Keys to Change – a collaborative force of 16 partner organizations with the shared outcome of ending homelessness for people every day formerly known as Human Services Campus – has been awarded a 2023 Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Grant in the amount of $145,000. The grant will fund behavioral health specialists at Respiro, a 95-bed emergency shelter on the campus.

“Keys to Change takes a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of homelessness as well as the issues facing their clients, with mental health among the most important services their data shows they can provide,” said Trisha Stuart, Mercy Care director of community relations. “The Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Reinvestment Grant will support their work in helping clients move from street to home.”

Respiro, which opened in 2022, has a wraparound concept that believes in being the steppingstone to ending homelessness. The 6,300 square-foot prefabricated building is located on the southwest corner of 9th Avenue and Jackson Streets in downtown Phoenix.

“The area surrounding the campus has seen a drastic rise in homelessness since the pandemic growing from 400 people living in tents on the streets surrounding the campus in 2021 to more than 1,000 people by late 2022, and the numbers continue to rise,” said Keys to Change CEO Amy Schwabenlender. “This grant will directly impact the people experiencing significant barriers to housing, including individuals of advanced age and young adults, medically vulnerable people, domestic violence survivors, veterans and individuals discharged from hospitals overnight.”

Mercy C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service, is Mercy Care’s community giving initiative. Through grant funding, sponsorships, volunteer efforts and board participation, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. supports AHCCCS’ Whole Person Care Initiative, which addresses Social Risk Factors to improve health outcomes.

“The work being done through Respiro directly aligns with Mercy C.A.R.E.S. vision to partner with organizations that support mental health and well-being as well as address addressing housing insecurity,” said Stuart.