Business
Controversial Charity Takes Bold Action to Tackle Violations
In a move to address previous controversies, operators of Tucson’s Cross Country Outreach charity are attempting to align with regulatory standards. This organization, which followed the now-defunct Giving Tree charity, still faces criticism for certain operational practices, particularly the expectation that clients experiencing homelessness work without compensation.
After an investigation by the Industrial Commission of Arizona highlighted these issues, Cross Country Outreach has acquired workers’ compensation insurance for its homeless clients engaged in store activities. They have also secured a necessary license for handling potentially hazardous donated food, following a warning from the health department last year. Directors assert they have ceased the practice of requiring clients to contribute food stamps for shared meals in their shelters.
“We’re making efforts to improve,” said Libby Wright, director of Cross Country Outreach. She emphasized the organization’s essential role in the Tucson homeless community, claiming, “You could open a thousand shelters and still be unable to meet the need.”
Wright previously led The Giving Tree, which closed in 2012 amidst declining support due to reported violations of charity regulations. She founded Cross Country Outreach in 2013 and received its tax-exempt status in 2014. The organization sustains itself through a combination of revenue from a for-profit thrift shop and private donations.
An investigation in 2016 revealed Cross Country Outreach was repeating many of The Giving Tree’s earlier missteps, such as overcrowding at shelters and making clients work without pay. Leaders from nearby shelters like Gospel Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army refuse to refer individuals to Cross Country Outreach due to these troubling practices.
Pastor Roy E. Tullgren, from Gospel Rescue Mission, voiced concerns about the operational integrity of some shelters. He indicated that referrals could reconsider if Cross Country Outreach genuinely rectifies its practices and adequately houses clients. Former clients have expressed that the organization’s demands impose hardships that inhibit their ability to seek employment or save money for permanent housing.
Recent changes to their operational model have led some to question if the nonprofit’s approach aligns with minimum wage laws. Homeless clients can either pay $70 weekly for shelter or contribute 22.5 hours of work per week, potentially underselling their labor value below legal pay scales.
Despite these controversies, some individuals currently engaged with the organization, like Rachel Drew, find fulfillment in their roles within the thrift store, emphasizing their determination to assist others while improving their circumstances. However, critics argue this dynamic exploits vulnerable populations.
Financially, Cross Country Outreach operates on a much smaller scale compared to its predecessor, generating significantly lower annual revenues. Their 501(c)(3) status faced brief revocation for failing to file required tax forms but was reinstated after an explanation from Wright about procedural errors.
Concerns extend to compliance with city zoning codes. Reports indicated that shelter conditions were overcrowded and violated residential regulations. Some former clients described inadequate living conditions, including ongoing issues with bed bug infestations that have been previously reported to local health authorities.
Amidst these issues, Wright’s efforts to expand governance include inviting new board members, though internal awareness of the organization’s operational practices remains low. Critics assert that genuine understanding and oversight are vital for the nonprofit’s progress.
The overarching tension between operational viability and ethical treatment of clients continues to shape the narrative for Cross Country Outreach, underscoring the complex dynamics involved in serving Tucson’s homeless population.
Michelle Jaquette is a University of Arizona journalism student and an apprentice at the Star.
