Cochise Harm Reduction (CHR), a nonprofit founded by Lu Funk, provides essential resources to homeless individuals across Cochise County, Arizona. The organization serves about 250 people weekly, delivering food, hygiene supplies, camping gear, and first aid kits to those in need. CHR operates in 16 zip codes, including Benson, Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Douglas, and Wilcox.
The nonprofit also offers harm reduction services, distributing NARCAN, needles, and drug testing kits to address substance abuse issues among the homeless population. In 2022, CHR provided over 6,100 harm reduction services and is on track to surpass that number this year.
Funk emphasizes the importance of mobile resource units, stating, “Part of me is outraged that people don’t have more (access). That they feel that me and CHR are all they have. It shouldn’t really be that way”. The organization’s growth highlights the significant need for such services in the community.