BRUTAL HEAT DEMANDS LONGER HEAT RELIEF DRIVE AND ADDITIONAL COLLECTION DATE FOR KEYS TO CHANGE
Media Alert
Media Alert
BRUTAL HEAT DEMANDS LONGER HEAT RELIEF DRIVE AND ADDITIONAL COLLECTION DATE FOR KEYS TO CHANGE
Over 1,200 individuals experiencing homelessness served daily
WHAT
- Keys to Change (formerly Human Services Campus) extended their monthly Thirst Aid water drive with an additional collection date on Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Thirst Aid collections typically take place the first Saturday of every month, April through September.
- This additional collection date is a response to record-breaking heat and high demand.
- 120,000 bottles of water are distributed at Key Campus each summer month.
- Additional urgent seasonal needs include electrolyte powdered drink packets, sunscreen and SPF lip balm, solid grey bandanas (no patterns), sun hats, baseball caps, sunglasses, insulated water jugs (half-gallon preferred) and cooling wraps and towels.
- Staff will be on-hand at the collection event to help unload vehicles, donors can simply drive up and even stay in their vehicle
- Donations can be made in-person or online at https://keystochangeaz.org/thirst-aid/#funds
- Donations of hygiene items and pet supplies are always accepted.
WHEN & WHERE
- Saturday, October 5 from 9am to noon.
- The collection location is near the Harrison Street Gate at 1300 W. Harrison in Phoenix. (Access is off 15th Avenue just north of the railroad tracks).
WHO
- Keys to Change and partner organizations will utilize all donations to serve individuals experiencing homelessness, sheltered and unsheltered.
WHY
- “Each summer we say, ‘this must be as bad as it can get.’ And every year, the heat is more extreme, and more persistent,” says Keys to Change CEO Amy Schwabenlender. “There’s a real sense of urgency on the front lines because the effects can be very unhealthy. We can’t let our guard down. The heat is still deadly, and affordable housing is still scarce. While community support has been incredible all summer, this may be our most critical ask.”
INFO
- Keys to Change, a 501c3 nonprofit agency, owns and operates a 13-acre campus at 12th Avenue and Madison that is home to 15 nonprofit organizations providing services and resources to help people end their homelessness.
- Currently, more than 900 individuals experiencing homelessness are sheltered every night on the Campus. More than 1,200 access services on the campus during the day.
- View our complete Wish List of items including general goods, move-in essentials, emergency essentials and fresh start essentials.
- Community members also can make online donations.
- Volunteer Opportunities, including heat relief outreach, are found on our website.
Contacts:
Amy Schwabenlender
CEO
Keys to Change
602-281-8628
Kim Beaudoin
Marketing and Communications Manager
Keys to Change
602-282-0849
About Keys to Change
Founded in 2005, Keys to Change (formerly Human Services Campus, Inc.) exists to end homelessness for adults across Maricopa County. Located just west of downtown Phoenix, 15 independent agencies at Key Campus see more than 1,200 individuals every day, offering a holistic range of client services including: reunification with family and friends; mental, physical and dental health; shelter; employment; meals; legal services and housing. Having all of these resources in one location with intra-agency communications makes it more feasible to provide a customized engagement for each client to help end their homelessness. Key Campus is managed by Keys to Change. For more information, visit www.keystochangeaz.org.
