PHOENIX Ariz. (Dec. 23, 2021): With more than 400 people in attendance at the Arizona Biltmore and nearly 100 more watching and contributing virtually, the 16^th annual Mike McQuaid I Am Home Breakfast raised more than $850,000 to support programs and services for individuals experiencing homelessness on the Human Services Campus (HSC).

The event recognized and celebrated the collective work of 16 nonprofit agencies at the Human Services Campus for creating successful journeys From Street to Home, this year’s theme.  Presented by Avondale Toyota, the annual fundraiser is named in honor of tireless advocate Mike McQuaid, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2020.

“Being able to return to a live format after a fully virtual event last year, and to reconnect with so many friends, supporters and family members made this event even more meaningful for all of us,” said HSC Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender, who co-hosted with HSC Board Chair Jonathan Koppell, formerly Dean of the ASU Watts College and now president of Montclair State University in New Jersey. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of the community to support the work we do in helping individuals experiencing homelessness move from street to home.”

Among the highlights of the event was a presentation by Congressman Greg Stanton who gave the McQuaid family a framed certificate of the statement Stanton read into the Congressional Record in honor of McQuaid.

Also during the breakfast was special recognition of attorney Paul Gilbert of Beus Gilbert McGroder for donating more than two years of pro bono legal representation during the formal Phoenix City Council zoning-change process that resulted in approval for an additional 275 shelter beds in the shelter at HSC operated by Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS).

Guests, both online and virtually, viewed three videos reflecting the journey out of homelessness. Two of the videos showcased HSC staff members Stacey White and Michelle Miguel, who were unhoused at one point in their lives and now serve HSC clients.

The third video was the story of Debbie, 64, who experienced homelessness for six years with two ill-fitting prosthetic legs and faced constant abuse and robberies, including both of her legs. Debbie credited campus partner Circle the City with life-changing help that included providing her with new prosthetic legs and finding a safe place to live for the first time in years.

In 2020, HSC served 12,000 unduplicated adults, reuniting them with friends and family if possible, addressing their needs and helping move individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent housing.

McQuaid was a successful businessman, longtime community philanthropist and one of the driving forces behind the creation and ongoing success of the Human Services Campus. He first became active in addressing homelessness after volunteering at the nonprofit Andre House in 1987. Among his many accolades and awards was as the recipient of the first Piper Trust Encore Career Prize in 2013.

For more information, visit www.hsc-az.org.