Amphi Housing Resource Center Design Build

The Housing First Resource Center at Amphi is an adaptive reuse of a Fire Station building known as Station Eight. The shelter primarily serves adults, offering a safe environment, connections to housing assistance, and services to help support people experiencing homelessness. This will allow individuals the opportunity to connect with essential support services and provide access to more stable and permanent housing options. The site is currently a low-barrier congregate shelter that has sleeping quarters in the former station bays. The intent of this project is to add a non-congregate area that will include an enclosed, climate-controlled semi-permanent structure that will have water and electricity.

The semi-permanent structure needs to meet the needs of shelter capacity allowing for continuation of services currently offered. However, the structure needs to be able to be removed from the site, if needed. The semi-permanent structure will have restrooms, showers, laundry, storage and adjacent to site pet friendly areas and meal preparation facilities. The structure’s facilities will replace leased shower trailers currently on site. Beyond the semi-permanent structure, the site design should meet the requirements of the Planned Area Development (PAD).

Although not a federal requirement, the interested contractor should address Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present on site to meet City of Tucson requirements. The project team can expect a six-to-seven-month timeline for completion, with the semi-permanent structure as the priority.

The primary goal of this site is to address equitable access to housing and services by providing low-demand shelter for vulnerable, high-need households experiencing homelessness. This population is disproportionately unlikely to access traditional shelter or services. The project’s progressive engagement approach focuses on building rapport and trust with unsheltered individuals. Then, during shelter residence, promote further engagement to reduce barriers and fears regarding transition to longer-term housing services. The project addresses the devastating impacts homelessness has on the lives and wellbeing of the individuals who experience it.

This project, using a Housing First approach and low-barrier shelter, is a priority for the City of Tucson allowing for the critical work of moving individuals into permanent housing. This project will also continue to reduce demand on law enforcement, emergency health services, and other City services through city-wide coordination with first responders. This project expands on current shelter operations allowing the site to serve more individuals.