May 13th e-Newsletter | A Hand Up

"A Hand Up" by D.H.

Daryl ended his homelessness with Keys to Change.

A hit-and-run changed Daryl's life. A special outreach worker led him to Respiro Shelter. Today, Daryl is home. Here is his story, in his own words.

“Keys to Change is a shining star in the darkness of being homeless," says Daryl.

"That’s because of the dedicated people like Michael, who work hard to give you a hand up to change your situation."

"My story isn't what people expect. I didn't become homeless because of drugs or mental illness. I was hit by a car while riding my bike. The driver took off and left me for dead in the street." ...Read the full piece here.

News from Keys to Change

All Smiles at Project Connect Glendale

Project Connect Glendale was a successful event filled with positive outcomes!

We served 151 clients, supported 9 diversions, gave 20 haircuts, and provided 15 showers.

First-time volunteer, Steve, reflected on the event:

"In everyday life, when I encounter individuals experiencing homelessness, I rarely see smiles. But [at Project Connect], almost every person I came in contact with was smiling, and honestly, that touched my soul in a way I did not expect."

Amazing job, all! See photos.

Community Rallied for Thirst Aid Kickoff

We kicked off this summer's heat relief efforts with the May Thirst Aid event.

Our partners at Circle the City helped rally support from the community to deliver life-saving hydration and supplies to our unsheltered neighbors.

Each month, Key Campus partners hand out over 120,000 bottles of water to the thousands of clients we see everyday.

All summer long, Keys to Change is partnering with the community to host local drives - directly supporting the most vulnerable members of our community through the months of extreme heat.

Host your own drive and drop off at the next event - Saturday, June 6th! Add to calendar.

Project Connect Photos

Thirst Aid Info

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Partner Spotlight

Darin Jahries, Community Bridges (CBI) PATH Outreach and Support Services Manager

"Where's Darin?" is the question people ask when the most challenging cases come up at Project Connect. That's because Darin's reputation precedes him. Not only is he always willing to help - he's often the best person for the conversation.

Darin is honest, realistic, and discerning. He's an expert at building trust. He doesn't pull punches about what's possible, what's feasible, and what'll actually happen. Darin approaches every interaction with an extreme level of compassion and empathy - firmly rooted in his expertise.

At the intersection of homelessness, instability, mental health, and substance use, Darin is a crossing guard. A safe person. A beacon of hope for reaching the other side whole. His collaboration with Keys to Change has contributed to the success and stability of hundreds of Key Campus clients. It takes a special kind of person to do what he does as well as he does. Thank you Darin, and thank you to the entire team at CBI!

Community Shoutout

Keys to Change would like to give 900 THANK YOU's to Upgrade Inc. One thank you for every hygiene and heat relief kit they donated in April. These kits were used for outreach around Key Campus and at Project Connect last week.

Each kit is a conversation starter, helping individuals choose to access direct housing services with Keys to Change. And, it provides critical relief items from the increasing heat. Thank you, Upgrade Inc.!

Shop for a Cause - Kendra Scott Give Back

Shop to end homelessness! Join the Keys to Change Development Team in-store at Kendra Scott - Arrowhead Towne Center next Saturday, May 23rd.

From 2:00 - 4:00 pm that afternoon, 20% of your purchase will go directly to Keys to Change. Or, purchase online from May 22 - 24 and use the Virtual Give Back Code GIVEBACK-MAHQE.

If you were looking for an excuse to treat yourself to the latest summer accessories - this is it!

Mark your calendar - Saturday, May 23rd, 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Arrowhead Mall in Glendale. Add to calendar.

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