Poverello House helps homeless men in Tucson by providing daytime shelter, home-cooked food, showers, laundry and companionship in a safe and welcoming environment.
Poverello House of Tucson is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.

Volunteer With Us

We are currently looking for volunteers to fill various duties with our organization. From grocery shopping, to creating newsletters, to serving meals, we have many ways to get involved and help the homeless men in the Tucson community.

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Our New House

Poverello House will soon have a new home! In July 2020, after years of hard work, prayers, and generosity from supporters, we were able to purchase a larger house which will allow us to better serve our guests.

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Newsletter January 2023

Read Our Newsletter

Our Winter 2023 newsletter includes a letter from Br. David, news about the blessing of our future home on Blacklidge Dr, a highlight from one of our volunteers and words from some of our guests. 
Read the Newsletter

Poverello House of Tucson is a homelike place of welcome and a safe environment providing daytime rest, food, laundry facilities, showers, and companionship for homeless men.

Our Services

Daytime hospitality from 8:00am to 2:00pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Call us at 520.624.0589 to reserve a space.

If you are looking for a safe place to spend the day, call us at 520.624.0589 to reserve a space. Guests have access to showers, laundry and a full breakfast. Due to limited space, we can only serve 10 guests per day and guests are assigned their day in advance. Note: Poverello House of Tucson does not offer overnight services.

Daytime Rest

​We want our guests to feel safe and welcome. Guests are encouraged to kick up their feet, relax, or visit with friends while at the Poverello House.

Home-Cooked Meals

As soon as guests enter the door, they are greeted with a delicious, home-cooked breakfast. Seconds are usually available.

Laundry and Showers

Washing machines and shower facilities are available throughout the day so guests can shower and leave with clean clothes. 

Note: Poverello House of Tucson does not offer overnight services.
In need of overnight shelter? View Homeless Shelters and Services in Tucson.

Our Impact Each Month

160

Guest Visits

200

Meals Served

160

Showers

200

Loads of laundry

Board of Directors

Br. David Buer, ofm
Jeanette Arnquist
Jerry Ledesma

Lawrence (Pat) Long
Kyle McDermott
Vicki Myers

Anne Reissner
Conrad Wall

Our History

Eight hundred years ago in the Umbrian Valley north of Rome, wandered Francis Bernadone and a small group of rag tag brothers of penance. At first, the local population looked with scorn at these young men from Assisi, who gave up wealth and prestigious future careers to follow Francis. Over time, the brothers won over the hearts of many as they tended to the needs of the lepers and led lives of solidarity with the poor with humility and joy. When villagers saw Francis and his brothers walking toward them, they would say: “Here comes ‘Il Pov-erello’ (the little poor man.)” Over the centuries “Poverello” has been a name used in ministries with the poor in the Franciscan tradition.

On October 29, 2008, Poverello House of Tucson opened its doors and invited homeless men to come in off the street for a day to sit down, decompress, get cleaned up and have healthy meals in a homelike environment. Poverello House of Tuson was founded by Br. David Buer, ofm, a Franciscan Brother who for many years ministered to the homeless and those living in poverty. Br. David was first introduced to the concept of a Poverello House in The Tenderloin of San Francisco, California in the early 90’s. Having establishing two Poverello Houses in Nevada, it was not surprising that that when in 2005, he was assigned to Tucson, Br. David envisioned a Poverello House here.

Br. David Buer, ofm

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Poverello House of Tucson

520.624.0589
PO Box 50782, Tucson, AZ 85703
Hours: Wed - Sun, 8:00am to 2:00pm

To Donate by Mail: Donations and other correspondence can be sent to:
PO Box 50782, Tucson, AZ 85703

Guests: Call 520.624.0589 to reserve a space​.​

Clothing Donations: Call 520.624.0589 to schedule a drop-off. Thanks!