2023 Events
at The HSC
2023 Events
at The HSC
2023 Client Holiday Party
Thursday, 12/21
Special Event
A fun and festive Client Holiday Party was held on Thursday, December 21st. From door prizes and raffles to delicious food and fun games, it was a good time had by all! Thank you to many volunteers who helped to create a special event for the people we serve. And to an anonymous grantor and funds from Home Aid Phoenix, thank you.
2023 Mike McQuaid I Am Home Breakfast
The annual Mike McQuaid I Am Home Breakfast recognizes and celebrates our collective work creating successful journeys from street to home.
Event Summary
With more than 400 people in attendance at the Arizona Biltmore and nearly 100 more watching and contributing virtually, the 16th annual Mike McQuaid I Am Home Breakfast raised more than $850,000 to support HSC programs and services to assist people experiencing homelessness move from street to home.
“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. “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 were:
- A discussion with two HSC staff members about their experience with homelessness and how access to resources and services changed the direction of their lives
- 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 Mike McQuaid, campus founder and former board president, who passed away in July 2020.
- A 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).
The event sponsored by 42 organizations, including Signature Sponsor Avondale Toyota, also featured a performance by the Phoenix Symphony Ensemble: B-Sharp Music Wellness Program and a video of an HSC client’s journey out of homelessness.
Watch the Event (Replay)
2021 Event Photos
(click an image to start slideshow)
Project Connect
Tuesday, 11/7
Project Connect Event in Arcadia
Thirty volunteers from Rocket Mortgage, JustServe and The Social Television Network (STN) provided assistance in serving over 70 individuals experiencing homelessness at Project Connect in Phoenix on November 7th. And 23 partner organizations collaborated to provide a range of holistic services, from meals and haircuts, to identification and medical services, to connections to housing.
On behalf of HSC and collaborating partners, we extend a special thanks Camelback Seventh Day Adventist Church for hosting the event and to Valley of the Sun United Way for their ongoing support. This was a new host site in a new neighborhood for Project Connect, with many of us unsure how many guests we would see at this Arcadia location. The results of the day are a good reminder that regardless of zip code and irrespective of what we think homelessness looks like, there are neighbors and families across the Valley who have unstable housing or lack housing.
Wednesday, 9/28
Project Connect Event in Avondale
On September 28th, 81 volunteers assisted 119 individuals and families via the Project Connect event at the Avondale Baptist Church. HSC, partners and volunteers, many from Banner Health, connected people to an array of services designed to remove barriers to ending homelessness. From basic needs like meals, clothing and haircuts; to identification documents, healthcare, veteran services and pet care, numerous organizations collaborated to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
A special thanks to Avondale Baptist Church for hosting the event, and for all the volunteers and partner organizations who participated.
Wednesday, 8/16
Project Connect Event in Mesa
Thanks to the Mesa LDS Interstake Center, 62 volunteers were able to serve 110 individuals experiencing homelessness on August 16th. Fifteen organizations offered programs and resources with 244 unique services provided.
HSC thanks all of the partners who provided a range of holistic services. And a special thanks to JustServe for providing many of the volunteers! Lastly, our gratitude to Valley of the Sun United Way for funding support that helps to make Project Connect events possible. It’s collaboration in action!
Thursday, 6/15
Project Connect Event in Sunnyslope
Fifty four volunteers provided assistance in serving 173 individuals experiencing homelessness at Project Connect in Sunnyslope on June 15th. Several groups provided volunteers, including AmeriCorps Vistas from the Area Agency on Aging, Valley of the Sun United Way, and ASU Action Nexus.
On behalf of HSC and collaborating partners who provided a range of holistic services at the event, we extend a special thanks to SRP for donating over 200 heat relief kits, the City of Phoenix for a hydration station with over 200 thermal water canisters, and the staff at Sunnyslope Family Services Center.
Thursday, 5/25
Project Connect Event in Phoenix
Nearly 30 service providers and 100 volunteers collaborated to serve 197 people experiencing homelessness. The gracious host, Calvary Phoenix, conducted an incredible clothing and water drive while opening their doors with the most hospitable welcome. The area around the Church is experiencing a lot of change HSC is tremendously grateful for the support of Valley of the Sun United Way and our partners for helping to make Project Connect events possible and successful!
