winter nights in their leased property of 700 square feet. The guests range in age from 18-82 with the average age in the late 40s through the 60s. Their new, larger building will enable the Center to triple the number of homeless women served.
The Center provides a unique service where the homeless women come to have a sense of community and have the opportunity to participate in a safe and caring environment. This environment affords the guests a chance to begin to regain their dignity and their sense of self-worth. Eventually, many of the women are able to return to a more normal and productive life and get out of the tragedy of a homeless existence.
Supporting Sr. Jose are an incredible group of volunteers from all faith communities and walks of life that welcome the guests and help them receive the services they need. Over the past several years, numerous Saddlebrooke residents have volunteered at the Center and have also provided used clothing/toiletries for distribution to the homeless women of Sr. Jose’s each month. We look forward to having many Saddlebrooke residents join us at our luncheon on January 31 to learn more about the unique services provided by Sr. Jose Homeless Women’s Center. Tickets are available for $50 each (table of 8 for $400) or if you are able to donate an item for auction, please call Sr. Jean Mariani at Santa Catalina Catholic Church at 825-9611.