OPCS Old Pueblo Community Services

OPCS (Old Pueblo Community Services) is a Tucson-based nonprofit organization serving the local community since 1996. Our mission is to end homelessness in Pima County. We do this by providing housing first with support services, and by fostering community empathy for people who experience homelessness. We serve over 2,500 people per year including youth, families, veterans, individuals struggling with mental illness and addictions, and those returning to our community post-incarceration. In addition, we operate 10 transitional housing and shelter facilities and oversee 500+ scattered-site housing units as part of our Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

OPCS follows an evidence-based Housing First approach, which means that we house people directly from the streets, providing people with immediate access to housing with no housing ‘readiness’ or compliance requirements. By providing housing stability first, individuals can then begin working on their underlying issues around mental health, addiction, medical care, income, and education to help them integrate back into our community. Housing First does not mean "housing only" — OPCS provides a myriad of support services to help clients succeed. Support services include case management, housing navigation, recovery support, counseling, employment coaching, life skills, and peer support, to name a few. 

Since the implementation of Housing First 7 years ago, OPCS has helped over 4,000 people move out of homelessness and into a home of their own. Over 80% have remained housed, breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness.

OPCS recently opened the Center for Housing First (CHF), a hub for support services and the distribution of food, furnishings, and other household items. The CHF will allow OPCS to serve 40% more households and will create new employment and volunteer opportunities in the community. It will also include a collaborative space for community organizations to learn about the Housing First model and coordinate efforts to end homelessness in Tucson.

Our Impact in 2024:

• 2,659 clients served
• 45,515 shelter bed nights
• 26,355 support service hours provided
• 360 clients moved into permanent housing

Testimonials

"OPCS made me feel safe and stable again. I don't know where I would be or what I'd be doing right now if it wasn't for this program.” (Angelita Gallardo, former client)

"OPCS is the true definition of hope. They helped me restore my faith and my dreams."  (Ronnesia, former client)

“When my OPCS case manager told me I was approved for housing, I was so excited I literally yelled at work and I started to cry because I didn’t think I could do it.”  (Dakota Armstrong, former client)

"I don't know where I'd be without OPCS …. They laid the foundation for me to be where I am today." (Phillip Bernard, former client)

"OPCS saw our family was in need and they opened the door for us and immediately got us into this two-bedroom apartment shelter. They helped us with clothes, food, essentials, and all kinds of stuff. They've just been a real blessing in our lives." (Luciano Ortiz, former client)

"OPCS stepped up and helped me in a lot of ways. I wouldn't be here right now without their help. I am so very grateful. They are a blessing to a lot of people." (Janet Scheckel, client)

"Being sober and homeless is very difficult. I was near my breaking point, but OPCS kept me from breaking. They did remarkable things for me from day one." (Tom Baker, client)

"OPCS has led in the unbelievable effort to think outside of the box to end homelessness. If we approach this in a smart and unified way, we can accomplish that goal." (Regina Romero, Mayor of Tucson)