The holiday season is here,
a time
when many people are looking for opportunities to give back to those most in need.
This year, the City of Phoenix
encourages
you to join the "Healthy Giving" movement, a smarter, long-lasting
way to help those experiencing homelessness in our community.
What Is Healthy Giving?
Healthy Giving is giving responsibly, by donating time or resources to
established
non-profit or community organizations that provide services to people in need.
Instead of giving directly to individuals on the street, the campaign encourages you to support
those
local organizations that
provide
lasting solutions, like housing, job training, and mental health services.
"When you give
in a healthy way, you're doing more than offering
someone
temporary relief,
you’re creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives," said
Rachel Milne, Director of the City’s Office of Homeless Solutions.
“
By
connecting people with organizations that help them access
services
to end their homelessness, we give them the tools to move forward and thrive."
Why It Matters
Healthy
Giving can change someone’s life.
It’s
about working together to make a difference and maximizing the impact of your giving.
Many generous people
want to help when
they
see someone in need, but sometimes
those
well-meaning gestures
don’t
have the
intended outcome.
That’s
where Healthy Giving comes in.
"The holidays remind us of our shared humanity," said
Jerome Parker, Community Pastor at First Christian Church. "Healthy Giving allows us to channel that compassion into pathways that uplift individuals and strengthen our community.
It's about giving a hand up, not a handout.
"
How You Can Help
Getting involved is easy! You can:
- Donate
items or money
to trusted organizations.
- Volunteer your time with local shelters
or
nonprofits.
- Spread the word! Share
information about Healthy Giving with friends and family.
