PHX Reporter

This holiday season, the City of Phoenix is encouraging residents who want to help people experiencing homelessness to participate in Healthy Giving.

Healthy Giving promotes giving responsibly, by donating time or resources to established non-profit and community organizations that provide services to people in need, instead of giving one-off donations on the street.

“We have such a generous community in Phoenix, and we know people want to help,” said Rachel Milne, Director of the City of Phoenix Office of Homeless Solutions. “People mean well when they give to someone who is unsheltered, but that often encourages them to stay outdoors and away from services that can help end their homelessness. By working with established service providers, it helps create connections that can change people’s lives.”

“Healthy Giving is about giving a hand up, not a handout,” said Jerome Parker, Community Pastor, First Christian Church (FCC). “We want to encourage the community to be part of the long-term solutions that have a lasting impact. These nonprofits don’t just connect people to resources; they provide human connections that can lead someone who is unsheltered to feel valued, understood, and worthy of a better life.”

How to Give in a Healthy Way

Volunteer:

Volunteer to prepare and serve meals at a licensed community kitchen to encourage safe, in-house dining instead of street feeding.

Donate:

Provide local food banks with donations of nonperishable food, bottled water and toiletries to help the organization’s efforts.

Empower:

Make financial contributions to support professional outreach teams trained to work with individuals in crisis on the street.

Residents can learn more about Healthy Giving and find ways to give back responsibly this holiday season at givesmartaz.org.

 Original source can be found here.