Housing First, City of Tucson

Homelessness is often the result of a catastrophic event in an individual's life, compounded by the lack of supportive services needed for recovery. Thelma Magallanes comes from a family with a strong tradition of community involvement. Her father was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club in Mexicali, Baja California, where she witnessed firsthand the power of service and collaboration. These early experiences shaped her passion for helping others and led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. With 18 years of experience working for the City of Tucson, Thelma is currently the Project Coordinator for a grant-funded initiative—the Multidisciplinary Outreach Team. This program takes a highly targeted approach to engaging with unsheltered individuals, connecting them with critical resources and support to help them achieve housing and financial stability. She considers it a privilege to be in a role where she can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Outside of her professional work, Thelma has been happily married for 30 years and is the proud mother of three children. Two of them were active members of the Interact Rotary Club in Green Valley, AZ, during high school, and both received the Green Valley College Scholarship—further strengthening her family’s connection to Rotary’s mission of service and education. Committed to continuing the legacy of giving back, Thelma looks forward to collaborating with fellow Rotarians to create lasting change in the community.