Arizona Lottery helps transition Phoenix-area homeless to housing

The Arizona Lottery has joined with St. Vincent de Paul to help provide relief and shelter for those on the streets this summer.

As a part of St. Vincent de Paul’s “100 Days of Summer” campaign, the state lottery has provided $100,000 in matching funds to support St. Vincent de Paul’s rehousing efforts for people moving out of its heat relief and transitional housing shelters.

Community members who donate to the “100 Days of Summer” campaign this month can have their donation doubled up to $100,000, according to a release from the Arizona Lottery.

“The Arizona Lottery is honored to work with St. Vincent DePaul to help over 150 men and women with new clothes for their new jobs, household necessities like furniture and bedding for their new homes, as well as two-weeks’ of food for more than 1,100 people,” said Chris Rogers, Arizona Lottery deputy director of marketing and products.

“These resources will help ease the strain of housing and food insecurity that can be the first steps to homelessness.”

St. Vincent de Paul officials stated in the release that there are more than 5,000 unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix metro-area, and eviction rates in Maricopa County have reached a high not seen in 13 years.

The organization’s heat relief shelter on Washington and 28th streets expects to reach “100 positive exits to housing from the shelter this month so the Arizona Lottery’s rehousing support comes just in time,” officials stated.

"As a councilman, people come to me with a lot of community problems and concerns, especially regarding homelessness in their neighborhoods. Today, it’s a joy to be part of a community solution tackling one step along the process to ending homelessness,” said Councilman Carlos Garcia whose Phoenix district includes St. Vincent de Paul’s main campus and two shelters.

“Just as important as it is to get people into shelter, it’s equally important to have these programs and support as people exit into housing of their own and free up beds and space for the next guests to start their path toward housing.”

Funds also will help with residents of Ozanam Manor, St. Vincent de Paul’s transitional housing program on Third Drive and Watkins Road.

“That program boasts great success with 92% of former residents not returning to homeless services six months after moving out, showcasing the importance of these transitional dormitory units that help not only provide immediate assistance, but also provide an opportunity for those in need to stabilize their lives,” the release stated.

The temporary housing offered at St. Vincent de Paul provides comprehensive, “wrap around” services to support the transition from homeless to their newfound home, according to the release.