Tuesday, 3/14
Project Connect Event in Tempe
Project Connect is a one-day event offering wrap-around services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Project Connect meets people where they are with essential services, from state identification to housing placement. The event takes places in a different Valley location every 4-6 weeks.
On Tuesday, March 14, 85 volunteers served nearly 150 guests at the University Presbyterian Church (UPC) in Tempe. We are so grateful for UPC, the City of Tempe and all the Campus/community partners and volunteers who helped make this event successful! And we are especially thankful for all the guests who were able to receive life-changing services as they work to end their homelessness.
Thursday, 2/16
Project Connect Event in Surprise
The first Project Connect of 2023 was not surprisingly, a great success! In collaboration with the City of Surprise, over 20 providers served at the Salvation Army Northwest Corps. Big thanks to an incredible group of volunteers for guiding about 100 individuals through essential services that prevent and end homelessness.
Special thanks to the Salvation Army team for graciously hosting the event, and to the Kosher Food Pantry for serving food to all clients, volunteers, and staff.
ThirstAid
Join Us
First Saturday of Every Month, 9 am – 12 pm (May-September) | 1300 W Harrison St, Phoenix AZ 85007
Saturday, 9/2
ThirstAid Donation Drop-off
The ongoing hot weather in Phoenix continues to have a pronounced effect on people experiencing homelessness. Campus partners will distribute at least 120,000 bottles of water per month through October to help clients stay hydrated and healthy. Please stop by this Saturday, September 2nd from 9 am to noon with a donation.
And a big shout out to Homeless ID Project for co-hosting this last scheduled drop-off event of the summer. Another great example of collaboration at the Campus!
Saturday, 8/5
ThirstAid Donation Drop-off
Looking for a way to give back to our community? Record-breaking heat in Phoenix has substantially increased the need for water to keep people experiencing homelessness healthy and hydrated. Please join us this Saturday for our next bottled water drop-off event and contribute to this life-saving program.
Special thanks to Campus partner Circle the City who is co-hosting Saturday’s event with HSC. Collaboration is key to ending homelessness!
Saturday, 7/1
ThirstAid Donation Drop-off
Summer heat relief continues as the temperatures rise and the monsoon moves in. The next bottled water donation drop-off of the season is Saturday, July 1st from 9 am to noon.
Collaboration in action! Props to Campus partner Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) who is co-hosting the event with HSC.
Saturday, 6/3
ThirstAid Donation Drop-off
While water is needed year around, even more is needed over the summer. HSC and Campus partners will distribute at least 100,000 bottles of water per month from May through September to help clients stay hydrated and healthy. The next bottled water donation drop-off of the season is this Saturday, June 3rd from 9 am to noon.
Special thanks to Campus partner St. Joseph the Worker, the originator of ThirstAid, and to all Campus partners for their collaborative efforts in obtaining water during this critical time.
Saturday, 5/6
ThirstAid Donation Drop-off Starts May 6th
While water is needed year around, even more is needed over the summer. HSC and Campus partners will distribute at least 100,000 bottles of water per month from May through September to help clients stay hydrated and healthy. The first bottled water donation drop-off of the season is this Saturday, May 6th from 9 am to noon.
And we are grateful for Campus partner St. Joseph the Worker, the originator of ThirstAid who is co-hosting the May 6th launch with HSC. St. Joseph the Worker is a role model for promoting collaboration among Campus partners.
Maricopa County Standdown
Friday, 4/28
Arizona Veterans Standdown Alliance | A program of The Arizona Housing Coalition
On April 28th, HSC worked with Arizona Housing Coalition and Valley of the Sun United Way to coordinate over 250 volunteers for the Maricopa County Veterans StandDown. This event allows veterans and their families who are experiencing housing instability and homelessness to receive and stay connected to supportive services.
About 750 veterans were served by over 100 service providers, ranging from governmental entities to pet care (even chickens!). There was live music, art, haircuts, and great food. Volunteers were able to learn about the needs of veterans in our community, and veterans were surrounded with compassionate assistance that will provide lasting impact.
