Old Pueblo Community Services Takes Over STAR Village

The Tucson homeless shelter enters its second year after completing a successful one-year pilot program.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration of uniform modular housing units in a grid, representing city transitional housing policy in Tucson. — Old Pueblo Community Services has begun operations at Tucson's STAR Village, a transitional housing site entering its second year of service. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Old Pueblo Community Services has assumed primary operations of the STAR Village homeless encampment on Grant Road. The transition marks the official start of the site's second year of operation following a one-year pilot phase.

Why it matters

The site provides essential housing navigation and support services for Tucson women and nonbinary individuals facing homelessness. Its continued operation and potential expansion reflect the city's broader efforts to address a housing emergency declared in 2026.

The city has allocated $285,371 for the site in the 2027 fiscal year, supplementing $300,000 in previous council contributions. The site maintains a capacity of 25 people and saw a nearly 10 percent drop in local crime within a one-mile radius.

The players

Old Pueblo Community Services

This nonprofit organization provides comprehensive support services including case management, housing navigation, and job-placement programs for vulnerable populations.

Primavera

This local organization partnered with other entities to contribute $150,000 in funding to support the development and operation of the shelter site.

The details

The facility at 244 E. Grant Rd. offers case management, health resources, and job-placement programs for up to 25 residents at a time. The program utilizes a good neighbor agreement to facilitate communication between residents and nearby business owners.

The STAR Village facility opened on Grant Road in October 2025.
The city declared a housing and homeless emergency in February 2026.
The budget for the 2027 fiscal year was approved during the summer of 2026.
The site officially entered its second year of operation in October 2026.

Political Context

This transition aligns with the city's ongoing response to the housing and homeless emergency declaration issued in February 2026. While the project has gained city support, opposition groups often cite concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of non-congregate shelter models in urban zoning.

Residents and local business owners near Grant Road can expect the site to continue under a good neighbor agreement that allows for the reporting of local issues. The city is also considering zoning changes that could facilitate the development of similar shelter models throughout the area.

The takeaway

The successful transition to a second year demonstrates the potential of collaborative funding between city council budgets and nonprofit partners. Residents should monitor city council sessions for upcoming zoning discussions that could reshape how homelessness services are distributed across the city.