Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona's 3rd Congressional District stepped into UMOM New Day Center's Family Shelter Expansion, presenting a check on behalf of the community for nearly $2 million secured in funding. They toured the project aimed at tackling homelessness—a persistent issue on the streets of Phoenix—with heart. The Representative, rolling up his sleeves, not one to just throw money at a problem, ensured his support was both fiscal and hands-on.
"Ending Arizona’s homelessness crisis requires an all-encompassing approach, and I was proud to fight for UMOM’s Family Shelter Expansion and Remodel Project to increase the number of beds for struggling families," Gallego said. He underscored there's more on Congress' plate, promising continued efforts to deliver necessary resources for Arizonans in need. This was part of his broader commitment, which has seen Gallego support, including emergency rental assistance and housing help for vulnerable populations like veterans and domestic abuse survivors.
The funding Gallego rallied for will revamp 24 shelter rooms, increasing capacity, and making room for larger families—a step forward in UMOM's grand vision of renovating all 150 rooms. It's more than a facelift, with the remodel also involving the removal of hazardous materials found lurking in the buildings' old bones—lead-based paint and asbestos, legacies of 1950s construction practices now meeting their end.
UMOM's shelter, upon completing its transformation, is set to serve an additional 880 parents and children every year. According to Gallego, it's not just an investment in bricks and mortar, but in human potential—a chance for those hit hardest to find their footing once more. His dedication to service manifested in previous contributions too: securing over $10 million to the state's housing initiatives, combatting homelessness in a sprawling effort that ran through the veins of Phoenix, and into the homes in most desperate need.
