On the edge of downtown Tucson, in a tiny courtyard, compassion flows to people who need it most.
Homeless men and women come to the Z-Mansion, on Church Street, for water, shade, and medical care.
Henry Cardoza, who slept on the street Sunday night, says it's a respite from the summer heat that is still dangerous.
“It can kill you. Yes it can. And it has killed people out here,” said Cardoza.
Hill says he and his family started the mission, in the back of the mansion which typically hosts weddings on the weekend, as an extension of his faith.
People who come here for free, basic medical attention from volunteer doctors, nurses, and EMT’s. Hill says many have foot problems, their feet develop blisters walking in sweaty socks, and fungus can attack their skin.
That's what's happened to Mark, a man in his early 30’s, who came here Monday sunburned and unable to walk.
“It’s not just shade, it's not just water, this guy's helping people spirits and that’s the biggest thing,” Mark said about Tom Hill and the other volunteers at the backyard mission.
Drew Wilson came to the calming shade to sit by the babbling fountain. He says Hill's work is a needed break from his stressful, dangerous, life on the street, "It's a real blessing, sure it is."
