City of Phoenix Seeks Donations to Help the Homeless Stay Warm this Winter

(Phoenix, AZ) — When nighttime temperatures drop and days cool down, many of the community’s homeless end up on the streets without blankets, clothing and other necessities to keep them warm.

The city of Phoenix is asking for donations to help.  Blankets, new or used (but clean and freshly laundered), are the highest priority.  Clean warm clothing, such as long-sleeve jackets and long pants, sweatshirts and sweatpants, warm hats and gloves, coats, new underwear and socks, shoes and hygiene items also are accepted.

The items above also are needed in children’s sizes for families.  Additional needs are baby food/formula, diapers and children’s blankets.  These are the only items the city will accept.  The items will be collected through March.

The program is coordinated by the city’s Human Services Department.  Donated items, which are tax deductible, may be delivered to any of the city’s three Family Services Centers between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday: Travis L. Williams, 4732 S. Central Ave.; John F. Long, 3454 N. 51st Ave.; and Sunnyslope, 914 W. Hatcher Road.

The donations will be distributed by local outreach teams from Basic Mission, Catholic Charities, Church on the Street, Community Bridges PATH Outreach, Healthcare for the Homeless, Native American Connections Inc., Set Free Ministry, TERROS, The Salvation Army/Project HOPE, Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development and US Vets.

Children and baby items will be distributed to families at the city’s emergency shelter facility.

Large group or corporate donations can be arranged through the Homeless Programs Coordinator.  For more information, contact Kristina Blea at 602-256-4302 or email kristina.blea@phoenix.gov.