Your 2019 Guide to Year-End Giving in Downtown Phoenix

by Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Business Development Community Community Commentary Education Featured Spotlight Downtown Phoenix Inc. December 20, 2019

Through outreach and collaboration with nonprofits, service providers, the faith-based community and local governments, the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors help refer those in-need to vital services. (Photo: Studio 616)

The idea of “healthy giving” considers the long-term impact for individuals, the environment, and the community at large. It’s about working together to do the most good, and ensuring your time, money and effort make the most impact for those who need it.

Want to learn more about healthy giving and don’t know where to start? Visit the Healthy Giving Council website, and check out the list below for some ideas on where to donate and how to volunteer in Downtown Phoenix.

Arizona Housing Fund / 602-381-1400
A dedicated funding source for permanent, supportive, low income and working-poor housing units. Every donation goes directly toward building more affordable housing in Downtown Phoenix and around the state.

Human Services Campus / 204 S. 12th Avenue / 602-282-0853 
A collaboration of multiple private, public and faith-based organizations in one central footprint, providing a host of wrap-around services for people experiencing homelessness. Donations are accepted online and volunteer opportunities are available across campus.

Central Arizona Shelter Services, Inc. (CASS) / 230 S. 12th Avenue / 602-229-1241
Founded 35 years ago, CASS is the largest and longest-serving emergency shelter provider in Arizona. Monetary donations, an Amazon wish list, and volunteer opportunities are available online.

Circle the City Healthcare for the Homeless / 220 S. 12th Avenue / 602-776-7676
Circle the City provides integrated and comprehensive healthcare for families, men, women and children experiencing homelessness. Donations accepted online.

Homeless I.D. Project / 206 S. 12th Avenue / 602-223-3427
One of the critical first steps in helping end homelessness is providing identification, document replacement and file storage. Just a $12 donation helps someone obtain an ID, and the program is always looking for dedicated volunteers.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul / 1075 W. Jackson Street / 602-850-6746
An international nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the poor, and providing others with the opportunity to serve. SVDP offers daily meal service, shelter and counseling services on the Human Services Campus, with other locations around the Valley. Donations and volunteer opportunities are available online.

St. Joseph The Worker / 1125 W. Jackson Street / 602-417-9854
St. Joseph the Worker helps with job searches, resume writing, work clothes, transportation assistance and other resources necessary to gain and maintain employment. Donations, volunteer opportunities and a wish list of items can be found online.

Andre House / 213 S. 11th Avenue / 602-252-0580
Although not technically on the Human Services Campus (it’s located across the street), Andre House is considered a campus partner and works in tandem with the various agencies to meet the immediate, basic needs of those who come through the door each day. That includes daily meal service, showers, laundry, free clothes, phone calls, work boots, blankets, and ministry for those seek it. Donation and volunteer opportunities can be found online.

Catholic Charities – MANA House / 755 E. Willetta Street / 602-254-6785
MANA House (Marines, Army, Navy and Air Force) provides transitional housing for veterans in-need, providing many vital services including job search, Veteran Administration (VA) hospital enrollment, education programs (like GED), housing assistance, transportation and much more. Donation and volunteer opportunities can be found online.

Build Us Hope / Micro Homes on Madison Street and 12th Avenue / 602-535-5417
A long-term, permanent and community-based housing program, working to build homes with access to supportive services in mind. For people interested in sustainable building techniques, Build Us Hope is constructs “green” micro homes, and is looking for volunteers and donations.

Friendly House / 723 S. First Avenue / 602-257-1870
In addition to providing food boxes for individuals and families in-need, Friendly House provides toiletries, rental assistance, workforce development, English language classes and a host of other programs and services aimed at promoting self-sufficiency. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the above address and tax deductible monetary donations are accepted online.

Hope’s Crossing / 830 N. First Avenue / 602-795-8098
After a period of incarceration, sometimes connections with loved ones are lost and criminal records can make securing a job and home very challenging. Hope’s Crossing provides a host of stabilization services to women post incarceration including short-term and long-term food support, transportation, referrals for child care and a host of other programs. Volunteers and donations are always needed.

ICM Food and Clothing Bank / 501 S. Ninth Avenue / 602-254-7450
The ICM Food and Clothing Bank helps meet the basic needs of more than 100 families struggling with poverty and homelessness every day, six days a week. In-kind donations of food, clothing and material goods are accepted until 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the back parking lot, just south of the building at Ninth Avenue. There are also numerous volunteer positions available.

Justa Center / 1001 W. Jefferson Street / 602-254-6524
This is the nation’s only daytime resource center for men and women ages 55 and older who are experiencing homelessness. Justa Center helps guide seniors to housing and other supportive services, focusing on issues and circumstances specific to that age group. Financial support and donations are greatly appreciated, and visitors are welcome (check the website for hours).

Phoenix Rescue Mission Changing Lives Center / 338 N. 15th Avenue / 602-688-6211
The Changing Lives Center is the only faith-based recovery program in the region offering long-term, comprehensive services to women and children. Families can stay together while women work through addiction and abuse issues, eventually becoming self-sufficient through career assessment and job placement programs. There are numerous volunteer positions available and donations are graciously accepted.

The Salvation Army Phoenix /2707 E. Van Buren Street / 602-267-4100
As part of a large national charity, the work of The Salvation Army is far reaching, including helping families overcome poverty and homelessness. From food boxes and rental assistance, to basic needs like hygiene and transportation — there are lots of ways to help, and a host of volunteer opportunities available.

UMOM New Day Centers / 3333 E. Van Buren St. / 602-275-7852
Located east of downtown near the airport, UMOM provides shelter, transitional and permanent housing for women, children (including teens) and families — in addition to supportive services like medical care and child care. Donations are accepted online and there are a host of volunteer opportunities available.