Tempe has the second highest rate of homelessness in Arizona and the programs provided by Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) are vital to the community’s safety net. They operate programs that benefit more than 30,000 East Valley adults and children annually.

“I cannot express the gratitude to all the donors who have given generously to help me and so many others. You helped get me off the streets and into a home. Thank you for being there for me when others were not.” – Sharon, I-HELP Alumni

TCAA operates programs that offer safety, resources, and a pathway back to housing permanency for men and women who are unsheltered in Tempe. Because TCAA is addressing the alarming increase in homelessness in Tempe with compassion, expertise, and innovative programming, we are honored to partner with them to achieve our MC2026 goals, our new five-year strategy to create lasting change by 2026.

As a part of MC2026 initiatives to reduce homelessness by 50% by 2026, United Way is partnering with TCAA on its I-HELP Shelter and Oasis Drop-In Center programs.

I-HELP Shelter

I-HELP offers immediate safety and utilizes community assets and volunteers to provide an array of supportive services to prepare men and women for entry into and retention of a lasting home.

Services:
- Overnight sleeping space at local houses of worship and daily meals prepared by volunteers
- Standardized assessments
- Individualized service plans for overcoming homelessness
- Help with securing ID documents
- Education, enrollment, and advocacy for public benefits such as SNAP, Veterans' benefits, SSI/SSDI, and AHCCCS
- Linkages to primary and behavioral health care
- Assistance with securing employment
- Housing and resource navigation
- Laundry and shower amenities
- Rapid Rehousing

Oasis Drop-In Center

The Oasis Drop-In Center was launched during COVID-19 to provide unsheltered individuals with a safe refuge from the street and remains a permanent program with extensive services to address barriers to overcoming homelessness.

Resources available:
- Heat Relief
- Computer and phone stations
- Mail access
- Emergency food bags and water
- Medical care
- Financial coaching
- On-site washer and dryer
- AHCCCS, SNAP, and Veteran’s Benefits Enrollment
- Identification documents
- Employment assistance
- I-HELP Shelter intake
- Community Meeting Room

These programs share a common purpose: to ensure that homelessness is rare, and ultimately a preventable circumstance. Participants report improved health and well-being, greater financial security, and confidence in their realistic plan to overcome homelessness. Thanks to your support of MC2026, we can create mighty change that builds a bridge between homeless and housed.

I-HELP Office and Oasis Drop-In Center
1880 E. Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281

Contact
480.590.5514 Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 3 PM

Learn more
www.tempeaction.org

Volunteer
debrab@tempeaction.org