PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec.11, 2024): The 20th annual Mike McQuaid I Am Home Breakfast will recognize and celebrate successful journeys from street to home and the collaborative work lead by Keys to Change on Friday, Dec 13th from 7:15-9 a.m. in the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom at the Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. in Phoenix.
The free event also can be viewed virtually. To register, visit www.keystochangeaz.org/register.
Presented by Avondale Toyota, the annual celebration is named in honor of one of the founders of Key Campus (formerly Human Services Campus), Mike McQuaid, a tireless advocate for the homeless who truly believed that homelessness could be solved. McQuaid passed away in 2020 from COVID-19.
The fundraising event comes at a critical time, with one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan winding down, and rate of homelessness on the rise. Proceeds will support Keys to Change’s mission of using the power of collaboration to create solutions to end homelessness, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to focus not just on emergency interventions, but also prevention, and increased access to affordable housing.
This year’s breakfast will be co-hosted by Chris Coraggio, former local Sports Director at CBS-5 and current national news broadcaster for iHeartRadio; and Peter McQuaid, Jr., executive chef at The Americano in Scottsdale, James Beard Foundation Taste America Award winner, and Food Network Star.
The Mike McQuaid I Am Home Breakfast will feature stories from people who have experienced homelessness, who are now living successful independent lives. The stories will be told through short videos and testimonials. Stories include:
- Alex, a military veteran suffering from dementia whose parents died young. The Keys to Change outreach team drove him to the Navajo reservation to get his documentation and, with additional coordination of services at Key Campus, Alex is now home.
- Brett became homeless after being hit by a bus in Los Angeles, and losing his life savings, home, and job due to the medical expenses and length of stay. His friend, Chris Coraggio, brought him to Key Campus, where he worked on a housing plan and is now in permanent supportive housing.
- Leslie is only 20 years old and is a success story from the Respiro Shelter on Key Campus.
- Yvester was chronically homeless for 27 years. It took the long-term commitment of team members to keep in touch with Yvester until he was ready to make a change. He spent this Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones.
For more information, visit www.keystochangeaz.org.
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Media Contacts:
Amy Schwabenlender
CEO
Keys to Change
602-281-8628
amys@keystochangeaz.org
Kim Beaudoin
Marketing and Communications Manager
Keys to Change
602-282-0849
kbeaudoin@keystochangeaz.org
