PHOENIX (Nov. 15, 2022) – Pamela Williams was homeless from December 2016 until March 2018. After surviving this humbling and terrifying experience herself, the Phoenix woman developed a deep compassion to help others going through the same struggle.
The result is Journey Out of Homelessness. The West Valley organization began in 2018 with Williams handing out toiletry kits and small amounts of cash from the back of her car to help those without a home. Now leaders at Journey Out of Homelessness, a 501(3c) nonprofit, are setting their sights on helping alleviate homelessness with more resources.
“We want to help put people back onto the path of having their own homes, and keeping that stability,” says Nadene Maxwell, executive director, and daughter of the organization’s founder. She said the mission for Journey out of Homelessness is to help by providing shelter for families and providing vocational training, recognizing that not one approach works for all people.
“Most available services separate men and women,” said Maxwell said. “There aren’t many places for, say, a single father with children to go.”
According to the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Point-in-Time count of the homeless population in Maricopa County, more than 9,000 people were experiencing homelessness in January 2022, which represents a 73% increase since 2016.
As the homeless population increases, Journey Out of Homelessness is stepping up to meet the increased need. The nonprofit will host a fundraiser gala Dec. 10 featuring a silent auction.
Money raised will go toward the temporary shelter and new initiatives, which include building transitional housing, an educational center and daycare on 10 acres of property the organization owns at 38th Street and Broadway Road in Phoenix.
“With homelessness ever increasing as the Phoenix area becomes more expensive, we need to be there to help our neighbors,” Maxwell said. “This gala will help us make an even greater dent in the suffering experienced by homeless individuals in the Phoenix area.”
The agency is already getting a jumpstart on holiday needs with a clothing drive. Donors can call or text (520) 340-8817 to arrange pickup for items. They particularly need men’s clothing and shoes.
About Journey Out of Homelessness
Pamela Williams founded Journey out of Homelessness in 2018 after experiencing homelessness herself. She felt called to help those in her former situation. The organization partners with St. Mary’s Food Bank, the Local Initiatives Support Coalition, and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to help others who have no home. Currently operating from Avondale, the agency plans to locate its headquarters in Laveen. Learn more at https://journey.azblueleader.info/.
