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Keys in hand, Rita Reeder opened the door to her new apartment in Tucson—for the first time in years, she had a place of her own.
At that moment, she said she felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude.
“I finally felt like I was home,” she said.
A U.S. Army veteran, Reeder once repaired radar systems as a Specialist 4 before leaving the Army to continue serving others as a family childcare provider for both military and civilian families.
But in the 18 years that followed, substance dependency led to long periods of instability, uncertainty, and eventually, homelessness.
“I got to a point where I decided I couldn’t live like that anymore,” she said. “I had enough.”
Reeder completed a detox program before reaching out to The Salvation Army Tucson Hospitality House 21-day emergency shelter in October 2025, where she received individualized support, including health and medical assistance and case management, which she credits with helping her regain stability.
“Being surrounded by people who cared about my well-being helped me take the program seriously,” she said.
From the beginning, she recalls committing herself fully to rebuilding her life. For the first time in years, consistent meals and a safe place to sleep gave her the chance to think about the future.
“I felt safe. The staff were friendly, the food was good, and it was great to have showers and laundry,” she said. “I finally had a place where I could focus and make a plan.”
She credits much of her progress to Hospitality House Case Manager Kimberley Graham, who helped her turn small steps into a path toward permanent housing.
“God put her in my path at the right time,” Reeder said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
“I’m thankful to God that He put The Salvation Army in my path. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
Rita Reeder
Graham helped Reeder apply for Social Security and survivor benefits from her late husband, which were approved during her stay, giving her a reliable and consistent source of income to support independent living.
As The Salvation Army red kettle Christmas fundraising season approached, Graham encouraged Reeder to apply for a paid bellringing position in Tucson, where she saved every paycheck toward housing.
“She showed up every day ready to work,” Graham said. “She loved it, people loved her, and she brought in a lot of donations.”
For Reeder, the routine helped her regain a sense of normalcy.
“I’ve always loved serving others,” she said. “Seeing people smile as they donated helped me feel a renewed purpose.”
After watching Reeder progress toward independence, Graham contacted a local property manager she works with to help clients find housing within their means. Through the partnership, three Hospitality House clients—including Reeder—have already secured affordable housing.
“Permanent housing is the end goal,” Graham said. “We want people to stay housed and avoid situations they can’t afford.”
She said the properties she partners with are usually senior living communities that encourage connection through shared spaces and regular activities. Soon, a friend Reeder met at Hospitality House will also be moving into the complex.
“It’s so meaningful for people to not feel isolated and to have a community they can rely on,” Graham said.
After touring the complex and completing the paperwork, Reeder was approved the same day, and with Graham’s advocacy, the property manager reduced the rent by $200.
“I felt a weight lift off my shoulders,” Reeder said.
Upon move-in, Hospitality House equipped Reeder with a coffee maker, rice cooker, kitchen utensils and other essentials to help make the apartment feel like home.
“I’m thankful to God that he put The Salvation Army in my path,” Reeder said. “I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
Now settling into her new space, Reeder is focused on maintaining the stability she worked hard to achieve. She said she’s already looking forward to bellringing again during kettle season.
“All of this is from God,” Rita said. “I take him with me everywhere I go.”
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