Monica Garcia – KVOA Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – In our ongoing Searching 4 Solutions series, News 4 Tucson focuses on tackling the unsheltered crisis, a visible challenge in our community. We are committed to shedding light on the ongoing efforts and the work that remains to address this pressing issue.
This month, we joined a coalition of outreach workers who bring essential care and compassion to people living in encampments, parks, and other areas frequented by the unsheltered. The El Rio Health mobile outreach team visits these locations several times a week.
“It’s early morning in the heart of Tucson,” Monica said while reporting from Swan Park. The team arrives prepared with snack kits, bottled water, and, most importantly, compassion.
“I cut myself a few days ago and I would appreciate it if you could help,” said one individual at the park. Celia Lozano, a nurse practitioner, provides wound care and shares her perspective on the crisis.
“A lot of times they’re just blown off, they are not taken care of,” Lozano said. “There’s this whole idea that people are homeless because they want to be or because they made poor choices. That’s not the case. More and more we are seeing younger people and a lot of elderly people who just can’t keep up with inflation.”
For many without a roof over their heads, it’s their first opportunity in weeks or even months for a check-up.
Read more at KVOA.com
