Housing insecurity a priority for grants as Season for Sharing raises $1.6M

Almost half of the donations to this year's Season for Sharing campaign will go to Arizona nonprofits helping those struggling with housing insecurity.

Groups that provide transitional housing, shelter for the homeless and rental assistance are among the 158 charities that will share more than $1.6 million raised during the 2022-23 Arizona Republic-sponsored campaign.

Arizona is in a housing crisis brought on by a scarcity of affordable housing, significant population growth and wage stagnation relative to housing prices. Without more affordable options, Arizona communities are predicted to see greater numbers of people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

"Our journalists provide solutions-oriented coverage on this topic day-in and day-out," said Greg Burton, executive editor of The Republic, azcentral.com and La Voz. "Giving back to our community remains a core value for The Republic. With this year's Season for Sharing grants, we align our charitable efforts with that coverage."

Top grants this year go to Central Arizona Shelter Services, Child Crisis Arizona and UMOM New Day Centers, which help homeless children, adults and families. Each group is receiving $35,000. Additionally, housing relief groups in Flagstaff, Prescott, Parker, Payson, Cottonwood and Navajo County are among this year's grantees.

Grant recipients:Here are the 158 Season for Sharing grantees for 2022-23

"In the midst of crisis levels of homelessness in Arizona, the economic and health impacts of homelessness continue to be catastrophic," said Central Arizona Shelter Services CEO Lisa Glow. "Support from our Season for Sharing grant helps our families and children address the trauma of homelessness."

Broadly, grants this year ranged from $7,500 to $35,000 and go to nonprofits that support teachers and students, aid older adults and help struggling families. Funds are donated by subscribers and readers of The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com and other individuals. The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust matches donations 50 cents on the dollar up to $100,000.

Since its creation in 1993, Season for Sharing has raised $72 million for Arizona nonprofits. The Republic pays all administrative and promotional costs, which means 100% of donations go back to the community.

The Republic is designating Thursday, March 16, as Thank you Thursday. It's a day to recognize donors and honor the work of the nonprofit community. Grant recipients will celebrate on social media with the hashtag #SFS2022. Follow along at facebook.com/SeasonForSharing.

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Helping struggling children and families

Funds for struggling children and families will help, among others, those in the foster care system, domestic violence survivors, food bank clients and those on the verge of homelessness.

For 22 years, Maggie's Place has helped pregnant women and their children who have experienced a traumatic situation. A $7,500 Season for Sharing grant will help the Phoenix-based group provide housing, education and support groups.

Related coverage:Arizona gets more than $90M for housing programs, community development

"Sobriety and long-term recovery are essential pieces of overall wellness that are vital for our moms to achieve as they gain independence and security," said Whitney Thistle of Maggie's Place.

Native American Connections helps formerly homeless families gain housing stability. A $10,000 Season for Sharing grant will help more than 350 families secure housing and also help promote academic success for school-age children.

Closing education gaps for children, adults

About a third of this year's grants go to education-related nonprofits, from which Season for Sharing receives the most applications. Included are tutoring programs, adult education classes and arts-related activities.

A $10,000 Season for Sharing grant to Phoenix-based Educare Arizona will help provide school supplies and other up-to-date class materials for more than 150 low-income students.

Chief development officer Jake Adams said the program serves children whose parents either work or attend classes. The group provides help when parents are away, "allowing them to be confident that their child is in a high-quality early-education setting while they continue to pursue economic stability."

At ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth, a $7,500 Season for Sharing grant will support underserved youth with afterschool programs that promote positive youth development. Participating youth have sports and fitness activities in addition to learning STEAM enrichment.

"In the last three years, ICAN has gone from one program in Chandler serving 200 youth to five programs across Chandler and Mesa, serving 700-plus," said ICAN CEO Shelby Pedersen. "The growth is only possible because of partners like Season for Sharing."

Participating youth have sports and fitness activities in addition to learning STEAM enrichment. The out-of-school prevention program helps empower youth to have goals outside of school.

Helping older Arizonans

Season for Sharing gets the fewest number of grant applications from groups that aid older adults. Still, the goal remains: To help people live independently as long as they're able. Grants go to groups that provide meals and transportation, but also to support caregivers of dementia patients and even to Ballet Arizona's movement class for people with a Parkinson's diagnosis.

Grants to Neighbors Who Care ($7,500) and Foundation for Senior Living ($11,250) pay for meal delivery for lower-income older adults in Sun Lakes, Chandler, Peoria and Wickenburg. Additionally, the groups provide wellness checks and transportation to medical appointments and other errands.

"Neighbors Who Care's delivered nutritious meals help our senior clients enjoy their independence at home and remain healthy," said executive director Sheryl Keeme. How many meals? Almost 12,000, she said.

At Foundation for Senior Living, that number is more than 50,000, said FSL's Tami Bohannon: "Food insecurity among Arizona seniors is rapidly on the rise. Thanks to our continued partnership with Season for Sharing, FSL can improve health and provide security."

Reach the reporter at jodicee.harris@gannett.com.