The Cooling Center

The St. Francis Cooling Center has a new home, the Z Mansion in downtown Tucson. It’s a place where homeless people and those in need can escape the summer heat, cool off and rest. Sack lunches and cold drinks are provided along with chairs, cots and a bathroom. Guests are invited to relax, rejuvenate and even sleep during open hours. The Cooling Center is open noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Brother David Buer, a Franciscan Friar and the founder of the Cooling Center, says it’s all about hospitality and dignity. "The streets are less harsh when we have more places like this ... our human needs are more than food and water, we have human needs of compassion and of friendliness, and a place where we feel welcome." - Br. David Buer, OFM

Producer: Mitchell Riley Tweet