DES Colleague Shout-Out: Regina Holguin – Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility, Program Services Evaluator

While DES colleague Regina Holguin navigated the streets west of downtown Phoenix on a Saturday morning, her daughter, Selena, watched for homeless, just getting up and going after a night on the streets. "There's one," she said, and Regina did a U-turn, pulling up next to a man pushing a shopping cart on the sidewalk.

Regina grabbed a bag with a hamburger and fries, and a bottle of water from the back seat. She and Selena approached a man, who said his name was Robert, to ask if he would he like something to eat. The two would repeat this until all the food they bought that morning was gone.

The concept of Our NEW DES is nothing new to Regina, who has practiced these principles for many years. In the winter, she might pass out coats and gloves, some of which she solicits from fellow eligibility workers in the 51st Avenue and Van Buren office. In the summer, it might be T-shirts, toiletries and bottled water. It’s not unique to find Regina’s Chevy Tahoe filled with water and a box of clothes year-round.

Regina has always had a soft spot for the homeless and those suffering from addiction. "We're a helping family," she said. "We love doing this. We have family and friends who have struggled, just like everyone else."

But it was a painful divorce a few years ago that got her involved in Victory Outreach church, and into their homeless ministry. With other church members, Regina sometimes goes out late at night, hoping to get the message across that there are options for women working the streets or men and women living with substance abuse. They pass out cards with phone numbers to the church and its shelters. "I tell them to keep that card wherever they go, so if they're ready, they know where to get help." She and her daughter sometimes just "hit the streets" on their own when they're bored, go buy some hamburgers, and look for those in need.

After she and Selena approached Robert with the food and the shelter information, they asked if he wanted to pray with them. He agreed, and all three bowed their heads. Regina and Selena, in shirts which read "GOD BELONGS IN MY CITY," prayed with Robert in his "It's Five O'Clock SOMEWHERE" shirt, and asked God to guide him to a safe path.

*Story and photos submitted by our DBME colleague, Lisa DeForest. Thank you, Lisa!