It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Petersen House Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Tempe, AZ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I cannot say enough good things about Jann’e M. Gutierrez and her team at Always”
“When looking for care for the people you love you hope to find someone who”
“I am so grateful to Janne Gutierrez of ABC Senior Services in Tempe! Faced”
“On behalf of myself and my sister, Deborah Lampignano, I would like to express our”
“The professionals at ABC provided exactly what my mom needed when she needed it. Initial”
“We had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care and Janné. We had to work”
“My husband was well cared for during my absence for 10 days. He enjoyed the”
“Highest Marks on All Fronts We contacted ABC when my aunt in Tempe was in her”
“You really need to give Always Best Care Senior Services a call. I have”
“Responsive, Reliable, Quality Care for Mom in her home. Jan'ne and her staff provided immediate reliable”
“Thank you so much for helping me with the placement of my mom. I love”
“Always Best Care assisted with my mom's care over a couple years. Janne and her”
“ABC has been a life and marriage saver for me. My husband needed home care”
“I needed senior care after rehab and contacted a service agent for my area. ”
“I started working with ABC 3 years ago after just moving to AZ. in the”
“Always Best Care helped us navigate through a rough time. We are grateful for”
“Always Best Care helped us navigate through a rough time. We are grateful for their”
“The caregivers have been wonderful. Elena takes initiative and sees what needs to be done”
“I had lunch with Janne. During the conversation it became clear that her reason for”
“May is Older Americans Month. This month we want celebrate the extraordinary older Americans that”
“Tom and Jann'e are awesome. They are very professional, flexible, and easy to work with.”
“Tom and Jann'e are awesome. They are very professional, flexible, and easy to work with.”
“I cannot say enough good things about Jann’e M. Gutierrez and her team at Always Best Care Senior Services. Jann’e responded immediately when I called for help with my mother. We were in a terminal situation and needed help in the home. She came immediately and provided us with the much needed care. The caregivers she provided were wonderful. They were qualified, patient, and kind and we were so comfortable leaving our mother alone with them. It is never a good situation when you need this type of care and Jann’e made it so easy. I would recommend them 100%.”
“When looking for care for the people you love you hope to find someone who is competent, confident and is a value add. We received all of that and so very much more with Always Best Care From Janné who made the process as simple & pain free as possible to our caregivers. To Lakisha is an angel, caring for our patient & us. AND Bobbie COOKED the most wonderful mashed potatoes for my Dad… I could go on Make your tough time simpler- call & use Always Best Care”
“I am so grateful to Janne Gutierrez of ABC Senior Services in Tempe! Faced with an immediate need for hands-on support for my aging father (I live in Michigan) I was lucky to have connected with Janne. Communication was excellent. Within days, she did a thorough home visit assessment and gave me a complete report of what was working and where she thought support would be most effective. Options for levels of care were tailored to needs while also considering our budget. I could tell that Janne not only has years of experience in the field, but also actually enjoys what she does. We were able to discuss not just home care, but also assisted living options and health management arrangements. I'd highly recommend contacting ABC if you need a similar service.”
“On behalf of myself and my sister, Deborah Lampignano, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Always Best Care senior services who helped us to make a reality of our late mother's wish to remain in her own home as her death drew near.”
“The professionals at ABC provided exactly what my mom needed when she needed it. Initial service was once a week chore assistance that urgently became a need for overnight care after a fall. Janee was able to provide a compassionate, responsible attendant for mom with just a few hours notice. The caregivers were kind and helpful with all of mom’s needs. I’m not sure what we would have done without ABC. They really stepped up and helped with a very critical need. Thank you so much.”
“We had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care and Janné. We had to work fast and within a budget and didn’t know where to start. They listened, genuinely cared about our situation, made recommendations and set us on a path to success! We couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend them for senior care services!”
“My husband was well cared for during my absence for 10 days. He enjoyed the company, assistance with his shower, and other very helpful things around the house. We would definitely use this service again.”
