Weekly

e-Newsletter

October 5, 2022

Reflections from Amy Schwabenlender, Executive Director

Sporadic reflections from the front lines serving single adults experiencing homelessness, COVID-endemic mode, fingers crossed we are avoiding Monkeypox, a new month, disrupting systems and living up to the legacy of a champion. It's been 12 days since my last post and 45-ish weeks since losing my sense of smell. No changes on the olfactory front. I'm not sure things will come back the way I imagine them... today there was rain, and I didn't smell the desert. That used to be one of my favorite things.

And oh well. I shall not complain. I am not homeless.

The ebb and flow of life and activity continues at the Human Services Campus. The count of unsheltered humans last week was 1,006. This is an increase of 201 since the week prior. And the last time the count was over 1,000 was in May of 2022. We suspect that as additional emergency shelter beds opened in May and June, the count went down. Those beds are still operating. This increase in the count means an increase in homelessness. [Read More...]

HSC Grateful for United Healthcare Gift

UHCCP Provides Bottled Water Funding for Month of October

Thanks to United Healthcare Community Plan, the HSC is fully funded to provide clients with bottled water for the month of October. The $15,000 gift covers the cost for over 50 pallets of water, which equates to nearly 100,000 bottles. While the ThirstAid campaign runs from May through September, October tends to be a hot month and the need for water remains high.  

HSC and Campus partners distribute bottled water every day to help keep clients hydrated. Although the volume of water decreases somewhat in the winter months, it is a year-round need. We are so grateful to UHCCP and our many supporters who continue to make this possible. Thank you!

Project Connect in Avondale a Great Success

On September 29th, HSC and partners took the Campus on the road to Avondale to serve nearly 100 individuals experiencing homelessness.  People were connected to vital services, clothing, ID's, bike repair, haircuts, health screenings, employment opportunities, and much more. HSC partners at last week's event included:

With support from Valley of the Sun United Way, we are able to collaboratively meet people where they are rather than direct everyone to the Campus for services. Over 100 volunteers assisted at the Avondale event, including groups from Phoenix College, APS, LDS Church, Avondale Baptist Church, and City of Avondale. Thank you for your time and talents!

If you are interested in volunteering at the next Project Connect event in north Phoenix on October 19th, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you!

The First Episode of the Revamped McQuaid Mission is now available on STN TV!

STN TV hosted their first revamped taping of key community conversations with an in-person audience. You can jump to the McQuaid Mission by fast forwarding to the 29:11 minute marker. [Watch it Here...]  And stay tuned for the next episode which will be taped on October 6th!

Click Here to View All Episodes.