Angel Charity for Children is kicking off its 30th year of fundraising in Tucson with a $613,754 gift to Our Family to help build a new 20-bed emergency shelter for homeless children ages 12-17. When completed, the new Reunion House will be able to house more than 400 young people each year.

 

The entire project is expected to cost just over $1 million.

 

"The need for shelter beds in Tucson is critical," said Our Family Executive Director Sue Krahe. "We are thrilled Angel Charity has chosen to help us build the safe home our community's youth need when they have nowhere else to go."

  

Since 1988, Our Family has operated Reunion House for homeless and runaway youth, including children in the care of Child Protective Services. Most children come to Reunion House with little but the clothes they are wearing. Our Family gives them clothing and necessities, enrolls them in school and reunifies them with their families whenever possible. Our staff provide a safe, welcoming home until a permanent placement is arranged, with stays averaging five weeks.

 

Arizona's systems are overwhelmed with record numbers of abandoned, neglected and runaway children. In July 2011, there were 2,000 more children in CPS custody than there were beds in Arizona. In Tucson, Our Family is the only agency contracted by the state for crisis shelter for children 12-17, and we have just nine beds. As a result, our community's children are being sent to other parts of the state, and even out of Arizona.

 

The new 5,460-square-foot shelter, designed by Poster Frost Mirto with input of staff and the children we serve, will have 10 bedrooms (each with its own sinks) and four separate shower and toilet facilities. With a commercial kitchen and pantry, separate laundry room, private counseling and meeting rooms, and a great room with distinct dining, computer and recreation areas, the new shelter will increase our capacity to provide a safe and homelike atmosphere for the young people in our care.

 

Services at Reunion House will continue as always while the new shelter is being built.

 

Angel Charity is an all-volunteer, nonprofit fundraising organization that supports local nonprofits. Since 1983, it has raised more than $21 million for children's agencies in Pima County. The group's other 2012 beneficiary is Tucson Nursery Schools.

 

"We are so pleased to support each of these worthwhile organizations," said Amanda Saffer, Angel Charity's 2012 General Chairman. "The effort to support children is rewarding and valuable for the positive difference it makes in their futures and the improvement to the whole community as a result."

 

Our Family is honored and excited to be working with Angel Charity to build a new shelter. You can help this project by supporting Angel Charity's various fundraising activities and events. Click here for more information.