It’s hard to be homeless in any part of the country. It’s particularly hard for those without permanent shelter in the Phoenix area this time of year.
Learn more about the plight of the homeless in “The Road Back Home,” a new documentary filmed at Phoenix’s Human Services Campus. That’s the home of Lodestar Day Resource Center, St. Joseph the Worker, a St. Vincent de Paul dining room and other ministries and services aimed at helping the homeless. It premieres tomorrow at 7 p.m. on NBC Channel 12.
Empathy is one thing. Action is another. If you want to help the homeless, here are some small steps for starters:
- Donate water or funds to help keep the homeless hydrated through the intense summer heat. St. Joseph the Worker in Phoenix and Paz de Cristo in Mesa are among several hydration stations (other Mesa locations). That’s where anyone can come for water or to fill up their own bottles. Both places serve as drop off points as well for donors.
- If you think you’ll have trouble dropping off the water, a St. Anne parishioner would be happy to do it for you. She’s also a hairdresser and is offering $5 haircuts at her Gilbert salon (Baseline west of Val Vista Dr.) July 21 for anyone who brings in a case of water. Paula Garcia, the stylist, will deliver them to Paz de Cristo. To book an appointment, call (480) 241-0319.
- Volunteer at or donate to André House which serves dinner to the homeless six nights a week, offers toiletries and other resources. There’s a similar need for volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul.