“Highest Marks on All Fronts We contacted ABC when my aunt in Tempe was in her last stage of battling cancer. With no local family to care for her, we knew we had to find a reliable, compassionate and responsive caregiver service. We found exactly that in ABC. The owner, Janne, is exceedingly efficient, understood our needs immediately, and flexible (which was vital in our situation, given my aunt's fluid health situation). The caregivers were kind, hard working and demonstrated initiative. We are grateful to Janne and her entire team for stepping in with support and assistance when we needed it most. I highly recommend ABC for senior care services.”
“You really need to give Always Best Care Senior Services a call. I have a service company as well and I know service for over 45 years. They're excellent with my referrals. The word Care in their name is what they're about - most of all they should have the word Love in their name as well - for that is what they produce for the needs of those with home care. Give them a call today!”
“Responsive, Reliable, Quality Care for Mom in her home. Jan'ne and her staff provided immediate reliable support! ABC caregivers are courteous, caring and extremely helpful to support mom's daily routine. A couple of things after that which exceeded my expectations... you made follow up calls to see if everything is going well, you visit regularly with mom/family to ensure they are comfortable with the care giver services. Thank you for supporting our family with our "care giver" responsibilities, ABC services gives good care that provides peace of mind to the family.”
“Thank you so much for helping me with the placement of my mom. I love how professional and caring the staff is.”
“Always Best Care assisted with my mom's care over a couple years. Janne and her team were always responsive to changing needs and flexible as she was in/out of hospitals. ABC worked within our budget range and discussed the options and social programs available that might supplement the care as well. They had great communication while providing care and I would highly recommend them for the excellent personal attention they showed for my mom. It was a relief knowing she had great care while I could not be there all of the time.”
“ABC has been a life and marriage saver for me. My husband needed home care services and the staff from the back office to each of the care givers has been top notch and caring. I would highly recommend them.”
“I needed senior care after rehab and contacted a service agent for my area. Alex of Always Best Care reached out to me right away, visited me at rehab the next day and I was impressed by the company. He has advocated for me since. All the caregivers have done the tasks contracted and came on time so I was never alone. I would like to recognize Sheila and Lana for above effort and compassion too.”
“I started working with ABC 3 years ago after just moving to AZ. in the middle of COVID-19. 2022 during the Holiday Season I started working, Tom and Janne' are truly incredible people and seem to be very authentic in the way they provide care for their clients and the well-being of the staff as well. The work hours are flexible, the pay is reasonable with flexible payment options. There were free online classes offered to stay up-to-date, which is awesome. I felt like I was a part of a family while working for this company because I knew nobody in AZ, one certain Sunday they needed a caregiver and I needed at Church service, It was a win-win! Hands down working for or working with Always Best Care would be a blessing. Michele Roland”
“Always Best Care helped us navigate through a rough time. We are grateful for their knowledge, care, and professionalism.”
“Always Best Care helped us navigate through a rough time. We are grateful for their knowledge, care, and professionalism.”
“The caregivers have been wonderful. Elena takes initiative and sees what needs to be done so I don’t have to keep a list. She and Louisa are great communicators and very helpful. Louisa has a solution before I’m even done explaining my problem. They both cook and bake well. I’d be eating frozen dinners if it wasn’t for them.”
“I had lunch with Janne. During the conversation it became clear that her reason for being is business is all about helping folks. She listens to their needs, offers the benefit of her experiance, and then provides them with what they want. I walked away knowing that she looks at each client as a person in need.”
“May is Older Americans Month. This month we want celebrate the extraordinary older Americans that embody aging unbound and let's everyone know that age is not the end, it is the beginning. #OlderAmericansMonth #AgingUnbound #SeniorCare #AgeIsJustANumber #AlwaysBestCare #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing”
“Tom and Jann'e are awesome. They are very professional, flexible, and easy to work with. The Caregivers with ABC are well trained and take great care of my Dad with Alzheimer's. They are willing to go above and beyond and get very creative with keeping my Dad content which can be a challenge. Thank you ABC.”
