Home is where everything else starts. It’s where kids do homework, where adults rest after a long day, and where families find comfort and security. Without a safe place to call home, finding a job, staying in school or rebuilding a life becomes that much harder.
For thousands of Arizonans, that stability is out of reach. A lost job, an unexpected medical bill, a rent increase or an unsafe relationship can push a family into crisis fast. Finding a way forward takes more than a roof overhead. It takes compassionate support, case management, advocacy, education, employment resources and a community committed to helping people regain their footing.
This week, The Heart Tank™ celebrates the Arizona nonprofits providing shelter, housing assistance, family support and real pathways to independence, and the BestCompaniesAZ employers standing behind them.
Emergency shelter and safety
Aris Foundation · Supported by Peoples Mortgage Company
Aris Foundation’s vision is to create a community where every homeless individual has the love, support, and encouragement needed to get off the streets. They believe there is no “one way” to escape homelessness. They not only provide their clients with basic needs such as clothing and hygiene items, but also resources and emotional support. It takes time to build connections and develop relationships.
UMOM · Supported by LAVIDGE & Northern Trust
Founded in 1964, Phoenix-based UMOM is an innovative provider of shelter, housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. Every night, it provides safe shelter and supportive services for nearly 700 people.
New Life Center – Hope’s Closet · Supported by LAVIDGE
New Life Center is one of Arizona’s largest domestic violence shelters, providing safe housing, crisis support and long-term services for individuals and families escaping abuse. Based in the West Valley, it serves thousands of survivors each year through emergency shelter, legal advocacy, trauma-informed counseling and programs focused on financial independence and long-term stability.
Lenders Lending a Hand · Supported by Peoples Mortgage Company
Founded in 2023, Lenders Lending a Hand brings the lending community together to make a difference through volunteer efforts, charitable contributions, and community partnerships. From supporting people in need to organizing community cleanups, the program encourages everyone to give back and make a positive impact in their communities.
Maggie’s Place · Supported by Achieve
Maggie’s Place provides safe housing and a nurturing community for homeless pregnant women, empowering them to thrive throughout their lifetime. It aspires to be Maricopa County’s premier service provider for moms, babies and families, breaking the cycle of generational trauma to transform the community.
Prevention and pathways home
Keys to Change · Supported by SwitchThink Solutions
Keys to Change creates solutions to end homelessness through programs and advocacy focused on prevention, emergency intervention and increased access to housing. It provides diversion (short- and long-term housing plans to avoid the cycle of homelessness), assessment, resources and service referrals, with a client-centered approach to resolving homelessness.
Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership (H.E.L.P.) · Supported by LAVIDGE
H.E.L.P.’s mission is to change the cycle of homelessness through our children and provide immediate aid and comfort. It advances education and knowledge for those experiencing homelessness while promoting awareness and creating action in the community.
Matthew House AZ · Supported by BestCompaniesAZ
Since 2021, Matthew House AZ has built bridges for refugee and immigrant families through housing subsidies, language and tutoring programs, cultural mentorship and employment coaching. Based in the East Valley, it works with families across Maricopa County to help them fully engage and contribute to their new communities.
Sara K Foundation · Supported by BestCompaniesAZ
Sara K Foundation serves the community through its “SKF Acts of Kindness,” supporting causes such as homelessness, addiction and recovery, and awareness around mental health and grief.
Building homes and hope
Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona · Supported by BestCompaniesAZ & Northern Trust
Arizona’s best companies partner with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona to build homes, communities and hope. A team build day gives employees a shared purpose, strengthens teams and elevates a company’s employer brand.
How you can help
- Volunteer as a team. Book a Habitat build day or a group service project at a shelter.
- Fill a need. Shelters often need hygiene kits, baby items, clothing and household goods. Check each nonprofit’s wish list before you shop.
- Give where it stretches. A year-end donation helps fund prevention, diversion and housing programs that keep families housed.
- Share their stories. Repost this week’s Heart Tank™ spotlights so these nonprofits reach new supporters.
Help a neighbor come home
Behind every shelter bed and housing voucher is a person getting a fresh start: a mom with a newborn, a survivor rebuilding her life, a refugee family learning a new city, a teenager who finally has a quiet place to study. These nonprofits help them take each step from crisis to stability and independence.
Every act of kindness matters. Whether you volunteer, donate or simply help spread the word, you can make a difference for Arizona families in need.
Find Your Cause. Support Arizona Families.
Browse the full Heart Tank™ nonprofit lineup to find a housing organization that fits you or your team. Then explore Arizona’s award-winning employers to find companies making a difference in our communities.
Follow The Heart Tank™ as we celebrate a new cause each week.
