ARIZONA NEWS

Founder of Phoenix nonprofit can relate to the homeless she helps

Mar 23, 2023, 10:30 AM | Updated: 12:11 pm

(Facebook Photo/Journey Out of Homelessness)...

(Facebook Photo/Journey Out of Homelessness)

(Facebook Photo/Journey Out of Homelessness)

PHOENIX — The founder of a Phoenix nonprofit organization is working to aid the homeless community that she once was a part of.

Pamela Williams founded Journey Out of Homelessness after she spent nearly two years without a home herself.

“I was in a car accident and out here, Arizona is not a social state. They care more about animals than they do people, in my opinion,” Williams told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Gaydos and Chad Show.

“When I couldn’t afford to pay my rent anymore, I was evicted.”

With help from church members, she said she was able to stay in extended homes, while also bouncing from residence to residence with her family.

“When I received my little settlement money for the accident, I got a place to stay and I started giving back and that’s what I’ve been doing for five years,” Williams said.

Her mission is to teach individuals — some of whom have been priced out of housing — financial literacy, educating them about credit and providing shelter in transitional homes.

“We’re focusing on the individuals who had circumstances happen in their lives like I did and want to be out of that bad situation,” Williams said.

“It’s all geared around money. If you don’t have the finances, then you can’t make it.”

On Saturday, her organization anticipates feeding 400 people at “the Zone,” an area south of Jefferson Street between Ninth and 13th avenues.

“We’re making 400 sandwiches on Friday and preparing to take all the clothes and jewelry and toiletries and whatever was donated to us down to the Zone for those people,” she said.

This weekend’s event will be the second the organization has brought to the zone this year. Williams anticipates two more this year.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

2 hours ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

3 hours ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

11 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

11 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

12 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Founder of Phoenix nonprofit can relate to the homeless she helps