FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION:  July 20, 2009
Contact:  Mary Lou Valenzuela, 602-631-4840 office/602-312-7769 mobile or mvalenzuela@vsuw.org

WHAT: Valley of the Sun United Way urges local residents to donate water to help individuals experiencing homelessness this summer. Individuals and families living on the street are at risk for heat related illnesses and potentially death during the Valley’s intense summer heat. 

WHY: The 2009 Homeless Street Count released by the Maricopa Association of Governments demonstrated a 20 percent increase in the number of individuals living on the streets in Maricopa County. Local shelters that provide assistance to homeless individuals also report serving more families with children in this difficult economic environment. With the number of individuals experiencing homelessness on the rise, access to water remains a critical community concern.

HOW: Donate cases of bottled water at select St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Desert Mission or United Food Bank locations in Phoenix, Surprise, Glendale and Mesa.  Additional donation sites are listed at www.cir.org.

WHO: Valley of the Sun United Way joined the Homeless Awareness Coalition to help raise awareness around the issue of homelessness in Maricopa County. Homeless Awareness Coalition partners include Basic Mission, Central Arizona Shelter Services, Community Information and Referral, Lodestar Day Resource Center, Tempe Community Action Agency, Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development and UMOM New Day Centers.

About Valley of the Sun United Way:
Valley of the Sun United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. Our goal is to create long-lasting and measurable changes that improve the quality of life for struggling individuals, families and children throughout Maricopa County. Visit www.vsuw.org to learn more.