At FOCUS Phoenix, our weekly outreach efforts go beyond providing meals and clothing. Over the past few months, as we’ve visited the local park to serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness, we’ve built relationships that extend far deeper than a handshake. We’ve learned about the daily struggles our guests face, listening with the hope of understanding how best to support them in navigating a path out of homelessness.
During a recent visit, we asked a simple question: “What does FOCUS Phoenix mean to you?” The responses we received reminded us why this work matters so deeply.
Carl, who has been living on the streets for eight years and loves to read, shared: “We love when we see you guys coming out every week. I have been on the street for a long time and you all do more than just feed us and bring us clothes. You sit and talk with us, you take the time to hear about our story and who we are, you make us feel seen.”
David, a husband and father struggling with addiction, told us: “We have had groups come out here and there before, but the park rangers always shut ’em down. But when we saw you guys work alongside the police and park rangers, we knew you must be doing something the right way. When we see them work with you guys and bring out more resources, it helps us trust that they want to help and not harass us. I know four different people who have gone to the shelter since you guys have been coming out to help us, and I even know one girl who went into rehab.”
Chris, a young man who has been living on the street for three years, added: “FOCUS treats us with kindness—even just saying ‘Hello’ and ‘How are you?’ with a smile can mean a lot to someone like us. I think the way you treat us here at the park helps change the perception of the homeless—we are humans, ya’ know.”
These conversations remind us that service is more than the items we bring—it’s the human connection, the acknowledgment of each person’s story, and the hope we can offer through consistent care. Week after week, our guests teach us about resilience, dignity, and the difference that listening and showing up can make. At FOCUS Phoenix, we are honored to walk alongside them, one conversation, one meal, and one smile at a time.
To learn more and support FOCUS Phoenix, visit focusphoenix.org
