100+ DAYS OF 100+ HEAT – THIRST AID CONTINUES TO RAISE FUNDS, SUPPLIES, AND AWARENESS OF HEAT DANGER
Media Alert
Media Alert
100+ DAYS OF 100+ HEAT – THIRST AID CONTINUES TO RAISE FUNDS, SUPPLIES, AND AWARENESS OF HEAT DANGER
Over 1,200 individuals experiencing homelessness served daily
WHAT
- Keys to Change (formerly Human Services Campus) holds their next monthly Thirst Aid water drive on Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Thirst Aid collections typically take place the first Saturday of every month through September.
- In response to record-breaking heat and high demand, an additional collection event will take place in October.
- 120,000 bottles of water are needed each month through October.
- 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.
- Donations of hygiene items and pet supplies are always accepted.
WHERE
- 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.
- Campus Partner Homeless ID Project is our featured partner for the September Thirst Aid drive.
WHY
- “It is not a privilege to have water and to hydrate, but a right,” says Keys to Change Director of Operations AAron Iverson, whose team is responsible for water distribution at Key Campus. “It is our team’s priority to make sure that everyone has access to water and the ability to take the appropriate precautions to cool themselves down. Our philosophy is simple – IF WE CAN, WE DO!”
- “This heat is literally a killer!” says Homeless ID Project Executive Director Rick Mitchell. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support the Thirst Aid effort. Our ability to collaborate with Key Campus partner agencies is essential to our mission of ending homelessness.”
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
Development 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.
