News Release

Phoenix Rescue Mission Launches 10th Code:Red Campaign

| Filed in Code Red, Donate, Events, Homeless, Homelessness, News Release, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Press Release, Water Drive

Nonprofit Accepting Monetary, Nonperishable Food and Water Donations for Heat Relief

PHOENIX – As temperatures begin to creep upward and summer months roll closer, Phoenix Rescue Mission is kicking off its 10th annual, city-wide Code:Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign to save the lives of the city’s unhoused and at-risk individuals. According to Maricopa County, at least 130 individuals experiencing homelessness died from heat-related causes in 2021. The nonprofit’s goal is to protect our most vulnerable population by collecting and distributing one million bottles of water.

From May 1 through August 31, PRM is providing essential resources to sustain the city’s homeless population, such as nonperishable food and water supplies. Ahead of this Valley-wide undertaking, the Mission is seeking monetary, nonperishable food and water donations. Monetary donations will be matched up to $150,000, made possible by a grant by several supporters of Phoenix Rescue Mission.

“During the summer months in Phoenix, asphalt can heat up to a deadly 170 degrees. Anything above 104 degrees can cause brain damage and death,” said Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO Ken Brissa. “While many Valley residents find respite indoors, our unhoused neighbors cannot take shelter from the heat and need help that can come to them.”

Several municipalities, including Avondale, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Surprise, El Mirage, and Scottsdale, have created partnerships with the Mission, bringing relief to the streets in the Mission’s Hope Coach vehicles to distribute water, toiletries and case management services.

“Anything helps in this undertaking to save and change lives, whether it’s through a small monetary donation, dropping off a case of water or starting a water drive,” said Brissa. “This is so much more than a handout of water. This is arming people with the tools to change their lives and move out of harm’s way.”

More information about the 10th annual Code:Red initiative can be found Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign here. Food, water, and all other heat-relief donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Warehouse, located at 2515 N. 34th Drive in Phoenix. The Mission is also in need of volunteers to help distribute vital, nutritious food to families in need at its Hope for Hunger Food Bank in Glendale.

For more information on what to donate or to start a Code:Red drive, please contact gikhelp@phxmission.org or 602-346-3347.

DONATE HERE

Meet Ted Guy – Phoenix Rescue Mission’s New Board Chair

| Filed in Mission Dish, News Release, Newsletters

A new heart to help lead the Mission

Q: How long have you lived in the Valley?
A: I’m a native, born in Chandler. I’ve lived in various parts of the US, attended NAU for college, and moved to Phoenix after school. That was 1978 and I’ve been here ever since!

Q: What led you to get involved with Phoenix Rescue Mission?
A: As a Christian, I believe we are called to serve others. I started with the Mission as a volunteer on the Hope Coach doing Street Outreach and grew to love the ways the Mission is serving our community.

Q: What is something that excites you about taking the role of Board Chair?
A: I am very excited about developing community within our Board as we seek to serve the greater good of the disenfranchised in Maricopa County. In my opinion, we are blessed with an outstanding Board. I am privileged to serve as Chairman.

Q: How would you like to see Phoenix Rescue Mission grow over the next couple of years?
A: I would like to see the Mission serve more where most needed. We are in the process of developing a strategic plan with this in mind and are in the process of lifting the plan up to the Lord – to charge ahead in care and service.

Q: What message do you have for those in our community reading this newsletter?
A: The Mission is more than staff and clients and homeless “shelters.” We have numerous opportunities where anyone in the community can serve and make a difference. I encourage all our friends to look up volunteer opportunities on the website and learn how they can serve.

Phoenix Mercury Launch Fifth BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive in Partnership with Phoenix Rescue Mission

| Filed in Donate, Events, Homeless, Homelessness, Hope Coach, News Release

As the Phoenix Mercury organization and concerned fans everywhere await the safe return of Brittney Griner, Phoenix Rescue Mission is partnering once again with Phoenix Mercury to bring back BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive this season.

When Griner noticed many of the homeless across the Valley without shoes back in 2016, she wanted to help. On her drive home from practice one day, she saw unhoused persons in the Arizona summer in their bare feet. She saw a need and was moved to action. Since then, nearly 2,000 Phoenicians have been served with shoes from the Heart & Sole shoe drive.

This season, we are once again working with Phoenix Mercury in Britney's honor. Mercury President Vince Kozar said, “The most important thing is that our friend and teammate is healthy and safe. We remain hopeful in the efforts underway to bring her home, and we are grateful for the outpouring of concern we have received. As we await her return, WNBA teams are collectively committing to serve the community in ways that BG would if she were here. In Phoenix, we are launching the fifth season of BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive, an initiative she founded in 2016 and cares about very deeply. BG has always led with her heart and in her absence, it’s our duty to do good in her name. We invite you to help in any way you can.”

