Justa Center

Justa Center provides life-sustaining resources, comprehensive services, and ongoing support that help seniors experiencing homelessness secure housing and prevent a return to homelessness.

Since 2006, Justa Center has solely focused on older adults experiencing homelessness. During its first five years, the average age of a senior experiencing homelessness was 57. Today, the average age has gradually risen to 65, and seniors are now the fastest growing population of individuals experiencing homelessness -- many for the first time. On any given night, there are over 2,000 seniors who are experiencing homelessness. Most live on the streets due to lack of shelter beds, safe and affordable housing, and subsidies for the cost of living. All of them are living below the poverty line. In Arizona, that is approximately $1,304/month plus $188 in food stamps. The majority are well past the age where they can find work, and many face significant health complications that prevent them from earning an income. When combined with rising housing costs, the increased cost of medical care, and inadequate retirement benefits, older adults are at greater risk of being economically insecure and becoming homeless than any time in recent history. 

Our mission is critical, and our impact has been significant. Justa Center has served over 6,800 homeless seniors since 2006, which makes us uniquely positioned to address the special needs of seniors experiencing homelessness. However, our work is never ending. Unfortunately, the issue of homelessness is often stigmatized because it is hard, dirty, and often, seen as unsolvable. As we approach our 20th anniversary, we are dedicated to being at the forefront of providers that help put seniors back on the path to stable housing. 

How we do it - the day center operates 365 days a year and provides a safe environment, two healthy meals a day (three in the summer), healthcare, hygiene, and a supportive community for our members, or what we refer to as basic human needs. We assist them with regaining their identity and obtaining important documents such as their birth certificates, Arizona ID, Social Security card, or award letters, so they can begin working with the housing specialist to identify resources, programs and opportunities to return to housing. Additional in-house services include a nurse clinic, pro-bono legal services, counseling, and more.

Our ultimate goal is to return our members to permanent housing. When they secure transitional housing in our Path to Housing program, that is just the beginning. Their path to permanent housing involves comprehensive wrap around services that prevent the return to homelessness. In addition to case management, and health and wellness support, they become part of Justa Center's Extended Care initiative where staff and volunteer Ambassadors make weekly visits that provide ongoing wellness and welfare checks that can assess how well our members are aging in place, confirms the status of their health and financial stability, and any challenges that may cause a return to homelessness. Our Ambassadors average over 500 visits each month.  

Testimonials

Robert C. is a Justa Center member currently living in transitional housing as he works toward returning to stable, permanent housing. He describes how Justa Center's food delivery program made a tremendous difference in his journey. "I was thrilled. It's been a huge benefit to me. For those of us on very limited income, food is often the number one expense. Even after the reduced rental rate here, there are always other expenses. It wasn't just the food, it was laundry detergent and toiletries. All of those are necessary for day-to-day living, and its been a huge help."

"The Justa Center helps the older people get help. The Center helped me get past the worst time in my life. They gave me a place to go and spend time. A safe place. Fed me. To the volunteers and everyone there - thank you and God Bless you all." Tom (69)