“Tom and Jann'e are awesome. They are very professional, flexible, and easy to work with. The Caregivers with ABC are well trained and take great care of my Dad with Alzheimer's. They are willing to go above and beyond and get very creative with keeping my Dad content which can be a challenge. Thank you ABC.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Rio Salado Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Top of the Rock Restaurant or visit Tempe History Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Tempe, AZ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Tempe, AZ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Tempe, AZ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
PHOENIX — Two owners of a Phoenix Thai restaurant are bringing a new concept to a historic site in Tempe.Cat Bunnag and Dan Robinson, owners of Glai Baan, are opening the new restaurant at Gov. Benjamin B. Moeur House and Hatton Hall in 2026, according to a Monday announcement.“The Moeur House is such a magical setting,” Bunnag and Robinson ...
PHOENIX — Two owners of a Phoenix Thai restaurant are bringing a new concept to a historic site in Tempe.
Cat Bunnag and Dan Robinson, owners of Glai Baan, are opening the new restaurant at Gov. Benjamin B. Moeur House and Hatton Hall in 2026, according to a Monday announcement.
“The Moeur House is such a magical setting,” Bunnag and Robinson said in the announcement.
“It will be so fun and fulfilling to have this opportunity to create a special place for our community to come and enjoy, share special moments, celebrate, escape, relax and unwind.”
More details on the new restaurant have yet to be revealed.
“We all loved the warm, authentic experience of sitting on the shaded, scenic patio of House of Tricks. I’m excited to see that feeling return to downtown Tempe, thanks to Cat, Dan and their new restaurant,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said.
“I’ve eaten at Glai Baan many times – the food is amazing. This restaurant will become a favorite for both foodies and locals.”
The Moeur House, located near Seventh Street and Myrtle Avenue, is named after Benjamin Moeur, a physician who served two terms as an Arizona governor from 1933-37 and had lived in the house until 1937. The house was converted into offices for Tempe Community Council in 1993.
Hatton Hall was added to the site in 1993. The hall was named after Patricia A. Hatton, who was the third woman to serve on the Tempe City Council.
“This restaurant is an opportunity to invite people into Tempe’s history,” Tempe historic preservation officer Zachary Lechner said. “I am delighted to see the building stay in use and become a community destination.”
For anyone living on the Valley’s scorching streets, finding a way to shower is one of life’s biggest challenges. One local organization that makes it easier is now being threatened with a $1,500 fine by the city of Tempe.Cloud Covered Streets runs a mobile shower trailer, allowing unhoused people a place to rinse off the grime that comes with a life on the street. Recently, the organization began partnering with the Tempe-based Native Action Program, which assists with obtaining food stamps and housing, to operate in the ...
For anyone living on the Valley’s scorching streets, finding a way to shower is one of life’s biggest challenges. One local organization that makes it easier is now being threatened with a $1,500 fine by the city of Tempe.
Cloud Covered Streets runs a mobile shower trailer, allowing unhoused people a place to rinse off the grime that comes with a life on the street. Recently, the organization began partnering with the Tempe-based Native Action Program, which assists with obtaining food stamps and housing, to operate in the latter’s Kings Plaza respite center parking lot on McClintock Drive near Apache Boulevard.
At a recent event, about 50 unhoused people were able to shower, change into clean clothes and obtain other assistance. The groups were scheduled to do the same thing on Monday — until Native Action Program received a directive from Tempe to stand down or risk a major penalty. According to a Cloud Covered Streets post on Facebook, Tempe claimed the shower services constituted an “unauthorized event,” an apparent reference to the special events ordinance that the city has used to dissuade residents from distributing meals to unhoused people in city parks. Tempe spokesperson Kris Baxter-Ging told Phoenix New Times that while Kings Plaza is not city property, the use of a mobile shower in the parking lot is a violation of the city zoning and development code. She added that a nearby business had made complaints about the trailer as far back as April, about the time the groups started bringing it by every Monday. Baxter-Ging did not say which businesses complained when New Times asked.
In a phone interview, Native Action Program’s Dr. Dwayne McIntosh said it “makes no sense” for the city to crack down on “somebody in the community that’s willing to do a free service at no charge to the city or the taxpayers.” Instead, he said, Tempe is making it harder for unhoused people to access services that a nonprofit is eager to provide.
“You’re putting a burden upon them or putting an obstacle in front of them that’s keeping them from rendering the services by charging them a fee for a permit,” McIntosh said.
