2021 I-HELP Community Thrives Challenge

Homelessness is currently the City of Tempe's top human service crisis. For the 2nd year in a row, Tempe ranks 2nd in AZ in the volume and rate of increase in people experiencing homelessness. In 2020, 396 homeless persons were identified during Tempe's Annual Point in Time Count—a 350% increase since 2016. This volume far exceeds the current capacity of I-HELP but underscores the importance of sustaining this vital community resource. 

The I-HELP Shelter program serves a population that is historically vastly underserved and marginalized. I-HELP participants are adults experiencing chronic homelessness along with other barriers to overcoming homelessness such as adverse health conditions and disabilities, substance abuse disorders, legal barriers, unemployment, and malnutrition, among others.

Since 2006 I-HELP has provided safe shelter to 7,609 men and women and placed 924 into permanent homes.

Among those who are sheltered, we anticipate placing at least one-third into permanent housing. With your support, at TCAA we strive to achieve 80% or greater rates of improved financial stability and health, and 85% of customers reporting that they feel confident in their plan to transition from homelessness to housing permanency.

HOW YOU CAN HELP TODAY 

Your support and involvement are vital to assisting individuals who are experiencing homelessness to overcome barriers to shelter and housing entry. By making a contribution, you can help alleviate homelessness and create a safer, more stable Tempe for all.

Sponsor one man or woman as they journey from homelessness to housing permanency: $800

The I-HELP shelter program not only provides a safe place to sleep, but also a spectrum of services to prepare men and women for employment, financial stability, and permanent housing. Take advantage of the Arizona charitable tax credit at the same time! 

HOW YOUR FUNDS ARE USED 

Within a one-year period, the I-HELP shelter program will impact 350 adults by providing shelter and wrap-around services to help adults transition to a permanent home of their own. This includes providing case management services to at least 250 adults, 12,000 bed nights of shelter, and 19,000 meals for participants, and in the following ways: 

• Intensive case management and resource navigation services 
• Securing important identification documents
• Preparing for employment
• Accessing bus and light rail passes
• Enrolling in public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Veterans’ services
• Addressing health concerns including primary care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment
• Locating permanent housing
• Housing entry costs including application costs
• Program supplies

YOUR GIFT OF:

$35: Sponsor one night of shelter and additional services

$70: Sponsor two nights of shelter and additional services

$300: Resources needed to secure employment

$800: Sponsor one person from homelessness to housing permanency

Remember that when you make your gift to TCAA, you can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your AZ state return. Up to $400 for individuals and $800 for those filing jointly.