The Benedictine Monastery on North Country Club Road off East Speedway Boulevard in Tucson.
The developer who recently bought Tucson's Benedictine Monastery has opened the space for a nonprofit to house asylum-seekers awaiting their appointment with immigration officials.
Ross Rulney is allowing Catholic Community Services to use the building free of charge. Rulney said he got the idea when he overheard a conversation among Tucson Ward 6 staff members about the need for temporary housing for Central American asylum-seekers. He said that’s when he saw a chance to help.
“I have a building that isn’t being used right now, and if I could offer it and I’m helpful, then that’s exciting,” said Rulney.
Rulney has plans to develop a set of apartment blocks around the Benedictine Monastery, which closed in September 2016. The project is controversial among community members who think it doesn't match the neighborhood's character.
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.