Published on July 08, 2025
In June, the City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development Department responded quickly and collaboratively to an urgent need. When the federal government initially announced the closure of Job Corps, it put many young people at the Fred G. Acosta Job Center at risk of homelessness. HCD Staff from the Housing First, Public Housing, and the Continuum of Care teams came together to take immediate action. 12 Job Corps youth were provided stable housing by the City of Tucson, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can help prevent homelessness. HCD staff welcomed Job Corps youth while they moved into their furnished one-bedroom apartments, stocked with amenities needed as they settled in. One two-bedroom apartment was ready for a mom and her young child.
“The latest TPCH data shows that City of Tucson investments serving youth who are experiencing homelessness are working. It has decreased by 32% over the last three years. This data reflects what we have known all along: that bringing people into shelter creates stability,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
This small but meaningful win comes amid encouraging signs: youth (ages 18–24) homelessness in Pima County has dropped by 32% since 2022, according to the 2025 Point-in-Time Count data released this week. These outcomes suggest local strategies are making a difference. However, the need remains urgent. Currently, approximately 240 youth are still waiting for housing through the coordinated entry system, highlighting the critical need for more affordable housing options in our region.