What began with a shoebox and a vision is now a healthcare operation that completes more than 63,000 medical appointments every year by meeting those facing homelessness where they are.

Circle the City was founded by Sister Adele O’Sullivan in 2010, when she began caring for people on the street. Supporters offered donations to cover the cost of medical supplies, and she stored the cash in a shoebox.

Today, Circle the City has grown to:

• Two outpatient clinics that provide primary and preventive healthcare.
• Two 50-bed respite care facilities for adults recovering from acute illness or injuries - those who are not sick enough to be in the hospital, but too sick to be on the street. They receive three freshly-prepared meals per day, 24/7 nursing support, substance use intervention, and more.
• Mobile Medical Care – Serving medical and behavioral healthcare throughout Maricopa County.
• Street Medicine – Delivering healthcare to unsheltered and unhoused individuals in river bottoms, canals, alleys, street corners and parks.

Kim Despres now heads the organization as CEO, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a leader in healthcare. She has guided Circle the City’s expansion, including the launch of its first in-house pharmacy and construction of a new 85-bed East Valley Medical Respite Center planned to open later this year.

Click here to learn more about Circle the City: https://circlethecity.org/

Original air date: January 22, 2026.