Annual Sleep Out Raises More Than $100K to Support Nonprofits Addressing Homelessness

More than 10 Arizona organizations came together this summer for an evening designed to raise awareness, foster empathy and generate critical funding for individuals experiencing homelessness. The second annual Sleep Out raised over $103,500 to support organizations helping people access identification, employment, housing and the resources needed to build long-term stability.

Hosted by Homeless ID Project and St. Joseph the Worker, the event brought together community members, nonprofit leaders, businesses and supporters from across the Valley. A $50,000 matching gift challenge further uplifted the fundraising effort, doubling the impact of every dollar donated.

Participating organizations included Circle the City, Central Arizona Shelter Services, Tempe Community Action Agency, Crossroads, Chrysalis, The Fort Greene Project, Valley Metro, Culdesac and UMOM New Day Centers, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to address homelessness in Arizona. Held under the theme “Sleeping Out So Others Can Sleep In,” participants gathered at Culdesac Tempe before traveling together by Valley Metro light rail to the overnight Sleep Out location in Phoenix. The experience was designed to reflect one of the transportation methods many people experiencing homelessness rely on while navigating the Valley.

Throughout the evening, attendees heard from leaders, advocates and individuals with lived experience of homelessness. Speakers highlighted some of the everyday challenges people face while trying to regain stability, including finding a safe place to sleep, protecting personal belongings and accessing necessities such as clean water, restrooms and transportation.

While a single night outdoors cannot replicate the experience of homelessness, organizers hoped the event would provide participants with a greater understanding of the barriers that can make it difficult for individuals to move from crisis toward stability. The evening also resulted in a significant commitment to help address one of the often-overlooked barriers to accessing essential services: identification. A donor pledged to cover an entire year of Homeless ID Project identification replacement services for clients of Tempe Community Action Agency, helping more individuals obtain the documents necessary to secure employment, housing and other essential services.

“Real change begins when a community chooses to show up,” said Rick Mitchell, executive director of Homeless ID Project. “Many of the people who stood alongside us brought lived experience with homelessness, while others came to learn and support. Together, they shared one purpose: helping ensure that someone else’s hardest chapter does not become their whole story.”

For the participating nonprofits, the funds raised through Sleep Out will help strengthen the services and connections available to people working toward greater independence and security.

“The evening offered a powerful reminder of the people and organizations working every day to help individuals rebuild their lives,” said Carrie Masters, CEO of The Worker. “The funds raised will connect more people with the resources, opportunities and support they need to move from crisis toward lasting stability.”

For community members who want to continue that momentum, organizers encourage involvement through volunteering, donating, hiring individuals rebuilding their lives and learning more about the organizations working to address homelessness and create opportunities for lasting stability. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit Home – Homeless ID Project or theworkeraz.org.