Tucson Standard

People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Tucson can access a new resource telephone line where they can receive information on services and shelters.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and the Council directed the Department of Housing and Community Development to expand the city’s 24/7 resource telephone line (520) 791-2540 to include housing services, the city’s NewsNet said.

“The service, which expanded June 1, provides information on how to access resources and assistance for those who are experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness,” NewsNet said.

The line also will provide information on other services. Calls can take place in English or Spanish.

“It’s just another layer to the multilayer approach that the city has taken regarding unsheltered individuals,” Ernesto Portillo, a spokesman for the Housing Department, told the Tucson Sentinel. 

Liz Morales, director of Housing and Community Development, said on the City of Tucson’s website that housing is the solution to homelessness. 

“Our community now can access resources and assistance for those who may be facing homelessness or currently without a roof over their head," Morales said in a release, according to the Tucson Sentinel. "We are a community that cares for one another, and this resource line is a reflection of that community care.”

Brandi Champion, the city’s Housing First program director said, outlined benefits of the resource telephone line, according to KGUN9. 

“So maybe somebody's family member is homeless or is going to be evicted or what have you so they can call this phone line and get some information on who to call,” Champion told KGUN9. “Someone to be referred to that can assist that person further to find housing resources or to be assessed for housing, shelter, services, or in their domestic violence, all of that type of stuff.”

Champion told KGUN9 that people in need should call (520) 791-2540 to “ask for the resource they're looking for.”

“And you know, ask for the resource. If they don't have it immediately available to them, then they'll escalate that call to somebody that can contact the person and give them the correct information,” Champion told KGUN9.