Each year we've picked an act of kindness centered around food, as it was such an essential source of strength and support for us while we we staying in antepartum, living in the NICU and after we returned home without Noah. So many people signed up to bring us meals, that it sustained us not only in our tummies, but also in our heart and mind.
This year we are partnering again with Campbell's Crew Cares to host a food and personal items supplies drive for the Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS): Specifically the Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter. Here are a few important facts related to homelessness in Phoenix and more broadly in the United States:
- More than 57,000 veterans experience homelessness on any given night in America.
- Approximately half of the homeless population in Arizona is comprised of families with children.
- On any given night in Phoenix, as many as 22,000 people experience homelessness.
- 15% of Central Arizona Shelter Services clients are young adults:
Here is how the Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter works to help...
Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter
Founded in 1991, Vista Colina shelters homeless families in an apartment-style complex for up to 120 days. They have 12 one bedroom and 18 two bedroom units specifically for adults with children under 18. They serve approximately 700 people in the shelter each year.
At Vista Colina, each family works with their case manager to develop and implement a unique case plan to address their specific needs including employment, budgeting, savings as well as other steps toward self-sufficiency. Families must save 80% of their income for permanent housing in preparation for leaving the shelter. Working together, case managers guide clients in applying for the medical benefits and social services for which they are eligible and ensure children are enrolled in school.
The Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter also provides food, hygiene supplies, and clothing. Their Child Development Program includes an infant nursery, an accredited preschool program, and after school activities for older children. By giving families a safe, stable and supportive environment, parents can focus on building life skills, securing income and rebuilding their lives.
At Vista Colina, each family works with their case manager to develop and implement a unique case plan to address their specific needs including employment, budgeting, savings as well as other steps toward self-sufficiency. Families must save 80% of their income for permanent housing in preparation for leaving the shelter. Working together, case managers guide clients in applying for the medical benefits and social services for which they are eligible and ensure children are enrolled in school.
The Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter also provides food, hygiene supplies, and clothing. Their Child Development Program includes an infant nursery, an accredited preschool program, and after school activities for older children. By giving families a safe, stable and supportive environment, parents can focus on building life skills, securing income and rebuilding their lives.
This year to help support the CASS we will be organizing a personal items and non-perishable food drive to donate to this organization. Beginning today through Friday, October 4th we will be collecting any of the items listed below:
Non-perishable Food Items:
- Boxed cereals
- Canned vegetables, fruit and soup
- Dry beans
- Rice
- Instant potatoes
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Canned Meat (Tuna, Chicken or Beef)
- Peanut butter
- Spaghetti sauce
- Pasta/Noodles
- Shelf-Stable Milk
- Paper Towels
- Cooking Spray
- Trash-bags
- Gallon Ziploc bags
- Baby formula
Personal Items Collected as well:
- New or Gently used clothes (Toddler and Children's (especially boys) Clothing, Men's and Women's Clothes, Shoes)
- New Underwear and Socks (all sizes)
- Hairbrushes
- Body Lotions
- Baby wipes
- Deodorant
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Sunscreen/Chap-stick
- Baby items (Bottles, pacifiers, teething rings, strollers)
On Friday, October 5th we will be taking the items collected and partnering with Campbell's Crew Cares to go shopping for some remaining items. Campbell's Crew Cares has pledged their support of Noah's Kindness Project in several generous ways. They have raised money to help us be able to shop for items the shelter desperately needs to address the problem of homelessness for many parents with young children. If you are not local and unable to donate supplies but would like to contribute to our cause, please consider donating to Campbell's Crew Cares. Click the donate button at the top right hand corner of the page and select "Noah's Kindness Project" in the special instructions to the seller.
We hope again you'll join us. I can't imagine not having a home to come to each night or a bed to tuck my children into each night. The simple things we take for granted, the simple things we can do to help those who need it most.
Until next time,
Angie and Jarrett
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