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Partnerships at the Heart of

Project Connect


Throughout the year, Valley of the Sun United Way partners with Keys to Change to coordinate a consortium of over 20 state, federal and nonprofit organizations. This collaborative effort, known as Project Connect, provides essential solutions and services to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.


Project Connect brings the available services directly to people in need. This includes needs assessments, housing assistance, health care, vital documentation, social security benefits, meals and showers. By meeting people where they are, Project Connect aims to address homelessness more effectively.


Unfortunately, the data shows that for every 10 people exiting homelessness in Maricopa County, 19 more are entering. To combat this trend, the collaborative efforts of community partners, government officials, donors and volunteers are crucial in reaching our MC2026 goal of reducing homelessness by 50%.


Recognizing that accessing services can be difficult and anxiety-inducing for many, Project Connect takes its services directly to where people are located across Maricopa County - whether that's Tempe, Avondale, Mesa or North Phoenix. This approach helps get people back on track and into stable housing.


To learn more about Project Connect and volunteer opportunities, visit vsuw.org/projectconnect.

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Make Way for Books


Make Way for Books is an early literacy nonprofit serving over 30,000 young children, parents and educators annually across southern Arizona. Through proven programs, the organization helps children discover the joy of reading, develop critical language and emergent literacy skills and start school prepared for success.


Through our MC2026 plan for Mighty Change, Valley of the Sun United Way is partnering with organizations like Make Way for Books to enhance educational outcomes in our community. By working together, we will close opportunity gaps and increase 3rd grade reading proficiency by 25%.

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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

2024 Day of Action | Saturday, October 26

Be a force for Mighty Change and join Valley of the Sun United Way for a Day of Action! Join us across the Valley to support our neighbors while we complete a wide range of service projects on school campuses and with our nonprofit partners!


Volunteer opportunities include school beautification and improvement projects, community garden building, tending and maintenance, Heat Relief and Pantry Pack kit building and more!


Sign-up today



Book-in-a-Bag Build | Friday, November 15

Valley of the Sun United Way's Book in-a-Bag project aims to promote literacy by providing children with an engaging reading experience. Each bag contains a child-friendly book, reading tips for parents and other educational materials.


Volunteers decorate the paper lunch bags with book-inspired characters and words of inspiration, bringing the stories to life. In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, this month's book selection will feature works written or illustrated by Native American authors, highlighting Native American culture and traditions.


Sign-up today



Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

We've made it straightforward for you to contribute. With year-round volunteering options, you can be part of the solution anytime.


View current opportunities

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Questions?

Reach out to our team at

(602) 631-4800 or [email protected]