We have to pull ourselves through the uncertainty, the chaos, the ups and downs, because thousands of people are expecting us to help them.
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.
The Fourth Element
The human element is perhaps the most important. People are the numbers. More than 7,000 human beings waiting for housing.
Count Your Blessings
Everyone we interact with deserves to flourish and prosper. Every single one deserves to thrive.
Offer Human Kindness
Where ever you are, if you are reading this, check on people around you. The Arizona heat is excessive this summer.
Fuel to Fire Our Endeavors
A simple “Hello” lights up people with smiles and the recognition they have been seen. This is the fuel to fire our endeavors.
Collaborating to Create Solutions
Every organization needs financial support to continue serving those who need help today. The options to be involved are endless.
2023 Point-in-Time Count
There are more people experiencing homelessness in 2023 than in 2022 in Maricopa County. And it is more than the reported 9,642.
Abracadabra
If I had a magic wand, I would wave it and put resources into helping people stay housed—create more housing, control rent increases, and prevent all housing crises.
Where Were We?
If I started anything with you in 2019/2020 through today, and haven’t finished, I’m ready to go! Where were we?
Housing First
Housing First is evidence-based. And it’s not Housing Only. To have positive outcomes it must be Housing With Services.
Find the Root Causes
Systems Thinking is re-engineering the pieces, measuring the dynamics, ripping things apart to find root causes, and building solutions.
Balance
My friends, the faithful, the random text messages that make me laugh, think, plan, and have human connection. You bring me balance.
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.