SAFFORD — The Gila Valley is getting closer to an accurate count of how many people are experiencing homelessness.
Sue Ciacimino, executive director for Gila Valley Samaritan Home, said the point-in-time count in late January showed 304 unhoused in Graham and Greenlee counties, and that number is likely low.
“It’s hard to get everybody in the same place, because a lot of these people are spread out. Maybe they’re living in a camper by the river, maybe they’re living in a tent under a tree somewhere,” she said.
She added that doing outreach in Greenlee County and on the San Carlos Apache Reservation every month has helped identify more people dealing with homelessness, and getting them the help they need.
In 2023, the count showed one unhoused person, in 2024 that number climbed to 54 and 79 in 2025.
“It shows the Department of Housing where the issues are, so that they can funnel more resources in,” Ciacimino said. “If there are no numbers there, then why would they? So it really helps with the resources that come to our Valley.”
In addition to providing meals, showers and laundry services, Samaritan Home serves as clearing house for ways to can help people come off the street, including obtaining physical and mental health care, identification, veterans services, addiction services and more.
To help fund the mission, Gila Valley Samaritan Home is hosting a Mardi Gras fund-raiser at the Ag Building on Graham County Fairgounds.
The event will feature a Cajun dinner, music and dancing, plus a silent auction. Cost per person is $50 in advance, $60 at the door.
