Arizona Watcher
Community on Wheels began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, founded by volunteers who started filling milk crates with donated supplies to help neighbors in need.
Volunteers became a familiar presence at outreach events across Tucson, often arriving in a distinctive cow-painted van and setting up tables with snacks and supplies.
The group hosted weekly distributions at Santa Rita Park for several years and began an annual "Cow Christmas" outreach in 2022 to provide gifts and supplies to unsheltered neighbors.
Operating as an unincorporated mutual-aid group known as C.O.W., Community on Wheels was listed as a partner in local mutual-aid collaborations and referenced by the Community Food Bank.
In the weeks leading up to the shutdown, several benefit events were organized to support C.O.W., including a July 9 charity show and an art-sale fundraiser planned for August 2.
Officials from Community on Wheels announced the organization will cease operations after six years of serving Tucson, marking the end of its on-the-ground outreach activities.
The group's final event was held August 1 at South 4th Ave. and E. 25th St.; organizer Victoria DeVasto called the six-year run emotional and said she hoped it would spur action on Tucson's housing crisis.
Community on Wheels, a Tucson-based mutual aid group, announced it is ceasing operations after six years of service. Volunteers with the group have been visible at outreach events, operating a cow‑painted van and distributing snacks and supplies.