The organizations decided to back down in the face of a fine and canceled the event on Monday. Jay Allan, the operations director for Cloud Covered Streets, said at least 20 people showed up around 10 a.m. who were denied showers because of the threatened fine. The organization offered hygiene bags and clean underwear instead. “We did have a lot of folks who were hoping to get a shower who weren’t able to,” Allan said.
Tempe’s enforcement is highly unusual for the mobile shower trailer, Allan said. It has been operating around the Valley since 2018 and has not run into similar issues with other municipalities.
“We’ve never had a city say that in Phoenix, in Mesa or Sunnyslope,” he said. “Tempe is the only place we’ve encountered that said we can’t do it.”
Cloud Covered Streets is hardly the first organization to face pushback from Tempe for working to help the homeless.
One of the first to draw the city’s scrutiny was poet and homeless advocate Austin Davis, who was cited with 34 counts of violating the special events ordinance for hosting picnics for the homeless without a permit. After a court battle, Davis accepted a plea deal that banned him from city parks until May 2026. Davis was also arrested and jailed for allegedly trespassing in the parks.
Other community members like Ron Tapscott stepped in when Davis was forced to take a step back, spearheading a similar effort called New Deal Meal. Tempe initially filed charges against him for violating the special events law, but dropped the charges in May “in the interest of justice.” In June, the city agreed not to enforce the ordinance against Tapscott, Davis and Parker while it considers the change to its special events ordinance.
Notably, Tapscott, Davis and and fellow unhoused advocate Jane Parker are pursuing a federal civil rights lawsuit against Tempe for its crackdown on efforts to help the unhoused in city parks. The lawsuit argues Tempe is violating local residents’ civil rights by demanding hundreds of dollars in permit fees to simply feed the homeless and requiring applications 60 days in advance.
On Tuesday, the Tempe City Council is poised to pass a new, updated special events ordinance that will create a complicated system for obtaining permission to use Tempe’s parks. In some circumstances, like birthday parties, smaller fees are required. But for gatherings in public parks that are “functionally open to the public” and will be attended by at least 30 people, an application needs to be submitted two months in advance, approved by the city and paid for with hundreds of dollars in fees and insurance.
Those details have sent a large group of Tempe residents into a tizzy. On June 5, the council opened the floor to the public to comment on the proposal. About 90% of residents spoke out against the changes in an overwhelming display of dissatisfaction, ranging from bitter anger to confused pleading. The councilmembers did not publicly discuss the proposed ordinance, indicating it may have a smooth road to passage.
Critics of the ordinance will hold a rally outside the council’s chambers on Tuesday before the meeting to ask “the city to pause their efforts and instead work cooperatively with a broad group of stakeholders.”
“This is a big decision. Let’s bring in everyone’s voices and develop a plan that makes sense without the repercussions,” John Elvis Taska, a 37-year resident of Tempe and candidate for city council, told New Times. “Would Tempe crumble if we took a step back and assembled a small coalition to dive deeper, to listen more widely?”
McIntosh also took issue with Tempe’s approach toward community service for unhoused people.
“You say you want to save lives, but you’re building obstacles or barriers to people who are willing to do it free of charge,” McIntosh said. “If we don’t have places to serve these people, don’t sit there and give the public a false pretense that you’re out to serve the people when you’re not.”
Headquartered at a former elementary school in Tempe, just blocks from the campus of Arizona State University, Childsplay is a venerable, nearly 50-year-old youth theatre company that offers educational programs there and has staged seasons of mainstage performances for young people and families at a variety of local venues, including in residence at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix, as well as at Phoenix College and Tempe Center for ...
Headquartered at a former elementary school in Tempe, just blocks from the campus of Arizona State University, Childsplay is a venerable, nearly 50-year-old youth theatre company that offers educational programs there and has staged seasons of mainstage performances for young people and families at a variety of local venues, including in residence at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix, as well as at Phoenix College and Tempe Center for the Arts. We caught up recently with managing director Steve Martin (no, not that Steve Martin, obviously) over email.
Who founded Childsplay, when, and why?
Childsplay was founded in 1977 by David Saar and a group of fellow students following a graduate school project at Arizona State University. The project took short, less-than-one-hour plays into schools throughout the Valley of the Sun. Eventually Childsplay settled into a home in Tempe, and continues today as an ensemble-based organization that values all voices in the creation of its arts and education programs.
