CommonUnity

Safe, supervised apartments and a community of support that gives low-income, homeless parents and their children an opportunity for long-term success.

(520) 293-3015

CommonUnity is a 20-unit apartment complex for formerly homeless young women ages 18-21 and their children. Residents hold down jobs, go to school, pay rent, and learn how to be good parents, neighbors and employees. Their children grow up well-cared-for, with a network of support around them. To help residents become better parents, life skills classes are given each week on topics ranging from parenting to nutrition to financial management and budgeting. Individual case-management helps them set goals for themselves and connects them with resources to accomplish them. Residents support each other, help each other with babysitting or rides to the doctor, and prepare meals together. Through the program, they create the support of a family network that most of us take for granted.

How to enroll

Prospective residents should call (520) 293-3015 for an explanation of intake procedures and to schedule a first interview. If accepted, residents must understand and abide by all program rules, including signing in and out of the complex, and a limit on overnight visitors. Residents have a case manager and are expected to actively participate in setting and fulfilling goals.

Speaker's bureau

CommonUnity residents believe in reaching out to other young people about the realities of single parenting. Based on their own life experiences, they can speak to your youth group, school or organization about:

• What it’s like to be a parent without financial and emotional support
• The importance of safe sex
• How to find the help you need when you’re under 18
• What it’s like looking for a job without an education or formal training
• Raising children without parenting mentors or skills
• Options with pregnancy

Support for CommonUnity is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Pima County, the Hearth Foundation, and the City of Tucson.

Click here to help the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona provide diapers for this and other Our Family programs.