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Reflections from the front lines serving individuals experiencing homelessness, during the passive aggressive weather that is Winter in Phoenix, and never forgetting the Mike McQuaid Legacy.
Here at 12th Avenue and Madison, the constant change remains, well, constant. There is never a dull moment. As an organization in full-on growth mode at a collaborative Campus that serves 14,000 people a year, we find ourselves continually adjusting, reprioritizing, forming, storming, and norming.
As announced previously we are changing names! As the organization moves from Human Services Campus, Inc. to Keys to Change, the place in downtown Phoenix moves from Human Services Campus to Key Campus. The steps to update, rewrite, redesign, and replace are many. We intentionally didn't wait until we had it all ready to go to start implementing. This "phased" approach means not spending a lot of money all at once, and it means dozens of little steps that we also don't want to take too long. This brings quite a bit of busy-ness as items are shifting in the to-do lists in order to be the most responsive as needs arise.
And the name changes are leading to many fruitful and engaging conversations. Having the opportunity to talk about all of the Keys that lead to reducing and ending homelessness is energizing. As Keys to Change we are able to offer the keys of bridge housing, diversion, Project Connect, regional street outreach, coordinated entry, and the Key Campus. On top of that Keys to Change will be louder and more visible in the advocacy space for systems change that will create long-term reductions in the numbers of people who become homeless and increase the number of services and housing opportunities.
With our name change and the differentiation of the organization and the unique place at the Key Campus, positions and roles adapt to meet the demands and to pursue the opportunities. One of my goals is now accomplished, with Tish Brown-Gambino who started working with us almost one year ago as my Associate Executive Director. The plan was to separate the functions at Key Campus to a person rather than be part of the mix of duties and responsibilities that are mine. Tish is now THE Executive Director of Key Campus. And I have the honor of being the CEO of Keys to Change. We are so fortunate to have Tish on our team, and I'm optimistic about the improvements that will occur with her leadership. [Read More...]
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