About Us

Ordinary people responded to an extraordinary need in December 2016. Thousands of asylum seekers at the AZ border had no safe place after release from detention by Immigration Customs Enforcement (l.C.E.). The Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church pledged to help. A courageous church opened its doors, volunteers pitched in, and The lnn began. Unlike the experience of Mary and Joseph who had been turned away at an inn, those needing rest and understanding would be welcome here.

We receive families who have gone through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (C.B.P.), or I.C.E., and are released to continue the immigration process. Our volunteers provide temporary shelter, hospitality, food, clothing, showers, and compassion for these vulnerable families, giving them a safe place to stay while they transition to the next part of their journey. Since its beginnings in December of 2016, The Inn has served more than 14,081 people. In 2019, on average we sheltered 234 people, served 1,1423 meals, and prepared 581 meals to go every month. 

The Inn of Southern Arizona closed in fall 2024. Read the full letter from our Board of Directors at this link.