Tempe’s foresight three years ago to purchase its own bridge shelter, Sue’s Espacio, has created a safe pathway to housing, employment, healthcare and other essential resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The investment has never been more vital, as the city is seeing higher than normal numbers of families at its Sue’s Espacio shelter due to permanent and temporary closures in the regional family shelter network, a city release explained.  

Currently, 19 families and 43 children call Sue’s Espacio home, in addition to individuals and couples staying there.  

Tempe bought the shelter, formerly a Rodeway Inn, in September 2021 to add shelter capacity in Tempe. The city used $3.3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the purchase and later named the shelter after longtime community and homeless advocate Sue Ringler, the release detailed.

Residents stay at the shelter for up to 30 days while they work with staff to access more permanent housing and other resources like employment through the city’s Tempe Works program.

Tempe partners with nonprofit and community organizations to provide resources such as occasional hot meals, food boxes and free toiletries and feminine hygiene supplies. 

Residents and organizations wishing to assist with the city’s Homeless Solutions can email HOPE@tempe.gov. Residents can also support a range of nonprofit organizations serving Tempe. Find information at tempe.gov/nonprofits.

Tempe Housing Services continues to make improvements at Sue’s Espacio to enhance shelter conditions and increase capacity, the release noted.

These improvements include an updated plumbing system, exterior painting, new beds to increase capacity, two locking wardrobes and refrigerators per room and all new linens and blankets. Residents are also using new commercial grade washers and dryers.

Sue’s Espacio is one of the few shelters that allows pets, which eliminates a barrier for people who won’t accept shelter because they don’t want to be separated from their pets, according to the release. Sue’s Espacio has a small dog park onsite.  

A majority of the funding for these enhancements comes through a Homeless Shelter and Service Fund grant from the Arizona Department of Housing. Contractor Mercy House Living Centers partners with Tempe to ensure that resident needs are met.

The city of Tempe’s goal is to make homelessness rare, brief and one time, the release stated. 

Tempe has purchased a second shelter on Apache Boulevard that will add as many as 60 additional rooms when open, increasing capacity to help more people end their homelessness. Learn more about Tempe’s work at tempe.gov/EndingHomelessness.

Take a video tour here to see how Sue’s Espacio provides safe haven for people experiencing homelessness in Tempe.