Tell us a little more about yourself and your background.
I graduated from the University of Toledo during a boom period where many of my fellow students went on to professional and academic theatre careers. Following my graduation, I took a short-term gig in Chicago where I had the privilege of working with many folks who defined the Chicago theatre movement. In 1985, I moved to Atlanta with my husband and went to work for the Alliance Theatre, moving from telemarketing to development and eventually to assistant managing director. Working at the Alliance and other LORT theatres at the time had a huge educational and professional impact. Following a short stint at Virginia Stage Company in Norfolk, I landed at Childsplay. 24 years later, I am proud of how the company has grown to reach over 100,000 people each year while staying true to its mission to encourage imagination and wonder in the young people we serve.
What sets your theatre apart from others in your region?
Childsplay is focused on serving young people. Along with producing plays in residence at the Herberger Theater Center, we also tour productions to schools, libraries, and community centers throughout Arizona. We also mount a national tour that will run 8 to 20 weeks per year, giving performances throughout the country. Childsplay also has a robust arts education program that includes a drama academy for children ages 3 to 18; professional development programs for teachers integrating drama strategies into classroom instruction; and teaching artist residencies in dozens of schools throughout the school year. Childsplay’s robust arts education and integration programs have resulted in scientific research on their effectiveness being published in 14 U.S. education journals.
Tell us about your favorite theatre institution other than your own, and why you admire it.
Honolulu Theatre for Youth is so inspiring in their commitment to the unique cultures of the Islands and their dedication to the ensemble method. They walk the walk, celebrating and honoring their community through their creative process.
How do you pick the plays you put on your stage?
Childsplay works to have a balance of plays that appeal to a wide range of age groups while making sure we’re putting our unique stamp on each production. Adaptations of children’s literature, ensemble devised work, and new approaches to the existing canon lead our approach.
What’s your annual budget, and how many artists do you employ each season?
Budget: $4 million. Artists: 55 theatre artists, 100 teaching artists.
How is your theatre rising to meet the challenges of the moment, including but not limited to the continuing aftermath of Covid lockdowns, widespread demands for a fairer industry, and the current funding climate?
While school audiences have returned to the theatre in near record numbers, public audiences have become fickler, choosing “event”-type programming while abandoning challenging work. Couple that with our commitment to raising wages and work standards, our financial position continues to be a bit precarious. I keep reminding our ensemble and funders that an increase in the number of $15 student tickets sold will never provide the resources necessary to sustain our mission. And now with DOGE attacking social safety nets, we find our funding community focusing on “essential services” and eliminating arts funding as “want to have” as opposed to “need to have.” This hearkens back to the Great Recession, when many arts organizations just closed shop. To be honest, the stress level on our organization is often debilitating and exhausting.
What show are you working on now? Anything else in your season that you’re especially looking forward to?
Childsplay is currently in the final design stage for our first production in September, the world premiere of JSonic and The Unknown by Idris Goodwin. The play is a part of the National BIPOC Superheroes project. We’re also excited about a new musical adaptation of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane that will close out our 2025-26 season next April. Unfortunately, JSonic was the production that had its NEA grant offer withdrawn; in addition, Edward Tulane was our recently submitted NEA application this past April.
Strangest or funniest thing you’ve ever seen (or put) on a stage?
I was sitting in the house for a tech rehearsal for The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh at Virginia Stage. Things spiraled out of control when one actor decided to smash a vase against his forehead, causing a large gash. The stage manager crashed through a piece of scenery in a rush to provide aid, and the assistant stage manager fell off the platform trying to help the stage manager. Needless to say, we had three workers’ comp claims and rehearsal was delayed several hours as we took the three of them to the emergency room!
What are you doing when you’re not doing theatre?
I spend most of my off time with friends watching sports, drinking fun new beers, and taking care of my four animals—two cats and two dogs. I also recently hiked down to Havasupai Falls (exhausting, to say the least, but exhilarating to experience) and multi-day rafting trips in the Moab, Utah, Green/Yampa River area.
What does theatre—not just your theatre, but the American or world theatre—look like in, say, 20 years?
