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.
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.
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.
It’s Happening
There are lessons to be learned from the last several years. There are definitely situations myself and HSC don’t want to repeat.
About Keys to Change and Key Campus
Keys to Change (formerly HSC, Inc.) is the primary service organization for single adults experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Maricopa County, offering a comprehensive range of programs tackling the physical, behavioral, mental, financial, and/or legal barriers that hinder long-term success. Keys to Change primary initiative is Key Campus, a consortium of 15 nonprofit organizations working collaboratively to meet the unique needs of individuals working to end their homelessness. Located just west of downtown Phoenix, Key Campus sees more than 1,000 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. Keys to Change is a compassionate connector and strategic partner in a leadership role working to end homelessness. For more information, visit www.keystochangeaz.org.