City of Tempe, AZ

04/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/06/2024 12:40

Warm welcome, hot meal for Tempe shelter residents

April 6, 2024

Tempe, AZ - On a recent night, residents at the city's Sue's Espacio shelter for those experiencing homelessness received a very warm welcome and delicious hot meal prepared by volunteers with Loaves and Fishes, a dedicated grassroots group.

The volunteers provided a hearty dinner of stew, mac and cheese and salad, plus plenty of treats and to-go snacks. Through their generosity, nearly 40 residents received a home-cooked meal. Their kindness was on full display: volunteers took great care to share a smile and friendly greeting as they served dinner, making sure that no one went hungry that night.

And they took extra steps to serve the nine children staying at the shelter with their families, offering treats, art supplies and books. Some of the children appeared shy, staying close to a mother's side. Others seemed excited to select a book or pick out a donut.

No matter their age, whether toddler in a stroller or older resident using a walker, the residents were surrounded by caring and compassion.

The night marked a new partnership between Loaves and Fishes and the City of Tempe to provide a meal at the city-owned shelter. For the volunteers, it was also a different way to be of service after decades of providing meals in a city park.

"We're church goers who feel this is an important part of our lives," said Patt Mitchell, who along with her husband Gary organized the meal at the shelter. "We feel it is important to share what we have been given."

The night served as an important reminder that the city's investments in housing and resources and commitment to community partnerships change lives every day, said Tim Burch, Community Health and Human Services Director.

"Sue's Espacio provides a safe haven for individuals and families while they work with case managers to secure more permanent housing and connect to resources such employment through our Tempe Works program," Burch said. "In the past two years, our HOPE team has been able to safely shelter nearly 950 people between our Sue's Espacio and partner shelters."