Not only did Griner lead the charge to collect new and gently-used shoes, each year she joined our mobile Hope Coach and delivered the shoes and other resources directly to individuals in need in the community.

How to help:

  • Donate new or gently-used shoes of all sizes throughout the 2022 season at Mercury home games at Footprint Center.
    • The first opportunity to donate will be Thursday, April 28, at the team’s home preseason game against the Seattle Storm.
  • Fans can also make cash donations directly to the Mission at: phxmission.org/valley

Your support is making a big difference in our community, and we are #PrayingForBrittney!

DONATE HERE

Phoenix Rescue Mission Announces “Fed Up!” Holiday Campaign

| Filed in Food Drive, Hunger, News Release, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Press Release

Holiday Campaign Gives Families Access to Food Boxes, Turkeys, Resources and More

 

PHOENIX  (October 19, 2021) – Phoenix Rescue Mission, a provider of Christ-centered, life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma, is excited to announce the launch of its annual “Fed Up! Hungry for Change” holiday campaign, which runs now through Dec. 31.

Phoenix Rescue Mission created the campaign in 2020 to start fixing how society has dealt with hunger in the past – primarily by treating the symptoms of hunger without addressing the root causes that stem from a lack of vocational development, education, counseling, mental health services and other resources.

“The holiday season can be an especially challenging time for families facing food insecurity,” said Ken Brissa, CEO. “We’re not only aiming to give community members in need warm meals and food boxes with pantry items, but also equipping them with access to addiction recovery services, vocational development, job opportunities, counseling, case management, and many other life-transforming resources.”

The campaign relies on public support and makes it easy for Arizonans to help, either through volunteering, making a donation online or by bringing food and other needed items directly to Phoenix Rescue Mission. The campaign will feature several events, including community markets, the Frozen Turkey Saturday, a Thanksgiving outreach event, a Christmas parade and a gift drive.

Donations made to the Fed Up! campaign will support the thousands of families served each month by Phoenix Rescue Mission’s various programs, including its Hope for Hunger Food Bank, Mobile Food Pantries, Hope Coach Street Outreach services, and others designed to end the cycle of poverty.

This year’s schedule is as follows:

Nov. 4 and Dec. 2: West Phoenix Mobile Food Pantry

Created to decrease food insecurity and improve food accessibility across the Valley, Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Mobile Pantry initiative will visit the Murphy neighborhood to connect with disadvantaged families, provide them with nutritious meals, and help them access the resources to end their cycle of poverty. The public is encouraged to stop by the event at Ministerio Un Ejercito Para Cristo (4013 W. Maricopa Street) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., or as long as supplies last.

Oct. 23 and Nov. 13: West Phoenix Community Market

Created to distribute food that are donated from sources including St. Mary’s Food Bank and the community. Food bags, hygiene items and cleaning supplies will be given to families while supplies last. The public is encouraged to stop by from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ministerio Un Ejercito Para Cristo (4013 W. Maricopa Street). There is no cost to participate. ID is required.

For questions, please contact Angie Hatcher at (602) 346-3383 or ahatcher@phxmission.org.

Nov. 16 and Dec. 21: South Mountain Community Market

Created to distribute food and clothing items that are donated by individuals, businesses, and churches in the community. . Food bags, hygiene items and cleaning supplies will be given to families while supplies last. The public is encouraged to stop by from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the First New Life Church (1902 W. Roeser Road). There is no cost to participate. ID is required.

Nov. 13: Frozen Turkey Saturday

Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Frozen Turkey Saturday aims to collect more than 1,500 turkeys, which will be delivered directly to families in need during the Mission’s Thanksgiving Outreach Event and at the Hope for Hunger Food Bank. The public is encouraged to stop by the drive-thru event at the Mission’s Hope for Hunger Food Bank (5605 N. 55th Avenue) and donate a frozen turkey, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please contact Catie Hammann at (602) 346-3347 or gikhelp@phxmission.org if you would like to start a non-perishable foods, turkey or gift drive.

Nov. 20: Public Thanksgiving Outreach Event

Phoenix Rescue Mission’s second annual drive-thru event at Sullivan Elementary School (2 N. 31st Ave.) will distribute turkeys and sides, food bags, and hygiene kits. There is no registration required and first come are first served from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or as long as supplies last. To volunteer at this event, please sign up at phxmission.org/volunteer.

Dec. 11: Hometown Christmas Parade

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Glendale Avenue in downtown Glendale, the public is encouraged to donate canned and nonperishable foods at the parade, which will go to the families served at the Hope for Hunger Food Bank this winter.

