Tempe This Week Nov. 3, 2025

Tempe's jobs program for people experiencing homelessness, Tempe Works, has added 13 new graduates to its ranks, bringing the total number of graduates in the past four years to 49. In addition to being connected to steady employment, participants work with staff to find housing. That combination helps people end their homelessness and sets Tempe's program apart from typical day labor programs.

Several graduates were recently recognized by the Tempe City Council, including Scott Barker, Bobby Barnett, Daniel Donnan, Barbara Lovell and Paige Peterson. Adem Softic was recognized posthumously. Lovell successfully moved from her job in Tempe Solid Waste to a position with a nonprofit helping others in need.

"I hope to help the next person through their hardships by using my experiences as a guide to leading them down a path to living a life that's open and available to them," she said.