SAFFORD — During a work session last week, the Safford City Council directed staff to continue working with the Ministerial Association, as well as Graham County and the towns of Pima and Thatcher, on development of a respite facility for those on the street.
“We’re calling (it) the Gila Valley Samaritan House, that would provide a place for homeless and transient persons to find relief from the elements,” said City Manager John Cassella. “This is not a homeless shelter; it would not allow for overnight stays.”
Cassella informed the council that talks have been taking place since fall 2021, and a location has been selected — 114 W. 5th St. in Safford.
Graham County is contributing $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for renovations of the existing building, including installation of an 8-foot fence, and the City of Safford would provide utilities and in-kind services. Talks are underway with Thatcher and Pima to contributing funds that could be used for regular operations and maintenance, and the Ministerial Association would provide staffing for the facility.
The facility would provide a place for those on the street to get out of the heat, clod or rain, as well as provide a secure place they could wash as well as wash clothing.
Vaughn Grant, with the Ministerial Association, said his organization just wants to help as many people as possible.
“Our only goal is to . . . I guess, provide some mercy and some care,” he said. “We all know that the majority of individuals that we’re talking about — you would call homeless or things along those lines — 80 percent of them are there by choice, and you aren’t going to change their choice on it. But you can provide some humanitarian service and some charity, and improve their lives a little bit from what they chose.”
To help, he said that the facility could also serve as a clearing house for information on services available to those on the street, such as state aid and veterans’ benefits.
Linda Lopez, with St. Vincent de Paul Society, said her agency’s food bank has served 8,034 people through July of this year, and St. Vincent will be starting a clinic to serve the homeless and low-income residents starting Sept. 28.
Graham County Supervisor Paul David said he hopes the county’s contribution will help mitigate concerns of neighboring business and property owners over security.
“I would just acknowledge that Graham County (and) Safford is a wonderful place because of the people; they really do care and there’s a lot of love,” David said.