Dec. 18: Winter Wonderland Community Event (guests by pre-registration only)

The Mission is partnering with local businesses, churches, and individuals to collect new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable foods, and toiletries. Gifts can be collected by hand or purchased on the Mission’s Amazon Charity List at phxmission.org/christmaslist. The Mission will then provide the gifts, food bags, and toiletries to families in need via its annual Winter Wonderland event. To volunteer at this event, please sign up at phxmission.org/volunteer.

For information on how to support Phoenix Rescue Mission’s “Fed Up! Hungry for Change” campaign, please visit www.phoenixrescuemission.org.

 

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Phoenix Rescue Mission

Phoenix Rescue Mission provides Christ-centered, life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma. The nonprofit Mission, which has been operating since 1952, is asking the public for support of its many programs designed to transform lives, including Hope for Hunger Food Bank, Hope Coach Street Outreach, Temporary Shelter Programs, Men’s Addiction Recovery Program and the Changing Lives Center for Women and Children.

Media Contact: Ivana Morales, 973-864-4523, ivana@evolveprandmarketing.com

 

Phoenix Rescue Mission Sets Record for Street Rescues

| Filed in Code Red, Homeless, Homelessness, Hope Coach, News Release

Phoenix Rescue Mission Sets Record for Street Rescues In May & June 2021

Street Outreach team rescues 120 men, women and children from homelessness since launch of Code:Red in May

PHOENIX (July 27, 2021) – As the Valley reaches record-breaking temperatures, Phoenix Rescue Mission is also breaking records. The Mission’s Street Outreach Team rescued a monumental 120 men, women and children off the streets since launching its Code:Red Summer Heat Relief effort in May.

“Our Street Outreach teams have been working tirelessly to find and rescue people from the hot sun and, frankly, the streets in general,” Nathan Smith, Chief Program Officer, said. “We knew they were making an impact, but it wasn’t until the numbers came in that we were truly blown away. In 2020, our average was 27 each month, but we broke our all-time record in May with 60 rescues, which is amazing. But then we hit that number again in June, and that’s when we realized our success was not a fluke."

"Because of the passion and care our teams bring to the streets, the partnerships we are building in cities around the Valley, and the strong support of the community, it makes sense that we’re making incredible progress."

Among the 120 rescues this summer was a single mother and her five children who found themselves in dire straits when a move to Phoenix from Indianapolis didn’t go as planned. Down to her last few dollars, the mother had only one option—to use her car for shelter, a deadly proposition in the Valley of the Sun. But thanks to the Mission’s Street Outreach Team, the mother and her children were rescued before they spent a single night on the streets. After helping the mother re-connect with family back home, the team provided bus tickets for them to make it home safely.

That mother’s story is just one of many rescues that could not have been possible without the recent expansion of the Mission’s Street Outreach Team, which now boasts a fleet vehicles capable of going where the need is at, searching for and rescuing vulnerable individuals and families like this mother and her children.

This coordinated effort is largely possible because of several public-private partnerships between Phoenix Rescue Mission and local municipalities, including Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Avondale, Scottsdale and Surprise. Each municipality works closely with the Mission’s Street Outreach Team to identify those in need and connect them with the appropriate solutions to help them re-enter society and reach their potential. Whether addiction recovery, mental health support, vocational development, food assistance or housing, the Street Outreach vans are available to pick up the individuals and transport them to either Phoenix Rescue Mission or an appropriate organization or destination that will serve the needs of that person.

The expansion of the Mission’s Street Outreach Team is the latest example of the nonprofit’s continued goal of growing and meeting the needs of those it serves by focusing on community impact in a fiscally responsible way.

“For decades, we have been providing Christ-centered, life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma,” Nathan Smith said. “Our staff and volunteers are equipped with proven, time-tested programming to help those within our residential recovery programs undo lifelong strongholds that may be at the root of their suffering and find their purpose in life.”

More information about the Code:Red Summer Heat Relief initiative can be found here. Food, water, and all other heat-relief donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Warehouse, located at 3440 W. Lewis Ave., Building A, Suite G, in Phoenix.  The Mission is also in need of volunteers to help distribute vital, nutritious food to families in need at its Hope for Hunger Food Bank in Glendale.

For more information on what to donate or to start a Code:Red drive, please contact Catie Hammann at gikhelp@phxmission.org or 602-346-3347.

 

Phoenix Rescue Mission:

Phoenix Rescue Mission provides Christ-centered, life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma. The nonprofit Mission, which has been operating since 1952, is asking the public for support of its many programs designed to transform lives, including Hope for Hunger Food Bank, Hope Coach Street Outreach, Temporary Shelter Programs, Men’s Addiction Recovery Program and the Changing Lives Center for Women and Children.

 

Media Contacts:

Ryan Brown, Phoenix Rescue Mission, cell: (302) 359-6780, rbrown@phxmission.org

Josh Skalniak, Lambert & Co., cell: (480) 352-2050, jskalniak@lambert.com