Serving in Partnership
Service Opportunities with our Partners (SOOP) provides service opportunities for families and adults of all ages, provides short-term service opportunities in the Tucson metropolitan area.
Each year approximately 20 individuals come from all over the U.S. and Canada to spend 2-8 weeks in the Tucson area, serving the community while also enjoying the Desert Southwest.
Most bring RVs which they park in the designated spaces south of the church, or stay in other housing as available. These persons also often bring their spiritual gifts that they share with the Shalom congregation and with each other.
Mennonite Voluntary Service Tucson Unit
Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) is a national program for those who hear the call to serve their world in deliberate ways.
With units around the country, MVSers offer a year of their lives to come and live in intentional community, and serve in the Tucson community.
There are a wide range of service opportunities in Tucson ranging from home repair to feeding the poor, to offering opportunities to experience the arts in local schools, to name a few.
For many people, MVS is a life changing experience. It is not uncommon for MVSers to stay within the Tucson community long term.
Community Home Repair Projects of AZ
Community Home Repair Projects of Arizona (CHRPA, pronounced Chirp-Ah) began life with winter volunteers who saw a need in the Tucson community for affordable and no-cost home repair services.
CHRPA’s mission is to provide adequate housing to all, and the dignity and safety that accompany it.
CHRPA has grown into a year round organization, serving hundreds of families around Pima County with emergency home repair.
Relying strongly on volunteer labor, CHRPA has often been recognized widely for its ability to serve efficiently and compassionately.
Shalom serves and supports:
• Interfaith Community Services (ICS).
• Supportive Communities Network of the Brethren and Mennonite Council for LGBTQ Issues.
• The Sanctuary Movement
• The Casa Mariposa Visitation Group.
Shalom members are active in:
Migrant Justice organizations including, Tucson Rapid Response Network , Casa Alitas, No More Deaths, and the Migrant Trail.
Creation Care and anti-racism efforts like Watershed Management Group, Tucson Showing Up for Racial Justice, and Tucson Supports Oak Flat.
And others: Mennonite Action Network, Community Food Bank, Pima County Restorative Justice Program, Primavera Foundation, Literacy Connects and Tucson Public Schools