For the past 10 years, the Salvation Army Tucson Hospitality House has served the community’s most vulnerable individuals. With over 100 beds, the house has offered emergency shelter and medical assistance to men and women during their most challenging times. The facility is primarily funded through public donations, as well as corporate contributions, government grants, and special fundraising events.
This week, the Salvation Army Tucson is opening Hospitality House’s doors to the community during the Decade of Hope carnival-themed open house on Saturday, April 5.
The event will feature inflatables, games, music and food. Furthermore, it will host facility tours, giving people a behind-the-scenes look at all that Hospitality House offers at this location. Reservations can be made by contacting volunteer coordinator Kristin Ohman at 520-448-3997 or kristin.ohman@usw.salvationarmy.org.
“We are funded by donations that people give us, so we use that money to help the homeless, help the struggling families that just can't even make their rent,” said Kelli Beasley, Salvation Army community engagement manager.
“We do all kinds of services, and we just want to say thank you to the community for what they do for us, and we want them to see what we do.”
The Salvation Army Tucson Hospitality House offers 21-day short-term emergency shelter and four-month transitional service. That includes employment services, health, and medical assistance, access to support groups, and life skills guidance. Annually, the Salvation Army Tucson provides over 50,000 meals and helps at least 23,000 people through efforts such as afterschool programs, rehabilitation programs, summer camps and food distributions.
“For a decade, The Salvation Army Tucson has been a beacon of hope for individuals and families in need at the Main and Speedway location,” said Maj. Andres Espinoza, the Salvation Army Tucson city coordinator, in a statement.
“This celebration is not just about looking back on what we’ve accomplished, but also about embracing the future with renewed commitment to serve our community.”
Decade of Hope will have 14 themed booths, each showcasing the Salvation Army’s local programs and services.
Patrons can speak with Salvation Army officers, who are ordained ministers.
“Some of them have been in the (Salvation) Army for 25, 30 or 35 years, and they have seen so much. Just hearing their stories, I think people will just they're going to really enjoy that,” Beasley said.
Decade of Hope
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5
WHERE: The Salvation Army Tucson Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Avenue, Tucson
PRICE: Free
INFO: salvationarmytucson.org
