Phoenix (STN) – Nonprofit leaders working in homelessness services across the Valley and beyond are facing a growing reality: demand is rising, resources are not.
During the April episode of ‘It Happens at STN,’ leaders on the ‘McQuaid Mission’ stage made it clear that the long-standing expectation to “do more with less” is no longer realistic.
“We’ve already been doing more than we should with not enough,” said Keys to Change CEO Amy Schwabenlender. “If you want us to do more, we need more support.”
With nearly 10,000 people experiencing homelessness in the region and more entering the system than exiting, organizations are being forced to rethink how they operate.
Richard Crews, director of strategic impact at Keys to Change, said the answer lies in smarter collaboration and better use of existing resources.
“How do we do more with what we actually have right now?” he said. “That starts with conversations.”
Circle the City, CEO Kim Despres shared the stage with Schwabenlender and Crews to highlight how innovation is helping expand access to care.
“We’re really looking at how we can meet people where they are, and that includes using telehealth to expand access to care,” she said. Her team is building outreach programs that connect patients with providers and expanding pharmacy services to remove barriers to medication access.
WATCH: In the face of rising homelessness, leaders rethink how to drive impact
As organizations adapt, leaders emphasized that long-term progress will require patience, persistence and stronger partnerships.
“If the people you serve had your authority, what would they change?” Crews said. “And why aren’t we doing that now?”
