TUCSON, Ariz., March 26, 2025 — Discover how Old Pueblo Community Services is transforming the way homelessness is addressed, demonstrating that a cooperative, housing-centric approach can lead to long-term improvements.

Viewers of public television will see the life-changing effects of the Housing First model in an upcoming episode of Empowered with Meg Ryan, which will feature Old Pueblo Community Services. This segment, entitled “The Power of Housing First,” will examine the joint initiatives of OPCS, the City of Tucson, and Pima County in tackling the difficult issue of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The documentary, which is scheduled to begin filming later this year, will concentrate on the Housing First strategy, which is based on evidence and demonstrates its success in providing stability and assistance to people who are dealing with significant challenges, such as addiction and mental illness.

According to Tom Litwicki, CEO of OPCS, “Compassion is at the heart of the Housing First model. Recovery and healing begin with having a secure place to call home.”

The segment will highlight the pressing requirement for systemic solutions to homelessness, emphasizing how crucial it is for governmental organizations, nonprofits, and the larger community to collaborate. It will dispel common misunderstandings regarding Housing First, especially the political discussions that frequently distort its effectiveness. The feature will emphasize that having a safe, secure shelter is a basic necessity rather than a reward for recovery. By first offering housing, OPCS gives people a foundation from which to meet their health, employment, and social needs. The segment will examine the difficulties encountered by those living without shelter, including how exceedingly challenging it is to manage chronic health issues and find meaningful work without a reliable address. The feature will highlight the frequently disregarded reality that homeless people are frequently victims of systemic failures in the healthcare and social support systems. We will examine the social costs of ignoring these people, demonstrating how preventative actions like Housing First are not only more compassionate but also more financially sound. The segment will illustrate the cost-effectiveness of this strategy by demonstrating how investing in housing first can result in substantial savings in healthcare and criminal justice expenses. The segment will seek to educate members of the community, companies, and legislators on the significance of collaborative solutions and the potential of providing housing first, promoting a deeper comprehension of the intricate factors that contribute to homelessness and the effective strategies that result in enduring, beneficial change.

About Empowered with Meg Ryan:
Empowered with Meg Ryan is a Public Television program designed to educate and inspire audiences by showcasing organizations and individuals making a positive community impact. The program uses compelling narratives to promote a deeper understanding of complex social issues and innovative solutions. Learn more at:

About Old Pueblo Community Services:
Old Pueblo Community Services (OPCS) is a prominent non-profit organization in Pima County, Arizona, dedicated to ending homelessness through the Housing First model. OPCS enables people to rebuild their lives and attain long-term stability by offering immediate housing and all-inclusive support services. Learn more at:

SOURCE Empowered