When Homeless Matters AZ, Inc. began its ministry in January 2017, our goal was to make sleeping mats out of plastic bags for the homeless. We quickly learned there was also a need for personal items and began creating Compassion Bags to serve their needs as well. While distributing our mats and compassion bags directly to the homeless on the streets, we realized the homeless were in different phases in their lives and when coming off the streets, needed help moving from the streets to a facility. This led to creating relationships with other organizations who help those in need and Homeless Matters became a ministry not only in the streets but also to anyone in need. Homeless Matters has other organizations who now are volunteering and donating to our ministry. We all work together and all are welcome regardless of their beliefs. Some of our volunteers are: Habitat, VFW post 7507 in Fountain Hills, American Legion District 11, The Reborn Church, La Casa De Cristo Lutheran. Scottsdale, The Red Mountain LDS Church Mesa, Salt River Stake LDS, Mesa, Fountain View Village Independent Living, Pueblo Norte Independent Living, Cloud Street Gathering, Valor Veterans Community, Knights of Columbus to name a few. One of our biggest donors and supporters is Commercial Plus, LLC who donate blankets, wipes, crackers, baseball hats, or whatever is needed to fill our Compassion bags. Our volunteers meet at St. Patrick’s on 84th & Shea each Sunday from 2:30 to 4 if anyone would like to join this beautiful ministry. We have sent mats to Africa, bedding to the Navajo Nation, etc. Our volunteers do various projects according to their desires and abilities. We knit our own hats for the compassion bags, make pillows out of the scraps we do not use when cutting the bags to create a ball. We donate clothing, shoes, toiletries, bedding or items to families as needed. Homeless Matters AZ, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit and can be reached:
Leona Voltz
Ministry Leader Homeless Matters AZ, Inc. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Community, Scottsdale
480-419-1914
[email protected]
In Oct. 2019 Leona was honored by ABC channel 15 as Nick’s Hero nominee “Hero” of the month. For more information please view the article here: https://www.abc15.com/heroes/handmade-sleeping-mats-care-bags-help-valley-homeless-population