Downtown Phoenix has various resources for low-income families and youth and people experiencing homelessness that provide shelter, food and hygiene supplies. With the holidays coming up, many places are looking for volunteers to help the community. Each of the following establishments seek to provide resources for people experiencing hunger, crisis or homelessness and welcome everyone, whether giving or receiving help.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has various programs to feed, clothe and shelter those in need. It has dining rooms that serve food and a food reclamation center, which redistributes donated food. St. Vincent de Paul has an “Aid to Stranded Travelers” program as well that provides travel assistance to those who find themselves stranded in crisis situations in the Phoenix area. Volunteers ensure that clients have housing or jobs available before leaving the establishment. Some of its services, including one of the dining rooms, are located on the Human Services Campus on 12th Avenue.
One-n-ten serves LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in Phoenix through various programs and its youth center located at 1101 N. Central Ave. One-n-ten has a housing program called “Promise of A New Day” that includes up to two years in a single-occupancy apartment, onsite case management, employment/education coaching and mental health resources. In addition to the housing program, one-n-ten provides life skills, education for workforce readiness and emotional, physical and mental well-being counseling.
Native American Connections is a foundation that helps support family stabilization, community wellness and individuals in alcohol and drug recovery. Its affordable housing program has three locations downtown and is open to individuals and families of all ethnicities with specific communities for families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, homeless adults and homeless youth. Native American Connections has two apartments located on Second Avenue between Fillmore and McKinley streets and one on Fourth Avenue and Fillmore Street.
Friendly House has programs focused on education, workforce development, family services and immigration. The organization provides elementary education, adult education, work development, immigration legal services at several locations in or near downtown. Family services include emergency support, drug prevention, parent education, and career readiness.
Phoenix Rescue Mission launches its “Feeding Phoenix” campaign every fall. It provides food for those experiencing homelessness and hunger, with a special focus on the holiday season. Phoenix Rescue Mission prepares bags of food for those experiencing food insecurity. It accepts donations of food, water, blankets and toys among other items to provide to families who need it and homeless people.
Contact the reporter at jspinkne@asu.edu.
