Whether you agree with Maslow’s Pyramid of Needs or not, our physiological needs are at the bottom level of the pyramid. This means, these are the most important things every person should have to even begin to help form their behavior. They are breathing, food, water, shelter, clothing and sleep. Think about it: breathing is mandatory, and food, and water. Clothing is a must and so is sleep … and the best place to get it is in a safe and secure shelter … most of us call home.

Today and the following two posts, I wish to share three Tucson, Arizona programs addressing the housing crisis for different populations of people. We know there is a housing crisis in the USA, but what are we doing about it? My energy and interest is in programs being collaborative in their efforts since one approach will not solve the housing situation for all. Housing is needed for youth aging out of foster care, and homeless individuals, and people wanting their first home. Each program is helping in a small way. Here’s the first of three Tucson, Arizona housing programs:

Housing for Youth: I Am Somebody

Recently I participated in building a raised garden bed for a program http://IAmYou360.org

known also as, “I Am Somebody”. Our volunteer work project was at a small community of homes in construction for youth aged 18 – 22 years of age. These are young people who had aged out of foster care and still need help. In Tucson, Desiree Cook, started this non-profit organization as a result of her own experience and saw the need for 20,000 youth in this state needing a hand up. So far 4,000 youth have been helped with this program which has many dimensions. Please click on the links provided in this post to learn more about what this organization offers youth. Here is my take-away of my volunteer time on-site. 

We were building raised garden beds at a location where nine 450 square foot homes will be available for youths aged 18 – 22. The individuals will pay $1.00 per square foot per month with half of it set aside for future purchase of a home when they age out of this program. The homes are energy efficient. Each person is required to attend classes, provided by the organization. They are about economics/financial literacy and other skills, such as cooking, gardening, etc.  The instruction is to meet this goal: empower the whole person. Each young person must complete a high school diploma or GED, if not already done so, and the young man I spoke with was working on an associate degree at the local college. With their home/shelter, the young people can focus on so much more with the support of this organization.

By the way, I also learned seeds are available at local public libraries. So if you wish to garden, stop in and get some seeds!

To know more about the “I Am You 360/I Am Somebody” program in Tucson, Arizona: click on the link below

http://IAmYou360.org