This is a challenging question as technology continues to make huge advancements in providing entertainment options. I think virtual reality will begin to play a bigger role, with folks paying licensing fees to stream theatre productions through their VR headsets. As we perform for mostly family and students, I believe more and more education specialists will embrace the arts as a means to an end in social, emotional, and academic development with our youth.
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TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — Tempe City Council voted on Tuesday evening to pass an ordinance requiring a permit for certain group events on city property and parks.According to the city, the ordinance will help improve event planning for everyone. Permits begin free and go up in price depending on the location of the event and number of people in attendance.Some permits are free, such as those for neighborhood events for HOAs, and meet-up bicycle or running groups that gather at the park then leave to use the paths and ...
TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — Tempe City Council voted on Tuesday evening to pass an ordinance requiring a permit for certain group events on city property and parks.
According to the city, the ordinance will help improve event planning for everyone. Permits begin free and go up in price depending on the location of the event and number of people in attendance.
Some permits are free, such as those for neighborhood events for HOAs, and meet-up bicycle or running groups that gather at the park then leave to use the paths and trails.
If Tempe residents want to reserve space in parks for a limited time, the cost ranges from $8 to $25.
People looking to host larger events are required to fill out a $50 permit application. Once approved, those must pay $100 per day to hold a multi-day event or service. Renting a space ranges from $250 to $3,000.
The ordinance would cover any group of more than 30 people, including nonprofits that want to distribute food, clothing and hygiene products to the homeless community in city parks.
Dozens of community members protested against the ordinance on Tuesday and spoke during the city council meeting. Many said the ordinance is discriminatory against people experiencing homelessness and makes it financially challenging for people with resources to help.
“Rather than addressing the root cause of this cost-of-living crisis that we’re living in, this ordinance decides to target the activity such as leaving items intended for distribution or donation,” a community member said.
“How are folks who want to hand out water once a week supposed to afford $150 every single time?” asked Mutual Aid organizer Sarah Covey.
Mayor Corey Woods believes it’s going to simplify the process for Tempe residents and said it’s not meant to discriminate against anyone.
“This is not about discrimination,” Mayor Woods said. “It’s about the ability to create a different process to clearly separate people who were doing large-scale events from just someone who wants to rent a ramada for a couple of hours or the entire day.”
Tempe City Council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance. If you host an event or service without acquiring a permit, you will be issued a fine. Read the full ordinance below.
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TEMPE, AZ — This year's 'Tempe 4th of July Celebration' will be held at Tempe Diablo Stadium, marking a change from 2024, when it was hosted at Tempe Beach Park, like most years....
TEMPE, AZ — This year's 'Tempe 4th of July Celebration' will be held at Tempe Diablo Stadium, marking a change from 2024, when it was hosted at Tempe Beach Park, like most years.
Officials with the City of Tempe sent ABC15 a statement confirming the change and sharing more details on what to expect going forward.
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Following this year's celebration, officials have shared that they will be looking for a "new event management company to help produce future July 4th celebrations" after "many years of partnership" with the Kiwanis Club of Tempe.
Read the full statement from City of Tempe officials below:
While this year's celebration is hosted by the City of Tempe, the Kiwanis Club of Tempe stewarded the event for more than 50 years, bringing in millions of dollars to support local children and youth organizations.Tempe Diablo Stadium, this year’s venue, has previously served as the home for Tempe’s Independence Day fireworks, most recently in 2023. Its ample parking, in-house food vendors, beautiful green grass, and open skies make it an ideal place to gather and enjoy the holiday.Looking ahead, the City of Tempe will be seeking a new event management company to help produce future July 4th celebrations. We remain grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Tempe for their many years of partnership and look forward to working with them on other community events and initiatives.For more information about this year’s celebration, visit: www.tempe.gov/tempe4th
Kris Baxter, City of Tempe's Communication Director
Fireworks for the event will be set off at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
It is unclear if Tempe Diablo Stadium will remain the home for the annual celebration or if it will return to Tempe Beach Park in years to come.
'Tempe 4th of July Celebration' at the stadium is said to have games, live music, food, a drone show, a fireworks display, and more.
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