Today’s In the Community Conversation is with Thunderbirds Big Chief Chance Cozby and Amy Schwabenlender, executive director of Human Services Campus. Schwabenlender discussed the current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, how it has impacted those experiencing homelessness in the Valley and changes Human Services Campus has been forced to make to combat the crisis.

The Human Services Campus (HSC) is a collaborative agency on the Human Services Campus and provides resources to individuals experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. Located near downtown Phoenix, HSC is comprised of a dynamic team committed to assisting individuals with ending their homelessness. We offer a competitive total compensation package including medical, dental, life, paid holidays, vacation and personal time, and the satisfaction of giving hope and transforming lives.

Schwabenlender first discussed the importance of having a healthcare provider on the Human Services Campus.

“One of the benefits of the Human Services Campus is having a health care provider right here,” said Schwabenlender. “It’s operated by Circle the City and we’ve really leaned on them for medical leadership and their guidance on how to temporarily repurpose our operation to ensure the health and safety of as many people as possible.”

Obviously, the current pandemic has created significant challenges across the entire Phoenix community, but Schwabenlender continues to see the positive amid the crisis.

“One of the silver linings is the original purpose of the campus was to have a collaboration,” said Schwabenlender. “[The purpose was to] work together to end homelessness in Phoenix. Now we have to do that. We don’t have any other choice.”

Schwabenlender explained how the crisis has impacted their operations and how they serve the community at large.

“From a staffing perspective, we’re looking at who is doing what,” said Schwabenlender. “Their jobs are changing all the time. We’re doing things 24/7 now that we haven’t done 24/7 before and we’re really relying on each other more as partners.”

How can you help Human Services Campus?

“Financial support really allows us to be flexible and adapt,” said Schwabenlender. “The supplies, just like every other non-profit in the sector, like soap and hand sanitizer for guests and employees is critical.”

Human Services Campus | 204 S. 12th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85007 | 602.282.0853 | www.hsc-az.org

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Donating Goods: It couldn’t be easier. You pull up and our staff will remove the donations from your trunk or the back of your car. Call Ivan Orozco at 602-282-0849 or email volunteer@hsc-az.org for more information.