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TUCSON - Tucson's homeless community is getting a chance to find work.

For a second year, the Tucson Police Department is teaming up with the Primavera Foundation to provide jobs for the homeless or those in transition at this year's Gem Show.

Employees will perform landscaping work and beautify the Tucson Convention Center and other downtown areas.

TPD is funding this initiative with money from the Rico Funds.

Employees will make at least minimum wage, which is around $7.75 an hour in Arizona.
They'll be paid weekly.

Rick Sumner with the Primavera Foundation says they've worked with TPD before on other projects.

Two years ago, TPD approached them about hiring workers to clean up the I-10 corridor. That partnership continues today.

Sumner says they have a crew of 8 people working at the T.C.C.
He says most of those workers are homeless for the first time.

Sumner says this program helps reduce the stigma of being homeless.