Arizona Lottery and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Partner to Help Shelter the Homeless
PHOENIX— (August 11, 2022) — As eviction filings soar to a 13-year high and the homeless rates in Maricopa County rise, the Arizona Lottery has partnered in a Gives Back Sponsorship with St. Vincent de Paul to help provide relief and shelter for those on the streets this summer. As a part of St. Vincent de Paul’s “100 Days of Summer” campaign that sheds light on the homeless during Arizona’s most challenging season, Arizona Lottery has provided $100,000 in community challenge matching funds to support St. Vincent de Paul’s rehousing efforts for people moving out of its heat relief and transitional housing shelters. Community members who donate to St. Vincent de Paul’s “100 Days of Summer” campaign this month can have their donation doubled up to $100,000 thanks to Arizona Lottery.
“The Arizona Lottery is honored to work with St. Vincent DePaul to help over 150 men and women with new clothes for their new jobs, household necessities like furniture and bedding for their new homes, as well as two-weeks’ of food for more than 1,100 people,” said Chris Rogers, Arizona Lottery Deputy Director, Marketing and Products. “These resources will help ease the strain of housing and food insecurity that can be the first steps to homelessness. The Arizona Lottery exists to do good in our community and we can accomplish our mission by helping St. Vincent de Paul accomplish theirs.”
St. Vincent de Paul officials note that there are more than 5,000 unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix metro-area. SVdP’s heat relief shelter on Washington and 28th streets expects to reach 100 positive exits to housing from the shelter this month so the Arizona Lottery’s rehousing support comes just in time. Funds will also help with residents of Ozanam Manor, SVdP’s transitional housing program on 3rd Drive and Watkins Rd. That program boasts great success with 92% of former residents not returning to homeless services six months after moving out, showcasing the importance of these transitional dormitory units that help not only provide immediate assistance, but also provide an opportunity for those in need to stabilize their lives.
The temporary housing offered at St. Vincent de Paul provides comprehensive, “wrap around” services to support the transition from homeless to their newfound home.
WHAT:
An All-Inclusive Interview and Visual Media Opportunity Unveiling the Power of Transitional Housing.
A behind the scenes look at how the Arizona Lottery and St. Vincent de Paul are working together to reduce the soaring homeless rates in Arizona, including a “sneak peek” at the transitional housing dormitory.
In its ongoing commitment to health and human services, the Arizona Lottery and its Gives Back program has transferred $100,000 in sponsorships to fund St. Vincent de Paul’s transitional housing program.
The Arizona Lottery is one of the leading funders of health and human services in the state, annually giving back almost $29.5 million to programs and organizations that directly help our most vulnerable residents, including children, the homeless and crime victims. Since 2008, the Arizona Lottery has transferred more than $13,000,000 to homeless services in Arizona.
This partnership with St. Vincent de Paul supports that mission by working to save lives and provide much-needed household essentials to those transitioning from the shelter to the stability of their new home.
"Addressing the challenge of rising homelessness in our community requires collaboration with strong, compassionate partners," said Shannon Clancy, SVdP associate CEO. "We're grateful to the Arizona Lottery for joining St. Vincent de Paul in a positive, proactive way by helping shelter and rehouse the most vulnerable during our ‘100 Days of Summer’ campaign. This community challenge gift ensures that the men and women who transition from homelessness to housing are welcomed into their new homes with household essentials, a food box and clothing ready to start their new life on the right foot, offering true hope for a bright future."
The media event will include:
- A tour of St. Vincent de Paul’s transitional housing center, including clothing donations and supply sorting area; Example dormitory of shelter residence (bed, desk, wardrobe area); Sample food box that SVdP provides on move-in day; Common spaces of shelter (laundry area, TV room, chapel)
- Interviews with the Arizona Lottery and St. Vincent de Paul to discuss the importance of helping those in need this summer
WHEN:
Thursday, August 18 from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. **One-on-one media interviews and tours of the facility are available before and after the press conference hosted at the above time.
WHERE:
St. Vincent de Paul’s Main Campus located
2120 S. 3rd Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85003
