Peace is tested, some days more than others. Yet the more days I practice centeredness, the quicker I rebound.
Reflections from the Front Lines Blog
by Amy Schwabenlender, CEO, Keys to Change
In this blog, Amy shares her personal thoughts on serving people experiencing homelessness and living up to the legacy of her good friend and mentor, Mike McQuaid.
Fear for Their Future
Today is a milestone that we knew would happen, and it brings many unhappy feelings as we prepare for the November 30th end of ARPA funding.
I Thought of My Dad
This morning, on my commute, I heard a song for the first time. “Skin” by Rag’n’Bone Man and I thought of my dad.
Remain Human-centered
We remain human-centered knowing that all of these unsheltered numbers represent people who deserve homes.
Stay Awake or Be Arrested?
At Keys to Change, we serve people who need assistance with short term shelter and connection to housing, so that they can sleep without fear.
Humanity. Compassion. Equal Opportunity.
We are fighters here at Keys to Change, individually and organizationally. Fighting for the greater good one season at a time.
You Wouldn’t Demand Falafel at a Pizza Shop
After asking each individual a list of intake and assessment questions, we provide an overview of the services available at Key Campus.
Listen First to Seek to Understand
For the calendar year 2023, according to Maricopa Association of Governments, there were 19 new people experiencing homelessness for every 10 people finding housing.
It’s the Season of Action
When fear freezes action, nothing is done. Pick one thing that works toward reducing and ending homelessness, and do it!
Change
Not change for the sake of change. Change for the sake of achieving the mission to end homelessness. Working Together. Unlocking the Way Home.
Mahalo Nui Loa
As human beings, it doesn’t matter if it’s an island or a desert, everyone deserves safe, permanent, affordable housing.
Limitless Love
For me, the choice is to act with love. There is no maximum capacity on how much love one human being has and can give.
About Keys to Change and Key Campus
Keys to Change uses the power of collaboration to create solutions to end homelessness across Maricopa County. As the owner/operator of Key Campus in downtown Phoenix, Keys to Change facilitates coordination among 13 independent nonprofit and governmental agencies offering a holistic range of services to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Serving over 1,000 people every day, Key Campus services include reunification with family and friends; mental, physical and dental healthcare; shelter; mail services; employment; meals; legal services; housing match; animal care, case management and more. Keys to Change is a compassionate connector, strategic partner, and relentless advocate, leveraging corporate, individual, and public funding to address systemic barriers while providing for the immediate and emerging needs of the local unhoused community. Learn more at www.keystochangeaz.org.