Our mission to Feed, Clothe and Empower changes lives. It’s all about overcoming the odds.
Last year, more than 22,000 people in Maricopa County were homeless. They had no place of their own to sleep, keep their belongings or take care of themselves.
Two million people in Arizona do not have enough food to eat. Nearly 30% of our neighbors live on a paycheck that barely covers rent and the basic necessities of life. Many go without a meal for days.
More than 40% of homeless people in Maricopa County suffer with mental illness, HIV/AIDS or a substance use disorder.
There are real people behind each one of these statistics. They are our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family members. Homelessness can happen to anyone at any time.
Circumstances outside one’s control strike suddenly catapulting people into dire need: job loss, rising rent, divorce, domestic violence, health issues or mental illness. Hundreds of veterans, working poor and seniors living on fixed incomes, single parents as well as youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
Homelessness can also be the result of bad decisions and destructive habits including substance abuse and incarceration. Either way, many of our neighbors are struggling. They have no extra margin in their lives and no one to rely on.
Meet a few of the people who overcame obstacles to beat the odds and turn their lives around. They show true grit, resilience and determination.
Thanks to generous supporters and volunteers, our neighbors received a lifeline of tools, resources and help they needed to get back on their feet.
Don was retired and had just lost his home when the pandemic started. At 79 years of age, he lived…
Lynn worked as a Behavioral Health Tech in an assisted living home for the elderly and people with autism. “I…
Follow the stories of life change made possible by our volunteers and donors.
At Paz de Cristo, we give people a hand so that they can get back on their feet. We Feed, Clothe and Empower.