Want to help people experiencing homelessness in metro Phoenix? Where to donate
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County has risen drastically over the past several years. This year, the population reached over 9,500 across the county, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments. Last year, almost 800 people experiencing homelessness died due to largely preventable causes.
Emergency shelters and nonprofits across the Valley seek donations year-round to help people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Here are organizations accepting donations of time, money and resources.
Justa Center
The Justa Center is a nonprofit serving seniors experiencing homelessness in Phoenix. The center is accepting donations suited for the warmer months, such as bottled water, Gatorade Zero and sunscreen. In addition, year-round items such as toilet paper and household cleaner are always accepted.
A full list of desired items and how to ship them can be found on the organization's website at https://www.justacenter.org/current-needs.
Human Services Campus
The Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix serves hundreds of people each day. The campus offers emergency shelter, employment resources, meals and more. Donations are encouraged year-round via their website at https://donorbox.org/hsc.
The campus also accepts donations of goods, including toiletries and adult clothing. A donation drop-off can be scheduled by emailing volunteer@hsc-az.org or calling 602-282-0849.
Circle the City
Circle the City is a nonprofit providing healthcare for people experiencing homelessness through mobile medical clinics and outpatient care. The organization accepts monetary donations year-round.
In addition, groups of people can collaborate to donate "kindness kits." These kits include snacks, water, toiletries and a personal note and are given to people at Circle the City's family health clinic and via the organization's Mobile Medical Outreach Teams.
For more information, visit https://circlethecity.org/.
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul offers shelter space, food and clothing to people experiencing homelessness in the Valley. The organization provides multiple volunteer opportunities, including preparing food, helping stock thrift stores and welcoming people needing assistance. Volunteers are needed in Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise, Phoenix and other communities.
St. Vincent de Paul hosts the 100 Days of Summer fundraising drive from June through August to help people during Arizona's hot summer months. Donations during August will go toward shelter. Furniture, cars and other supplies can also be donated to the organization.
More details are available at https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give.
Unsheltered Phoenix
Unsheltered Phoenix is an independent organization providing resources to people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix. The group has a running Amazon wishlist where people can buy snacks, power banks and tents for those in need.
A link to the group's Amazon wishlist is available at https://linktr.ee/unshelteredphx.
UMOM
UMOM provides shelter and resources for families and individuals across the Valley. The organization accepts donations of gently used furniture and household items, like shampoo and conditioner, body wash and paper towels. Items can be dropped off at UMOM's donation warehouse at 2107 E. Magnolia St. in Phoenix.
More information about how to donate can be found at https://www.umom.org/donate-items.
Central Arizona Shelter Services
CASS is an emergency shelter serving people in Phoenix facing housing insecurity. According to CASS, a recurring donation of $10 per month provides shelter for three days for one person.
One-time and recurring donations are accepted at their website, https://www.cassaz.org/project/donate/.
Andre House
Andre House provides meals and hospitality services, like laundry and shower access, to people in downtown Phoenix. The nonprofit accepts monetary donations and donated goods.
Items Andre House has identified as critical needs include men's and women's shorts and shoes, deodorant, backpacks and hats. All items must be bagged or boxed. Gently used products are also accepted.
More information about needed items, and how to make a monetary donation, can be found on the organization's website at https://andrehouse.org/ways-to-give/.
Do you know of an organization that should be included on this list? Helen Rummel covers housing insecurity and homelessness for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at hrummel@gannett.com.
Juliette Rihl contributed to this report.
Coverage of housing insecurity on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How to help people experiencing homelessness in metro Phoenix
