Every family deserves a safe place to call home. This belief is at the heart of International Day of Families on May 15. It’s a moment to recognize the importance of families in our communities and to reflect on what they need to thrive.

At UMOM New Day Centers, it’s also a moment that feels deeply personal.

Because for thousands of families in Arizona, stability is not a given. It’s something they’re working hard every day to rebuild.

Why This Day Matters Here in Arizona

Family homelessness isn’t rare. It’s happening right here in our community.

In Maricopa County, thousands of families experience homelessness each year. From rising housing costs and limited affordable housing to unexpected life events – any number of factors can quickly push families into crisis.

According to the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count — an annual one-night count of people experiencing homelessness — 818 households with children experienced homelessness in Maricopa County as of January 2024. Keep in mind, this figure is only a single-day snapshot. While it doesn’t reflect the full year, it still gives a clear picture of just how many families are experiencing homelessness in our community.

Across Arizona:

Rents have increased significantly over the past several years

The gap between wages and housing costs continues to grow

Affordable housing remains out of reach for many working families

At UMOM, we see the impact of this every single day.

As Arizona’s largest provider of shelter and services for families experiencing homelessness, UMOM serves more than 15,000 individuals each year. On any given night, nearly 800 individuals find safety on our campus, including 155 families and 80 single women.

Behind every number is a family doing everything they can to stay together, to stay hopeful, and to move forward.

What Families Really Need

When a family arrives at UMOM, they’re not just looking for shelter. They’re looking for stability.

A parent wants to know that their child has a safe place to sleep. A mother wants to be able to go to work knowing her kids are cared for. A family wants the chance to rebuild without the constant fear of losing everything again.

That’s why UMOM’s approach goes beyond emergency shelter.

We focus on what truly ends homelessness: Jobs + Housing.

At UMOM, families receive:

Safe shelter and daily meals

Case management and housing support

Employment services and workforce training

Access to healthcare, and community resources

This is how families move from crisis to stability.

But none of this is possible without consistent, reliable support.

Introducing Shelter Helpers

On this International Day of Families, we’re inviting our community to take a simple, powerful step: To become a Shelter Helper.

Shelter Helpers are monthly donors who show up for families all year long. Not just in moments of crisis, but in the steady, ongoing way that real change happens.

Because the truth is: Stability is not built in a day. It’s built over time.

Monthly giving allows UMOM to plan ahead, respond quickly, and provide uninterrupted support to the families who need it most.

Monthly giving is one of the most impactful ways to help.

A Goal We Can Reach Together

Between now and June 30, we’re working to welcome 100 new Shelter Helpers into this community.

People who believe that families deserve more than temporary solutions. People who want to be part of something consistent, reliable, and lasting. People who believe in restoring hope and rebuilding lives.

If you choose to become a Shelter Helper, or increase your monthly gift during this time, you will receive a Shelter Helper tote bag as a small thank you. A reminder that you are part of something bigger — a way to carry that impact with you.

The Kind of Person Who Becomes a Shelter Helper

Shelter Helpers are people who believe that:

Families belong together

Children deserve stability

Hard moments should not define a family’s future

Real change happens through consistent support

They are people who do not look away from the problem. Instead, they choose to be part of the solution.

Be Part of What Families Need Most

On this International Day of Families, there’s a clear way to make a difference.

You can be the reason a family has a safe place to stay. You can be part of the support system that helps a parent get back on their feet. You can help turn uncertainty into stability.

Become a Shelter Helper today.

Because every family deserves the chance to stay together, rebuild, and move forward.

And people like you make that possible.

On International Day of Families, Here’s How You Can Help One Stay Together