Get involved with these 9 organizations helping the unhoused in Phoenix

Learn about organizations that are working to help the unhoused in metro Phoenix and how you can contribute to their mission. 

The unhoused population in Arizona has tragically risen in recent years. In January 2023, it was estimated that the unhoused population was 14,237. That’s a big jump from the January 2020 estimate of 10,979.

There are plenty of reasons for this surge. Chief among them are the drastic rise in the cost of housing in a short period of time, the end of COVID relief funds, and the expiration of pandemic-era eviction bands. Homelessness is on the rise across the United States.

But let’s not despair. There are organizations working to help the unhoused, and you can be a part of the solution to the crisis. Here’s an overview of some of them and ways you can help with your money, time, or awareness.  

If you’re currently experiencing homelessness, here are some Arizona resources to check out. Various cities also have phone numbers you also can call If you’re experiencing homelessness. 

• In Tempe, call 480-350-8004
• In Mesa, call 480-644-4673
• In Phoenix, call 602-262-6251
• In Scottsdale, call 480-312-0101

Help is there for you.

Arizona Housing Fund

The Arizona Housing Fund is a nonprofit organization that raises money to give to nonprofits working to build more permanent affordable housing. Donations are tax-deductible, and individuals and companies are welcome to donate. Arizona nonprofits working to build affordable housing can apply for grant funding through the Arizona Housing Fund.

Catholic Charities Community Services 

Catholic Charities Community Services offers a wide variety of services, housing assistance, temporary shelters, and affordable housing options throughout Greater Phoenix and Northern Arizona. The organization has an emergency shelter in Flagstaff, the only one in Northern Arizona that allows fathers to stay with their families. The group also has a shelter in Bullhead City that can accommodate individuals, families, and veterans.

This shelter also has day services for those who are experiencing hardships but don’t need housing. The group also has a housing facility in Phoenix, MANA House, that is for male veterans. In Northern Arizona, Catholic Charities has a re-entry housing program that provides safe, affordable housing to individuals who’ve recently been involved with the justice system.

Through its affordable housing division, Housing for Hope, Catholic Charities also has numerous affordable housing communities, with new communities regularly in the works. Currently, there are eight communities in the Valley, as well as one in Page and another in Kingman that will soon be completed. 

The community can support Catholic Charities’ efforts through donations or volunteering.

Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities Community Services.

Paz de Cristo Community Center

424 W. Broadway Road in Mesa

The Paz de Cristo Community Center in Mesa helps unhoused individuals by providing them with food, clothing, showers, haircuts, and services that can help them find employment. The Center serves over 50,000 meals every month and has served dinner for over 31 years. Consider helping out by volunteering or giving money to the nonprofit.

Eden Village

Eden Village builds tiny homes designed for one person and is intended to help those experiencing chronic homelessness and disability. These tiny homes measure roughly 390 square feet. The concept is sprouting up across the country, and a property in Mesa, Arizona, is in escrow to build one of these communities. You can donate to help out.

A New Leaf

A New Leaf in Mesa estimates it has helped over 23,000 people change their lives in 2023 alone. Since 1971, this organization has helped adults and children facing difficult circumstances. It also helps those with mental illness and who are experiencing domestic violence. For individuals experiencing homelessness, A New Leaf can help them find shelter, affordable housing, and rent and utility assistance. A New Leaf has a few apartment complexes where individuals can live if they need help. Read more about these services here.

Individuals can donate money or volunteer with A New Leaf if they want to help.

Photo courtesy of A New Leaf.

St. Joseph the Worker 

St. Joseph the Worker (SJW) helps those experiencing homelessness and other disadvantaged people find employment. Since its founding in 1988, SJW estimates it has helped over 35,000 people find jobs. Individuals who are looking for jobs or want better jobs can drop by to find help. The organization offers resume edits, interview coaching, clothing, interview prep, job skills certifications, and transportation to interviews. Each job provides a minimum of $17 per hour plus benefits. Every time one of their clients finds a job, the person gets to ring a bell to celebrate.

SJW is looking for volunteers and donations.

St. Mary’s Food Bank

St. Mary’s Food Bank is Arizona’s largest food bank. It distributes food to those who need it most and has a map of food pantries where people can find food. The food bank also partners with organizations that help the unhoused to distribute food. St. Mary’s is searching for volunteers and donations.

St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been serving the unhoused and underprivileged communities since 1946. The organization supplies hot meals at four dining room locations—two in Phoenix, one in Mesa, and another in El Mirage. By 2025, the organization hopes to move 2,025 people into permanent housing. It achieved this goal in 2024 and hopes to help another 250 people.

St. Vincent de Paul also offers dental care, health care, pet services, rent and utility bill assistance, and pet services for people in need.

This October, St. Vincent de Paul is collecting underwear donations to help the unhoused.

Sojourner Center

The Sojourner Center has helped individuals and families experiencing domestic violence since 1977. Most need help with housing. The center has 32 apartments where people can reside for up to two years while they find more permanent housing. The Center can also provide up to 120 days of services in a secure area for those who are leaving bad situations.

“Our two largest programs (Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing) at Sojourner Center work with unhoused individuals and families. We provide shelter and housing for women, men, children, and pets who have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. We also have a Community Outreach program that has two main goalssafety and resources, which usually means housing support,” Berkley Harris, assistant director of Community Engagement for Sojourner Center, told us.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.