PHOENIX – Phoenix Rescue Mission, the Christ-centered nonprofit providing transformative programs and resources to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hunger, is excited to announce that it is officially bringing one of its solutions-focused programs to individuals experiencing homelessness in Phoenix. The Phoenix Works program will allow Phoenicians in need to participate in paid labor opportunities, be fed and gain access to life-saving services and support.
Assuming a normal five-hour work shift, each participant will be paid a cash day rate to conduct beautification projects and perform landscaping duties throughout blighted areas of Phoenix.
“Our goal with this program is to assist people faced with insurmountable, life-controlling problems by offering them the opportunity to earn money and connect with services,” said Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO Ken Brissa. “Phoenix Works will bring meaningful solutions to people experiencing homelessness, instilling them with a sense of dignity and self-worth while giving neighborhoods a cleaner and safer appearance.”
Phoenix is the third city to partner with the Mission to bring this working program to those in need. From July 2021 to June 2022, the Glendale and Scottsdale Works programs worked with 421 individuals, who performed a total of 3,615 shifts. At the same time, the Mission assisted 36 men and women in obtaining and moving into housing via long-term or emergency housing vouchers.
One of those individuals is Robert, a participant of Glendale Works. A series of unfortunate events left Robert homeless. When injured due to an accident with a truck, he knew he needed a change. Once Robert started the program, he was able to get an ID, vocational training and help building a resume. Today, Robert is housed, healthy, and employed thanks to the launchpad he received at Glendale Works.
To learn more, visit phxmission.org/willwork
