Caring for OUR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
The homeless population in Maricopa County developed one of the highest infection rates in the country
UA Project Stronger Together is a collaborative effort of students from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and ASU. Our goal is to provide every Arizonan with hygiene, nutrition, and other basic defenses against COVID-19.
From the Arizona COVID-19 Nonprofit Pulse Poll, 99% of respondents indicated that COVID-19 has already or is expected to impact their organization. Loss of volunteers and increased number of layoffs have put significant strains on nonprofits. Arizona nonprofits have reported an average loss of $210,000 in revenue and anticipate additional losses as the pandemic continues. With the loss in revenue, nonprofits have reported an average of $30,000 in increased expenses due to COVID-19
We ask that various local businesses around Arizona donate hygiene kit products and food items so that we can redistribute resources to those in need and limit the spread of COVID 19 in these high-risk areas. Requested items include feminine hygiene products, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, canned nonperishable food items, flour, and cleaning products such as Clorox/bleach. In the past, we have obtained these donations by contacting various local businesses ranging from hotels, dentist offices, supply chain stores, salons, etc. All donations are made in the respective business’s name.
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The donations we receive are used to help a variety of vulnerable populations. We work with non-profits that assist domestic violence victims, refugees, individuals experiencing homelessness, immigrants, as well as the Navajo Nation.
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Homelessness in Arizona
37%
experiencing homelessness are families
7,419
individuals experiencing homelessness in Phoenix
14 out of 10,000
people experiencing homelessness in Arizona
Prior to COVID-19, homelessness was already on the rise and the systems in place could not support everyone experiencing homelessness. The consequences of COVID-19 for our vulnerable populations are evident and dangerous. Limited resources can result in overcrowded shelters where social distancing would be impossible. Additionally, unsheltered people lack the access to soap, hand sanitizer, and water to prevent the spread of the virus. As unemployment rates rise putting millions out of work, homelessness is becoming harder to escape.
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Our solution is to redistribute community resources to support both sheltered and unsheltered populations. We have assembled many hygiene kits equipped with COVID-19 essentials such as soap, toothbrushes, as well as other necessary toiletries. We have acquired many donations that have benefited our local shelters to ensure non-profits have the resources needed to assist Arizona's high-risk populations.
Phoenix, Arizona has one of the largest homeless populations in the country.
2020 individuals experiencing homelessness Report
Maricopa county 2020 Point In Time (PIT) homeless count conducted by the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care
Since 2015, there has been a 292% increase in the number of unsheltered homeless individuals in Maricopa County. As shelters have reached capacity, many people are turned away from homeless shelters every day.