TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — "You think you're going to be down because you're in a place that's not your home," said Faye Renee Ronez-Almeda.
Ronez-Almeda said that wasn't the case for her when she moved into the Salvation Army Hospitality House. After living in her car for nearly a year, she moved in and never looked back.
"If I was still out on the streets, I wouldn't have any of this," said Ronez-Almeda.
Starting January 1, 2021, The Salvation Army is expanding across Tucson to help more people.
"Because of COVID-19, we have a lot more people out on the streets. We need to provide a safe place for people to come that is warm," said Salvation Army Program Lead, Steven Adams.
The Salvation Army will run a new program out of the South Corps Community Center (1625 S 3rd Ave). Inside the building, staff have set up 45 cots for men and 25 cots for women. The center will open every night, regardless of temperature, from January 1, 2021-March 15, 2021.
"We do intake from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Any police agency can bring anybody in throughout the evening," said Adams.
The Salvation Army calls it their "Winter Warming Shelter." The program is funded by the City of Tucson. $100,000 went towards additional staff, cots, meals, transportation and hygiene products.
"I think it's great for people who are out in the cold. They get to come in and have a meal. It's good. I'm just so happy that they're doing it," said Ronez-Almeda.